144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Guangdong
144 hours visa-free transit has been carried out in Guangdong, which provides great convenience for passengers from 53 countries or regions transiting through Guangdong to a third country or region. Tourists eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit in Guangdong will be able to travel within the whole province for 6 days without applying for a visa, and the stay duration will be counted from 00:00 the day after the entry date.
24 Schengen Agreement Countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
15 Other European Countries: Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia (FYROM), Albania, Belarus, Monaco
6 American Countries: the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile
2 Oceania Countries: Australia, New Zealand
6 Asian Countries: Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar
Here A refers to the country from which passengers enter Guangdong, and C refers to a third country or region. Before passengers' entry to Guangdong and after passengers' leave from Guangdong, they cannot have a stop anywhere in Mainland China. For example, if a passenger departs from UK to Guangzhou, with a stop in Shanghai, he cannot use the 144-hour visa-free transit.
Required documents:
Passport/Travel Document valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry
Confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region
Visa for a third country/region (if needed)
A fully completed Arrival/Departure Card (including name, nationality, passport no., visa no. & issuance place, flight no., purpose of visit, date of birth, gender)
In Guangdong, only 3 airports can issue the 144 hour free transit, and they are Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, Shenzhen Bao'an Airport, as well as Jieyang Chaoshan Airport, so the passengers who want to apply for this policy need to enter Guangdong from the 3 ports. But they are allowed to leave from any port in Guangdong.
The basic information about the 3 ports is as follows:
Passengers are allowed to travel or conduct business in the whole Guangdong Province if using the 144-hour visa-free transit, including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, and Dongguan. It's not allowed to get out of the province.
Travelers can go to some popular scenic spots to have a better understanding on Guangdong, such as the well-known Window of the World in Shenzhen, the fascinating Yuexiu Park and the charming Pearl River in Guangzhou. Taking a Pearl River cruise has become a must-do thing for travelers in Guangzhou. Sightseeing the cities in Guangdong will not disappoint tourists because there are many beautiful attractions with natural and cultural sceneries within the province.
Passengers qualify for this policy can also conduct business activities or take part in trade fairs like the Canton Fair. Within the 6 days, businessmen can visit factories and firms in depth as well.
Cantonese cuisine attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world for its refined taste. Tasting the exquisite Cantonese cuisine and delicious Guangzhou snacks can be a highlight to the 6-day trip in Guangdong.
Tourists who qualify for the 144-hour convenient visa to Guangdong province China can take a flight to enter and then embark on a cruise or tour to other countries.
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
Xiamen, Wuhan, Qingdao, Chengdu, Kunming, Xi'an, Chongqing
Which Countries Are Covered by the Policy?
15 Other European Countries: Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia (FYROM), Albania, Belarus, Monaco
6 American Countries: the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile
2 Oceania Countries: Australia, New Zealand
6 Asian Countries: Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar
What Is An Eligible Route?
Country A → B: Guangdong → Country C
Here A refers to the country from which passengers enter Guangdong, and C refers to a third country or region. Before passengers' entry to Guangdong and after passengers' leave from Guangdong, they cannot have a stop anywhere in Mainland China. For example, if a passenger departs from UK to Guangzhou, with a stop in Shanghai, he cannot use the 144-hour visa-free transit.
What Are the Requirements & Procedures for Application?
Passport/Travel Document valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry Confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region Visa for a third country/region (if needed) A fully completed Arrival/Departure Card (including name, nationality, passport no., visa no. & issuance place, flight no., purpose of visit, date of birth, gender) |
| How to apply for 144-hour visa-free transit |
What Are the Eligible Transit Ports?
The basic information about the 3 ports is as follows:
| Airport | Telephone Number | Visa Office Opening Hours |
| Guangzhou Baiyun Airport | 0086-20-36066622 | 24 hours (full year) |
| 0086-755-82327700 | 10:00 to the last flight of the day (full year) | |
| 0086-663-3828770 | 24 hours (full year) |
 |
| Areas Allowed to Stay |
Areas Allowed to Stay
What Can You Do during the 144 Hours?
Sightseeing the Landmarks of Cities
Recommended Tours
Conducting Business Activities
Enjoying Famous Cantonese Cuisine
Taking Cruise Tours
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
Xiamen, Wuhan, Qingdao, Chengdu, Kunming, Xi'an, Chongqing
- Last updated on Aug. 15, 2023 -
Questions & Answers on 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Guangdong
Asked by Borremans from BELGIQUE | Aug. 14, 2023 03:53
Reply
ReplyTransit 144 visa free
Hi, Is this travel plan can use 144 hours visa free in Guangzhou?
Coming to china trip :
Europe Paris - Guangzhou (144 transit ) - Taiwan
Retune trip:
Taiwan - Beijing Int airport (9 hours transit) same day - Europe
Coming to china trip :
Europe Paris - Guangzhou (144 transit ) - Taiwan
Retune trip:
Taiwan - Beijing Int airport (9 hours transit) same day - Europe
Answers (1)
Answered by Austin | Aug. 14, 2023 22:59
0
0Reply
00ReplyIf you don't have any other stop in Chinese mainland cities, yes, you are eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit in Guangzhou and 24-hour visa-free transit in Beijing.
Asked by JL Luo from AUSTRALIA | Aug. 13, 2023 21:16Reply
ReplySingle or double entry visa for China
Hi team,
Thank you for your very informative article. I wanted to check with you as to whether I will need a single or double-entry visa for my upcoming trip to China and Hong Kong. I am an Australian passport holder and my trip plans are:
- Arriving into Guangzhou airport on 27Sep2023 and then departing to Hong Kong by train/ferry on 30Oct2023 (this is confirmed)
- Heading back to Guangzhou from Hong Kong on 02Oct2023 (have not confirmed yet which transport options I will take)
- Departing from Hong Kong airport on 07Oct2023 (this is confirmed)
My questions are the following:
1. Is there any possible way of doing the above plan without having to apply for a Chinese visa and doing it all with the 144-hour transit without a visa? As I understand, that would mean that my Hong Kong to Guangzhou leg will need to be a flight and I will need to show evidence of ongoing travel to a 3rd destination (most likely Macau) but there are no direct Guangzhou to Macau routes.
2. If I decide to do the Hong Kong to Guangzhou route by train/bus/ferry, I am aware that I will need a Chinese visa when I re-enter. I wanted to check to see if I am able to do the above trip with just a single entry Chinese visa as I should be eligible for the 144-hour transit without a visa when I first arrive in Guangzhou. Am I still able to get the 144-hour transit without a visa if there is already a Chinese visa in my passport? Or will I need to apply for a double-entry Chinese visa?
If you could please provide your thoughts on this based on your expertise/experience that would be most helpful.
Regards,
JL Luo
Thank you for your very informative article. I wanted to check with you as to whether I will need a single or double-entry visa for my upcoming trip to China and Hong Kong. I am an Australian passport holder and my trip plans are:
- Arriving into Guangzhou airport on 27Sep2023 and then departing to Hong Kong by train/ferry on 30Oct2023 (this is confirmed)
- Heading back to Guangzhou from Hong Kong on 02Oct2023 (have not confirmed yet which transport options I will take)
- Departing from Hong Kong airport on 07Oct2023 (this is confirmed)
My questions are the following:
1. Is there any possible way of doing the above plan without having to apply for a Chinese visa and doing it all with the 144-hour transit without a visa? As I understand, that would mean that my Hong Kong to Guangzhou leg will need to be a flight and I will need to show evidence of ongoing travel to a 3rd destination (most likely Macau) but there are no direct Guangzhou to Macau routes.
2. If I decide to do the Hong Kong to Guangzhou route by train/bus/ferry, I am aware that I will need a Chinese visa when I re-enter. I wanted to check to see if I am able to do the above trip with just a single entry Chinese visa as I should be eligible for the 144-hour transit without a visa when I first arrive in Guangzhou. Am I still able to get the 144-hour transit without a visa if there is already a Chinese visa in my passport? Or will I need to apply for a double-entry Chinese visa?
If you could please provide your thoughts on this based on your expertise/experience that would be most helpful.
Regards,
JL Luo
Answers (6)
Answered by Borut | Aug. 14, 2023 03:4200Reply
00ReplyHi, if you want you can do both your visits absolutely visa free.
You can do it by flying both times to Guangzhou by plane. If I have properly understood, you will arrive the first time to Guangzhou by flight from some third country because you mention a return to Hong Kong. For example, if your itinerary is something like this:
Australia - Guangzhou - Hong Kong
This is undoubtedly eligible for 144 hour visa free transit. You can return to Hong Kong by plane, but it is cheaper to take a ferry from either Nansha (south from Guangzhou) or from Shekou in Shenzhen using CK - Chu Kong Passenger Transport Company. You will have to buy this ferry ticket in advance and to print it out and have it at hand.
Your second itinerary can look like this:
Hong Kong - Guangzhou - Macau
You will fly from Hong Kong to Guangzhou and then return from Shekou in Shenzhen by direct ferry to Macau. This ferry line is operated by TurboJet ferries. You need to have in mind that 144 hour visa free transit allows you to travel unlimited for 144 hours within the entire Guangdong province. The procedure with ferry ticket in this case is identical as with that for Hong Kong.
If you decide that you will take a train or bus or ferry from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, you will need a visa for that. Now, you can retain your single entry visa unused during your first segment by telling all the time that you are not traveling on a visa, but on 144 visa free transit. Please, be focused and do not give a space for anybody to annul your visa. You should always repeat this visa free transit mantra because this is perfectly legal. The first time, it will be a transit and the second time, you will use a visa. However, as you can see, you can do both trips by relaying on 144 visa free transit scheme if you want.
You can do it by flying both times to Guangzhou by plane. If I have properly understood, you will arrive the first time to Guangzhou by flight from some third country because you mention a return to Hong Kong. For example, if your itinerary is something like this:
Australia - Guangzhou - Hong Kong
This is undoubtedly eligible for 144 hour visa free transit. You can return to Hong Kong by plane, but it is cheaper to take a ferry from either Nansha (south from Guangzhou) or from Shekou in Shenzhen using CK - Chu Kong Passenger Transport Company. You will have to buy this ferry ticket in advance and to print it out and have it at hand.
Your second itinerary can look like this:
Hong Kong - Guangzhou - Macau
You will fly from Hong Kong to Guangzhou and then return from Shekou in Shenzhen by direct ferry to Macau. This ferry line is operated by TurboJet ferries. You need to have in mind that 144 hour visa free transit allows you to travel unlimited for 144 hours within the entire Guangdong province. The procedure with ferry ticket in this case is identical as with that for Hong Kong.
If you decide that you will take a train or bus or ferry from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, you will need a visa for that. Now, you can retain your single entry visa unused during your first segment by telling all the time that you are not traveling on a visa, but on 144 visa free transit. Please, be focused and do not give a space for anybody to annul your visa. You should always repeat this visa free transit mantra because this is perfectly legal. The first time, it will be a transit and the second time, you will use a visa. However, as you can see, you can do both trips by relaying on 144 visa free transit scheme if you want.
Answered by JL Luo | Aug. 14, 2023 23:2000Reply
00ReplyHi Borut,
Thank you for your response and information, it is much appreciated and glad to hear that what I plan to do is feasible. A quick follow up question:
- Can I go from Guangzhou to Hong Kong by train rather than ferry? From my research and reading, this seems to be the quickest and most efficient way.
Many thanks,
JL Luo
Thank you for your response and information, it is much appreciated and glad to hear that what I plan to do is feasible. A quick follow up question:
- Can I go from Guangzhou to Hong Kong by train rather than ferry? From my research and reading, this seems to be the quickest and most efficient way.
Many thanks,
JL Luo
Answered by Emma | Aug. 15, 2023 02:4400Reply
00ReplyAs I know, it is not available to take a bullet train if you want to use 144-hour visa-free transit. As a result, ferry is in fact the most convenient way.
Answered by Borut | Aug. 15, 2023 04:3200Reply
00ReplyEmma is correct. Trains are not eligible for any kind of visa free transit scheme. There used to be eligible a thorough conventional train between Guangzhou and Hong Kong, but it was discontinued since its existence became obsolete with the introduction of high speed trains.
In other words, you will use a ferry from either Nansha (south from Guangzhou) or Shekou to Hong Kong (be careful to choose a downtown and not HK airport) for your first segment and also a ferry for your second segment, but during your second segment you will use a ferry from Shekou in Shenzhen for Macau.
If you do as described you will not need any kind of visa at all because you will be covered by 144 hour visa free transit in entire Guangdong province twice.
In other words, you will use a ferry from either Nansha (south from Guangzhou) or Shekou to Hong Kong (be careful to choose a downtown and not HK airport) for your first segment and also a ferry for your second segment, but during your second segment you will use a ferry from Shekou in Shenzhen for Macau.
If you do as described you will not need any kind of visa at all because you will be covered by 144 hour visa free transit in entire Guangdong province twice.
Answered by JL Luo | Aug. 15, 2023 16:3500Reply
00ReplyHi Emma,
Thank you for your response. Are you able to provide further explanation on why the train option cannot be used for the 144 hour visa free transit? As I understand, Guangzhou East Railway Station is a listed as a port of exit and there are trains from there to Hong Kong. Is it because the train is to Kowloon West and the immigration is processed at Kowloon West instead of at Guangzhou?
For the purchase of ferry tickets, could you please help confirm that this is the correct website to be purchasing tickets from - www.cksp.com.hk? From what I can see on that website, there is also the option of departing from Pa Zhou (within metro Guangzhou) to China Ferry Terminal in Hong Kong. Would I be able to use Pa Zhou as a departure port of exit? I'm a bit hesitant to use the Nansha option as that is quite far from where I am staying when I am in Guangzhou.
Kind regards,
JL Luo
Thank you for your response. Are you able to provide further explanation on why the train option cannot be used for the 144 hour visa free transit? As I understand, Guangzhou East Railway Station is a listed as a port of exit and there are trains from there to Hong Kong. Is it because the train is to Kowloon West and the immigration is processed at Kowloon West instead of at Guangzhou?
For the purchase of ferry tickets, could you please help confirm that this is the correct website to be purchasing tickets from - www.cksp.com.hk? From what I can see on that website, there is also the option of departing from Pa Zhou (within metro Guangzhou) to China Ferry Terminal in Hong Kong. Would I be able to use Pa Zhou as a departure port of exit? I'm a bit hesitant to use the Nansha option as that is quite far from where I am staying when I am in Guangzhou.
Kind regards,
JL Luo
Answered by Emma | Aug. 15, 2023 20:1200Reply
00ReplyHi JL Luo,
The reason is just as you and Borut mentioned above. And yes, the ferry tickets are available on the website of cksp.com.hk. Pa Zhou in Guangzhou Port is available now.
The reason is just as you and Borut mentioned above. And yes, the ferry tickets are available on the website of cksp.com.hk. Pa Zhou in Guangzhou Port is available now.
Asked by Monika from POLAND | Aug. 13, 2023 02:01Reply
ReplyPhilippines -china-europe
Hello, I will flying into china from Philippines then apply for this 144hour visa, and fly to Europe thru Hong Kong or directly from guandong depends. My question is all the reservations should be on one reservation? Can I enter Hong Kong by train?
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Aug. 13, 2023 05:3300Reply
00ReplyYou can do as following:
Philippines - Guangdong (Shenzhen or Guangzhou) - Hong Kong - Europe
or
Philippines - Guangdong (Shenzhen or Guangzhou) - Europe
You can use both Shenzhen and Guangzhou and your arriving flight and your departing flight can be from different airports or if you arrive from Philippines to Guangzhou, you can depart to Europe from Shenzhen. This is allowed.
If you want to depart from Guangdong province to Hong Kong after your arrival from the Philippines, you can do that, but you cannot do that by train. In reality, the only or better to say the only recommended way to do that is to take a ferry from Nansha (south from Guangzhou) or from Shekou in Shenzhen). You can buy tickets for those ferries through CKS - Chu Kong Passenger Transport Company website. If you do that, you will have to print out the ferry ticket and have it at hand. Also, you will have to take exactly that ferry you have bought your ticket for.
Have in mind to make a transit time in Guangdong province longer than 24 hours for at least 5 minutes in order to be eligible for 144 hour visa free transit. Please, use correct terminology because this is not a 144 hour visa, but 144 hour visa free transit, so there is no visa of any kind.
In the end. You will have to decide whether you will depart from Guangdong province toward Hong Kong or toward Europe even before your check-in in the Philippines. You cannot land in China and then make your decisions. Your itinerary has to be a fixed one.
Philippines - Guangdong (Shenzhen or Guangzhou) - Hong Kong - Europe
or
Philippines - Guangdong (Shenzhen or Guangzhou) - Europe
You can use both Shenzhen and Guangzhou and your arriving flight and your departing flight can be from different airports or if you arrive from Philippines to Guangzhou, you can depart to Europe from Shenzhen. This is allowed.
If you want to depart from Guangdong province to Hong Kong after your arrival from the Philippines, you can do that, but you cannot do that by train. In reality, the only or better to say the only recommended way to do that is to take a ferry from Nansha (south from Guangzhou) or from Shekou in Shenzhen). You can buy tickets for those ferries through CKS - Chu Kong Passenger Transport Company website. If you do that, you will have to print out the ferry ticket and have it at hand. Also, you will have to take exactly that ferry you have bought your ticket for.
Have in mind to make a transit time in Guangdong province longer than 24 hours for at least 5 minutes in order to be eligible for 144 hour visa free transit. Please, use correct terminology because this is not a 144 hour visa, but 144 hour visa free transit, so there is no visa of any kind.
In the end. You will have to decide whether you will depart from Guangdong province toward Hong Kong or toward Europe even before your check-in in the Philippines. You cannot land in China and then make your decisions. Your itinerary has to be a fixed one.
Asked by Earl from USA | Aug. 12, 2023 02:45Reply
Reply144 Hour Visa Free in Shenzhen
I am looking to fly into Shenzhen from USA with a valid US passport, arriving 23AUG2023 then taking a direct flight to Seoul on 26AUG2023, returning to Shenzhen 27AUG2023 and finally departing back to USA on 01SEP2023.
Will I be able to take advantage of the 144 hour visa free rule twice using this itinerary?
I have been invited to visit some company headquarters and factories on 23-25AUG and again 28-31AUG. I do not have time to obtain a M visa and these dates are not flexible for this particular trip.
Thank You in advance,
Earl
Will I be able to take advantage of the 144 hour visa free rule twice using this itinerary?
I have been invited to visit some company headquarters and factories on 23-25AUG and again 28-31AUG. I do not have time to obtain a M visa and these dates are not flexible for this particular trip.
Thank You in advance,
Earl
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Aug. 13, 2023 05:2200Reply
00ReplyYour itinerary is perfectly eligible for 144 hour visa free transit twice and is valid in the entire Guangdong province. Also, you do not need any kind of visa. There is no limit on how many visa free transits you are allowed to take within a certain period of time, so you are fine to travel according to your itinerary and to enjoy visa free scheme in Guangdong province.
Asked by Michelle from UNITED KINGDOM | Aug. 10, 2023 12:13Reply
ReplyTransiting in Ghangzou
I am flying from London to Sydney via Ghangzou and only have a 4 hour wait outbound and 8 hours inbound. Can you confirm I only need to tell the airline at check-in in London. I have my visa for Australia and onward tickets. Thank you
Answers (2)
Answered by Borut | Aug. 10, 2023 16:2400Reply
00ReplyYour itinerary is definitely eligible for 24 hour visa free transit and you do not need any kind of visa. You will just say at the check-in that you are flying to Australia via Guangzhou by relying on 24 hour visa free transit in Guangzhou. There will be no problems definitely.
Answered by Michelle | Aug. 11, 2023 00:0800Reply
00ReplyMany thanks Borut for confirming that.
Much appreciated. Kind regards Michelle
Much appreciated. Kind regards Michelle