240-hour Visa-free Transit in Xiamen

 From Dec. 17, 2024, the duration of 144h visa-free transit policy has been extended to 240h for tourism, family visits, exchange visits and business. More importantly, travelers can now cross provincial boundaries to travel between the permitted 24 provinces, regions and municipalities which cover most tourist cities across Mainland China through 60 ports.  See the province and port list on 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Xiamen is carrying out the 240-hour visa-free transit scheme in Gaoqi International Airport, Quanzhou Airport, Fuzhou Airport and all sea ports in Xiamen. The visa-free transit policy states that passport holders from the designated 54 countries including USA, UK, New Zealand, and Australia are able to explore the whole Fujian Province and other 23 provinces and regions for at most 240 hours during their transit in China.
 

Who are eligible for the 240-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 240-hour visa-free transit facility in Xiamen, the allowed areas to stay are 24 provinces and regions in China, which means travelers can travel between the 24 provinces by train, air or cruise freely after fly in to Xiamen.
 see the 24 provinces and eligible port list on China 240-Hour Visa-Free Policy
 

What Is an Eligible Route?

Departure Country A: → 24 provinces in China → The Third Country B

Note: A and B refer to different foreign countries or Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan of China.
 see the 24 provinces and eligible port list on China 240-Hour Visa-Free Policy

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

How to Apply for 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit?

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 240 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 240-hour visa-free transit scheme.

Contact information of the airport: 0086-592-96363
 

What Can I Do During the 240 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

- Last updated on Dec. 18, 2024 by Gabby Li -
Questions & Answers on 240-hour Visa-free Transit in Xiamen
Asked by Alexey from RUSSIA | Oct. 19, 2024 09:49Reply
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
00Reply


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 09:30Reply
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
00Reply


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
00Reply


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
00Reply


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 20:21Reply
Hi can I ask if this route is possible: Philippines - Xiamen - Hongkong (Ireland Citizen)
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Aug. 01, 2024 03:30
00Reply


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 03:23Reply
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
00Reply


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 04:22Reply
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
00Reply


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