Home / Tours / China Packages / Xiamen /

144-hour Visa-free Transit in Xiamen

Xiamen is carrying out the 144-hour visa-free transit scheme in Gaoqi International Airport and all sea ports within the city. The visa-free transit policy states that passport holders from the designated 54 countries including USA, UK, New Zealand, and Australia are able to transfer in Xiamen for a layover not exceeding 144 hours on their way to a third country.

Who are eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit? - List of 54 Countries

American Countries: US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile

Oceania Countries: Australia, New Zealand

Schengen Agreement Countries: Austria, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

Other European Countries: UK, Ireland, Russia, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Monaco

Asian Countries: South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar

Areas Allowed to Stay

When using the 144-hour visa-free transit facility in Xiamen, the allowed areas to stay is limited to Xiamen City only, including the outskirts. Passengers are not permitted to visit any other cities in mainland China.

What Is an Eligible Route?

Departure Country A: → Xiamen → The Third Country C

Note: A and C refer to different foreign countries, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.

It's the most essential thing to confirm that your route is eligible before departure. You are supposed to enter Xiamen from Country A, stay for not more than 144 hours, and then leave for Country C. During the period, you cannot stop over in any other mainland Chinese cities.

Eg:
Eligible: Singapore - Xiamen - Seoul
NOT Eligible: Singapore - Xiamen - Shanghai -Seoul

Eligible: Singapore - Xiamen - Seoul
NOT Eligible: Singapore - Xiamen - Singapore

How to Apply for 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit?

What Documents Do I Need to Show?

1. Your passport with at least three months left
2. An air or cruise ticket to a third country with confirmed seat and departure date within 144 hours
3. A visa to the third country if required
4. The Arrival Card for Temporary Entry

Note: Visitors had better also prepare hotel bookings in case of immigration check.

What Are the Eligible Transit Ports?

In Xiamen, the eligible ports include Gaoqi International Airport and all international cruise ports, indicating both air and ship passengers have access to the 144-hour visa-free transit scheme.

Contact information of the airport: 0086-592-96363

What Can I Do During the 144 Hours?

Enjoy leisurely time in Gulangyu Island

Gulangyu Island is definitely the most rewarding attraction in Xiamen, however it requires you to have at least two days for the travel. Passengers with long layover are highly recommended to book a tour to Gulangyu Island, a garden on the sea, to fully indulge in the leisurely atmosphere. Shuzhuang Garden, Organ Museum, and Bright Moon Garden are the must-see attractions. On the Sunlight Rock, you can have a bird's view of the whole island with century-old exotic architectures scattered here and there. Artistic bars, cafes, bookstores and restaurants are all good places to spend a leisurely afternoon.

Visit South Putuo Temple & Xiamen University

South Putuo Temple is a prosperous Buddhist temple in China with lots of pious pilgrims. Dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), it remains traditional Chinese architectural style. A whole visit takes about 2 hours, and then you can climb the rear mountain of the temple. It's worth mention that the vegetarian food in the temple is really nice. If time permits, pay a visit to the nearby Xiamen University, which is ranked as one of the most beautiful colleges in China.

Ride along the Island Ring Road

Rent a bike at Hulishan Fortress or Xiamen University and start a cool trip along the Island Ring Road. The fabulous sunshine, golden beaches, gentle seashore breezes, and tall coconut trees will make you fall in love with Xiamen.

Top 10 Things to Do in Xiamen

Recommended Tours

Xiamen Day Tour from Cruise Port from $139

3 Days Xiamen Tour with Gulangyu Island from $369

Further Reading on China 144-Hour Visa-Free Policy:
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei

144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Liaoning
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Wuhan
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Chengdu
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Kunming
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Qingdao
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Guang dong
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Xi'an
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Chongqing

- Last updated on Aug. 01, 2024 by Kate Liu -

Questions & Answers on 144-hour Visa-free Transit in Xiamen

Asked by Alexey from RUSSIA | Oct. 19, 2024 09:49

In continuation of the Xiamen Kinmen theme on the website ticket.wujiangferry.com.tw You can book an

In continuation of the Xiamen - Kinmen theme on the website ticket.wujiangferry.com.tw you can book and buy tickets for the Xiamen Wutong - Kinmen Shuitou ferry. Does this solve the problem of 144-hour transit on the Hong Kong - Xiamen ferry - Kinmen route? Or am I wrong and do I need an L visa to China? Alexey.

Answers (1)

Answered by Borut | Oct. 21, 2024 00:24

Yes, if you can obtain a ticket from Xiamen to Kinmen in advance, before your departure from Hong Kong, it really resolves all issues. With that ticket in your hands, your itinerary becomes eligible for 144 hour visa free transit in Xiamen city area. You should print out Xiamen to Kinmen ticket and have it at hand in both Hong Kong at the time of check-in and in Xiamen at the time when you approach 24/144 hour visa free transit. Also, have in mind to use exactly that boat you have bought your ticket for. Have a nice journey and I would appreciate your feedback wit your impressions since this is so rare situation that somebody uses this route.

Asked by Alexey from RUSSIA | Oct. 10, 2024 09:30

for transit 144 hours Hong Kong - Xiamen - Kinmen (Taiwan) I am a Russian citizen and must present a

for transit 144 hours Hong Kong - Xiamen - Kinmen (Taiwan) I am a Russian citizen and must present a ticket for the Xiamen-Kinmen ferry at Hong Kong Airport. Where can I buy this ticket in Hong Kong? Alexey

Answers (3)

Answered by Borut | Oct. 10, 2024 23:59

That would be eligible for 144 hour visa free transit, but you will not be able to buy Xiamen to Kinmen ticket before your arrival in Xiamen, unfortunately. Simply speaking, those tickets cannot be bought online and there are no agents that will sell you that ticket in Hong Kong. To conclude, you will have to give up on this option because you will not be able to produce Xiamen to Kinmen ticket at the time of your check-in in Hong Kong.

Answered by Alexey | Oct. 14, 2024 17:46

Thanks for the answer! It turns out that for a Hong Kong - Xiamen ferry - Kinmen trip, you need a tourist visa to China L? Do you need a visa to Taiwan for the return route within the 144-hour transit without a visa Taipei - Kinmen ferry - Xiamen - Hong Kong? Did I figure it out correctly? Alexey.

Answered by Borut | Oct. 14, 2024 23:35

Well, in case if you only could obtain a ferry ticket Xiamen - Kinmen in advance, before your departure from Hong Kong to Xaimen, you would not have to obtain a Chinese visa in advance because the route is formally eligible, but this inability to be able to obtain that ticket makes this option simply non functional.

If you reverse the order and travel:

Kinmen - Xiamen - Hong Kong

That is formally eligible and in reality doable because you will easily obtain a flight ticket from Xiamen to Hong Kong. So, you really can take a ferry from Kinmen to Xiamen, upon arrival you will be granted a temporary entry permit and you will be able to enjoy 144 hours visa free within Xiamen city limits.

Asked by Kimberly De Guzman from IRELAND | Jul. 31, 2024 20:21

Hi can I ask if this route is possible: Philippines - Xiamen - Hongkong (Ireland Citizen)

Answers (1)

Answered by Borut | Aug. 01, 2024 03:30

Yes, itinerary of this kind is definitely eligible for 144 hour visa free transit valid for Xiamen city limits. However, you really do not have to bother with this visa free transit details since you as Irish citizen can enter, explore, stay and transit entire China absolutely visa free for up to 15 days. You can approach to your travel to China in a very relaxed way. No visa for you at all and no limitations where would you like to go. Enjoy in your visit to China.

Asked by James from AUSTRALIA | Mar. 28, 2024 03:23

Australian passport to Taipei and layover 13 hours

We fly from Australia to Taiwan with Australia passport.
What should we do?
Thank you

Answers (1)

Answered by Marcy | Mar. 31, 2024 18:44

Australian can enter Taiwan and stay for 90 days visa-free. You don't have to worry about the layover.

Asked by Billy from INDONESIA | Mar. 08, 2024 04:22

Can Indonesian passport holder be eligible for 144 hours visa-free-transit?

Indonesia is not mentioned in the eligible countries.
Asian Countries: South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar.

Can Indonesian passport holder be eligible?

Answers (1)

Answered by Harry | Mar. 10, 2024 19:29

No, Indonesian passport holders are not eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit now.