144-hour Visa-free Transit in Kunming

Kunming in Yunnan China has implemented the 144-hour visa-free transit program. Passport holders of the 53 qualifying countries can be granted a visa- free stay of up to 144 hours if they transfer via Kunming Changshui Airport on the way to a third country. During the stay, they can leave the airport, making it possible to conduct a layover tour.
 

Who qualifies for the 144-hour visa-free transit? - List of 53 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, 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

Currently, passengers transiting in Kunming are only allowed to move around in this city if they wish to enjoy the 144-hour visa-free transit. It means those who want to take a tour to Lijiang, Dali, Xishuangbanna, or other cities need to get a normal visa.
 

What Is an Eligible Route?

Departure Country A: → Kunming → The Third Country C

It indicates that:
1) Passengers can only stop in one mainland Chinese city, namely Kunming. Multiple domestic stops are not allowed;
2) Passengers need to enter Kunming from Country A and then leave for Country C. A and C should be different countries, which means they cannot return to the departure Country A immediately after the layover in Kunming.
Note that Country A and C can be foreign countries, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
 

What Are the Required Documents?

1. Your passport, valid for not less than three months at the time of entry
2. A flight ticket to a third country with confirmed date and seat (standby flight ticket doesn’t work)
3. A visa to the third country if required
4. The Arrival / Departure Card
 

How to Apply for a 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in 6 Steps

144-hour visa-free transit

1. Inform the airline when boarding
2. Fill out an Arrival/ Departure Card
3. Apply for the 144-hour visa-free stay permit upon arrival
4. Claim your luggage
5. Go through the customs
6. Leave the airport
 

What Are the Eligible Transit Ports?

In Kunming, the 144-hour visa-free transit is only available at Changshui International Airport. It means you have to fly in and fly out. Land ports in Yunnan do not issue a 144-hour visa-free stay permit.

Inquiry No. of Changshui Airport: 0086-871-96566

What Can I Do in Kunming During the 144 Hours?

Tour around the Dianchi Lake

If the length of your stay is short, you can take a tour around Dianchi Lake, which is about 40 km (25 mi) from the airport. Choose one from the Grand View Park or Haigeng Park to take in the beauty of the lake. If your visit is during the period from October to March, you can see a wide range of migrant birds wintering in these parks. Yunnan Nationalities Village also lies near the lake, where you can appreciate the architecture and folk customs of 26 of China's ethnic groups.
 

Marvel at the Stone Forest

The Stone Forest, located in Shilin Yi Nationality Autonomous County of Kunming, is about 2 hours' drive from the airport. Here you can see many karst limestone formations created by nature, resembling caves, animals, and giant columns. Direct tourist buses between Changshui Airport and the scenic area are available, making it easy to arrange a day trip.
 

Take a photography tour to Dongchuan Red Land

Unless your flight schedule is tight, it's a great idea to take a two-day visit to the Dongchuan Red Land. Here swathes of bright red soil contrast with the colors of seasonal crops and plants and is often compared to an artist's palette overturned by God. Shutterbugs should not miss the chance to take a stopover tour in Dongchuan Red Land, especially when your visit is during late April to early May, late August to early September, or mid-November to December when the colors are most vibrant.

Read More: Top 10 Things to Do in Kunming

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- Last updated on Aug. 01, 2023 -
Questions & Answers on 144-hour Visa-free Transit in Kunming
Asked by Jacqueline from CANADA | Jul. 31, 2023 11:06Reply
train to Laos
Hallo, my plan is to fly to Kunming & after a few days there (nowhere else in China) take the train directly to Laos. What does this mean, visa wise?
Answers (1)
Answered by Vivian | Aug. 01, 2023 01:32
00Reply


No, if you leave Kunming by train, you will not be given the 144-hour visa free transit. It is only for air passengers.
Asked by Ali from USA | Jul. 25, 2023 01:17Reply
Transit Visa needed?
Hey,

my itinerary is:

USA > Shanghai > Kunming (layover) > Hanoi

do I need to apply for visa?

I'm in shanghai with my 144 transit from this friday. What options do i have?

Answers (1)
Answered by Stella | Jul. 25, 2023 19:21
00Reply


Principly, you are not eligible for 144-hour visa free transit because you will travel to two transit areas in China; layover is also counted. You need to apply for a visa in advance for the route.
Asked by Moira from FRANCE | Jun. 16, 2023 02:49Reply
144 hour Visa
Hello
Can I use 144 hour Visa for the following itiniery: arrive Beijing and transfer same day or day after to Lhasa train then on Lhasa/ Kailish/Lhasa tour 17 days. Fly Lhasa to Shangri la and do 5 day tour then fly to Beijing day five and depart Beijing for Europe day 6
Thanks
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Jun. 16, 2023 05:45
00Reply


No, you will need a tourist visa obtained in advance for your planned itinerary.

144 hour visa free transit is useful only for those who are traveling through China with up to 6 days of stay there and between two different countries or eligible territories. It is not possible to use 144 hour visa free transit to travel within China.
Asked by Kent from UNITED KINGDOM | May. 24, 2023 01:24Reply
Visa fee
After read few Q&A above, none see anyone ask for the charges , May I know how much for the 144 hours permit . Thank you
Answers (1)
Answered by Emily | May. 24, 2023 20:01
00Reply


In fact, it is completely free, and you don't need to pay any money.
Asked by Jung-Wook Cho from REPUBLIC OF KOREA | May. 20, 2023 23:22Reply
Possibility of 144-hours Visa free application.
Hello. I'm a south Korean. My iternary will be ICN (Seoul) - HKG (Hongkong) - KMG (Kunming) - HAN (Hanoi) - ICN (Seoul) during coming August. Could I apply the 144-hours Visa Free transit at Kunming Airport? Many thanks in advance for your help.
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | May. 22, 2023 12:15
00Reply


Yes, of course. Your itinerary is definitely eligible for 144 hour visa free transit in Kunming area. You should just take care that the airport of arrival and departure in Kunming has to be KMG (Changshui) airport and I assume that this is the case in your itinerary.
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