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 54 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.
25 Schengen Agreement Countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, 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:
Starting on May 15, 2024, China implements a 15-day visa-free entry through Guangzhou and Shenzhen for foreign cruise tour groups organized by Chinese travel agencies, which enables the group tourists to explore 11 coastal areas, including Shanghai, Tianjin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and the capital city Beijing.
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 Ports to Arrive?
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) |
| Guangzhou Nansha International Cruise Home Port | 0086-20-8305 0444 | not officially announced yet |
| 0086-755-82327700 | 10:00 to the last flight of the day (full year) | |
| Shenzhen Shekou Cruise Home Port | 0086-400-883-1872 | 07:00 - 22:30 |
| 0086-663-3828770 | 24 hours (full year) |
Starting on May 15, 2024, China implements a 15-day visa-free entry through Guangzhou and Shenzhen for foreign cruise tour groups organized by Chinese travel agencies, which enables the group tourists to explore 11 coastal areas, including Shanghai, Tianjin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and the capital city Beijing.What Are the Eligible Ports to Leave?
| Airports | Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Shenzhen Bao'an Airport Jieyang Chaoshan Airport Meizhou Meixian Airport Zhanjiang Airport |
|---|---|
| Railway Ports | Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station |
| Road Ports | Wenjindu Port, Shatoujiao Port, Huanggang Port, Luohu Port, Shenzhen Bay Port, Gongbei Port, HZM Zhuhai Port, Hengqin Port, Liantang Port |
| Ferry Ports | Guangzhou Port, Nansha Port, Lianhuashan Port, Shekou Port, Shenzhen Airport Fuyong Port, Jiuzhou Port, Wangzai Port, Wanshan Port, Doumen Port, Jiangmen Port, Heshan Port, Gaoming Port (Foshan), Rongqi Port, Zhongshan Port, Humen Port, Pazhou Port. |
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
| Airport | Telephone Number | Visa Office Opening Hours |
| Guangzhou Baiyun Airport | 0086-20-36066622 | 24 hours (full year) |
| Shenzhen Bao'an Airport | 0086-755-82327700 | 10:00 to the last flight of the day (full year) |
| Jieyang Chaoshan Airport | 0086-663-3828770 | 24 hours (full year) |
- Last updated on Sep. 06, 2024 by Brenda Lian -
Questions & Answers on 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Guangdong
Asked by peter fung from HONG KONG | Dec. 02, 2024 02:01
Reply
ReplyMy planned Itinerary for USA citizen
Please comment on my planned itinerary for my relatives who are USA citizens whether they fullfil the 144 hour visa free visit :
1. Take a ferry to NanSha port, stay at Shunde for 4 days, back to West Kowloon by high speed train.
2. After one day, go to Guangzhou vis Lohu or Futain boundary point by ordinary train, stay 4 days in Guangzhou and back to Hong Kong via Lohu or Huanggang or ShenZhen bay point.
Thank you very much.
1. Take a ferry to NanSha port, stay at Shunde for 4 days, back to West Kowloon by high speed train.
2. After one day, go to Guangzhou vis Lohu or Futain boundary point by ordinary train, stay 4 days in Guangzhou and back to Hong Kong via Lohu or Huanggang or ShenZhen bay point.
Thank you very much.
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Dec. 02, 2024 23:22
0
0Reply
00ReplyNo, unfortunately, this is not possible in the form as you have presented. Several additional details are required for them to be eligible.
1. They cannot depart from Hong Kong and return to Hong Kong. There has to be a country/region C. They can depart from Hong Kong to mainland China (Guangdong province), but they have to exit from mainland China to Macau by taking a direct ferry from Shekou port in Shenzhen to Macau. When in Macau they can return to Hong Kong. Alternatively, they can depart from Macau to Shekou port in Shenzhen by ferry and after their stay in Guangdong province return by train from Guangzhou to West Kowloon station in Hong Kong. It is essential to understand that a return ticket being it on a ferry or on a train has to be bought before departing toward Guangdong province.
2. If they enter Guangdong province via Lo Wu / Luohu they can only apply for a 5 days Shenzhen visa on arrival that is valid only for Shenzhen city limits. They are not allowed to travel anywhere outside Shenzhen. In other words, they can repeat again the same Hong Kong - Guangdong province - Macau scheme under 144 hour visa free transit or Macau - Guangdong province - Hong Kong. This is fine and acceptable.
So, the possibility of using 144 hour visa free transit that allows a moving within the entire Guangdong province is a realistic possibility, but they have to depart from Hong Kong and return in Macau or vice versa. Between Macau and Hong Kong they can move as many times as they wish.
Hope that helps.
1. They cannot depart from Hong Kong and return to Hong Kong. There has to be a country/region C. They can depart from Hong Kong to mainland China (Guangdong province), but they have to exit from mainland China to Macau by taking a direct ferry from Shekou port in Shenzhen to Macau. When in Macau they can return to Hong Kong. Alternatively, they can depart from Macau to Shekou port in Shenzhen by ferry and after their stay in Guangdong province return by train from Guangzhou to West Kowloon station in Hong Kong. It is essential to understand that a return ticket being it on a ferry or on a train has to be bought before departing toward Guangdong province.
2. If they enter Guangdong province via Lo Wu / Luohu they can only apply for a 5 days Shenzhen visa on arrival that is valid only for Shenzhen city limits. They are not allowed to travel anywhere outside Shenzhen. In other words, they can repeat again the same Hong Kong - Guangdong province - Macau scheme under 144 hour visa free transit or Macau - Guangdong province - Hong Kong. This is fine and acceptable.
So, the possibility of using 144 hour visa free transit that allows a moving within the entire Guangdong province is a realistic possibility, but they have to depart from Hong Kong and return in Macau or vice versa. Between Macau and Hong Kong they can move as many times as they wish.
Hope that helps.
Asked by Lee from USA | Dec. 01, 2024 18:06Reply
ReplyUSA citizens travel from Hong Kong to Shenzhen and to Zhongshan/Guangzhou for multiple day-trips
What is the efficient process to use the 24 or 144 hour visa free transit, and at which port of entry and port of exit for the following multiple 1-day trips originating from and returning to Hong Kong:
1. Hong Kong West Kowloon Train Station to Shenzhen
2. Hong Kong West Kowloon Train Station to Zhongshan via bullet train or other trains
3. Shuttle Bus ride from Hong Kong Tsim Sha Tsui area to Zhongshan via the newly opened Shenzhen to Zhongshan bridge
Thanks.
1. Hong Kong West Kowloon Train Station to Shenzhen
2. Hong Kong West Kowloon Train Station to Zhongshan via bullet train or other trains
3. Shuttle Bus ride from Hong Kong Tsim Sha Tsui area to Zhongshan via the newly opened Shenzhen to Zhongshan bridge
Thanks.
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Dec. 02, 2024 04:3000Reply
00ReplyYou cannot use 24 or 144 hour visa free transit for such a purpose because a transit implies the existence of a third country or eligible region (eligible regions are Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau) or to be precise, the immediate points before and after your mainland Chinese stop (destination) have to be in two different countries or eligible territories.
In other words, an itinerary
Hong Kong - any mainland Chinese point - Hong Kong
Is not a transit, but a return trip.
You need something like this:
Hong Kong - Guangdong province (by ferry or air only) - Macau (by ferry)
As you can see, you can take a ferry from Hong Kong to Shenzhen (Shekou port) or to Nansha port located south from Guangzhou. Before your departure from Hong Kong you will have to buy a ferry ticket from Shenzhen (Shekou port) to Macau and have it at hand, ready to be presented to both Hong Kong and to the mainland Chinese authorities as a proof that you will be in a real transit. Also, you will really have to take exactly that ferry you have bought your ticket for.
Only the suggested itinerary will allow you to enjoy 144 hour visa free transit that is valid for the entire Guangdong province, but please keep in mind that your stay in Guangdong province has to be longer than 24 hours by just one minute based on your scheduled ferry arrival/departure times. So, having a stay in Guangdong province just slights longer than 24 hours is essential!
Alternatively, you can depart from Macau by ferry to Shekou port in Shenzhen and then return to Hong Kong by high speed train to Hong Kong from Shenzhen or Guangzhou stations directly to Hong Kong West Kowloon station. Having a train ticket before your departure from Macau is essential as well as your more than 24 hours stay in Guangdong province.
In other words, an itinerary
Hong Kong - any mainland Chinese point - Hong Kong
Is not a transit, but a return trip.
You need something like this:
Hong Kong - Guangdong province (by ferry or air only) - Macau (by ferry)
As you can see, you can take a ferry from Hong Kong to Shenzhen (Shekou port) or to Nansha port located south from Guangzhou. Before your departure from Hong Kong you will have to buy a ferry ticket from Shenzhen (Shekou port) to Macau and have it at hand, ready to be presented to both Hong Kong and to the mainland Chinese authorities as a proof that you will be in a real transit. Also, you will really have to take exactly that ferry you have bought your ticket for.
Only the suggested itinerary will allow you to enjoy 144 hour visa free transit that is valid for the entire Guangdong province, but please keep in mind that your stay in Guangdong province has to be longer than 24 hours by just one minute based on your scheduled ferry arrival/departure times. So, having a stay in Guangdong province just slights longer than 24 hours is essential!
Alternatively, you can depart from Macau by ferry to Shekou port in Shenzhen and then return to Hong Kong by high speed train to Hong Kong from Shenzhen or Guangzhou stations directly to Hong Kong West Kowloon station. Having a train ticket before your departure from Macau is essential as well as your more than 24 hours stay in Guangdong province.
Asked by Esther from USA | Nov. 29, 2024 23:47Reply
ReplyUS citizen - to Shenzhen
Hi, what’s the cheapest and quickest way to get to Shenzhen?
Would I need to get a 144 hour visa and travel via ferry from HK to Shenzhen? But if i do that, I can still take the bullet train back to HK right?
Would I need to get a 144 hour visa and travel via ferry from HK to Shenzhen? But if i do that, I can still take the bullet train back to HK right?
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Dec. 02, 2024 00:1100Reply
00ReplyNo, this is not possible. You can use 144 hour visa free transit by taking a ferry from Hong Kong to Shenzhen (Shekou port only), but after your stay in Shenzhen you would have to return first by ferry to Macau and then from Macau to Hong Kong. Like this, you will be eligible for 144 hour visa free transit that is valid for Shenzhen and the rest of Guangdong province. Please, have in mind that, if you decide to use this option, you will have to buy Shenzhen to Macau ferry ticket in advance, even before you depart from Hong Kong, to print it out and to have that printout with you at hand as a proof that you will be really in a transit. Also, you will really have to take exactly that ferry you have bought your ticket for.
In my opinion, if Shenzhen is your only destination within mainland China, I would suggest you to rely on Shenzhen 5 days visa on arrival that has quite an affordable price of 130 CNY that you will pay at the Lo Wu / Luohu border crossing. You are advised to arrive at Lo Wu / Luohu border crossing not later than 08:30 because Luohu visa office opens at 09:00. You need your passport, the photo of you will be taken there and you will fill out a form. After you have paid the fee, you are free to stay in Shenzhen for up to 5 days and in this case you can return directly to Hong Kong by high speed train from Shenzhen without a need to go to a third region.
In my opinion, if Shenzhen is your only destination within mainland China, I would suggest you to rely on Shenzhen 5 days visa on arrival that has quite an affordable price of 130 CNY that you will pay at the Lo Wu / Luohu border crossing. You are advised to arrive at Lo Wu / Luohu border crossing not later than 08:30 because Luohu visa office opens at 09:00. You need your passport, the photo of you will be taken there and you will fill out a form. After you have paid the fee, you are free to stay in Shenzhen for up to 5 days and in this case you can return directly to Hong Kong by high speed train from Shenzhen without a need to go to a third region.
Asked by G from UNITED KINGDOM | Nov. 27, 2024 14:48Reply
ReplyEurope - Guangzhou - HK - Guangzhou - Malaysia - Guangzhou - Europe
Thank you so much for this article. I’d appreciate your advice on whether the following itinerary for a British passport holder would comply with the policy:
1. Fly from Europe to Guangzhou. Apply for a 144-hour visa-free transit.
2. Stay 1 night in Guangzhou.
3. Travel from Guangzhou to Hong Kong via the bullet train (from West Kowloon Railway Station).
4. Spend 1 week in Hong Kong.
5. Return to Guangzhou from Hong Kong via ferry (to Nansha Passenger Port). Apply for a new 144-hour visa-free transit.
6. Fly from Guangzhou to Malaysia.
7. Spend 2 weeks in Malaysia.
8. Return to Guangzhou flying from Malaysia. Apply for another 144-hour visa-free transit.
9. Stay a few days in Guangzhou.
10. Fly from Guangzhou back to Europe.
My main concerns are:
* Whether a second or third 144-hour visa-free transit can be issued on separate entries into Guangzhou, given the breaks between visits.
* If the modes of transportation (train and ferry) and the chosen ports of entry/exit are compatible with this policy.
* If the addition of a 4th country (Malaysia) in the itinerary is problematic.
* If there would be any issues in requesting the visa-free transit for the return journey (Malaysia - Guangzhou - Amsterdam).
* Any specific requirements or potential issues with this itinerary.
Thanks in advance!
1. Fly from Europe to Guangzhou. Apply for a 144-hour visa-free transit.
2. Stay 1 night in Guangzhou.
3. Travel from Guangzhou to Hong Kong via the bullet train (from West Kowloon Railway Station).
4. Spend 1 week in Hong Kong.
5. Return to Guangzhou from Hong Kong via ferry (to Nansha Passenger Port). Apply for a new 144-hour visa-free transit.
6. Fly from Guangzhou to Malaysia.
7. Spend 2 weeks in Malaysia.
8. Return to Guangzhou flying from Malaysia. Apply for another 144-hour visa-free transit.
9. Stay a few days in Guangzhou.
10. Fly from Guangzhou back to Europe.
My main concerns are:
* Whether a second or third 144-hour visa-free transit can be issued on separate entries into Guangzhou, given the breaks between visits.
* If the modes of transportation (train and ferry) and the chosen ports of entry/exit are compatible with this policy.
* If the addition of a 4th country (Malaysia) in the itinerary is problematic.
* If there would be any issues in requesting the visa-free transit for the return journey (Malaysia - Guangzhou - Amsterdam).
* Any specific requirements or potential issues with this itinerary.
Thanks in advance!
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Nov. 28, 2024 12:0600Reply
00ReplyYou have perfectly understood the entire process and also the entry/exit options to/from Guangdong province. Congratulations.
Just two tiny details:
- You have mentioned that you plan to travel from Guangzhou to Hong Kong by train from West Kowloon train station. It should be, to West Kowloon train station because this one is located in Hong Kong, but it has both mainland Chinese and Hong Kong immigration authorities co-located in the same place. Please, have in mind that you will have to buy this train ticket even before your departure to Guangzhou. Also, you should print out a ticket confirmation that will arrive at your email.
- Please, have in mind the fact that your flights to/from Guangzhou cannot have any additional landing of any kind anywhere in mainland China!
Have a nice journey and just proceed with your travel plans.
Just two tiny details:
- You have mentioned that you plan to travel from Guangzhou to Hong Kong by train from West Kowloon train station. It should be, to West Kowloon train station because this one is located in Hong Kong, but it has both mainland Chinese and Hong Kong immigration authorities co-located in the same place. Please, have in mind that you will have to buy this train ticket even before your departure to Guangzhou. Also, you should print out a ticket confirmation that will arrive at your email.
- Please, have in mind the fact that your flights to/from Guangzhou cannot have any additional landing of any kind anywhere in mainland China!
Have a nice journey and just proceed with your travel plans.
Asked by peter fung from HK | Nov. 25, 2024 01:20Reply
ReplyUSA citizens travel to Guangzhou for 7 days
My USＡrelatives would like to travel to Guangzhou from/to HK for 3 and 4 days twice , do they need a visa?
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Nov. 25, 2024 05:1400Reply
00ReplyThe only way to avoid a visa is to rely on 144 hour visa free transit.
In order to use 144 hour visa free transit, they can take a ferry from Hong Kong to Shekou port or to Nansha port. The latter would be probably more convenient. They can stay for up to 144 hours (6 days) in entire Guangdong province, but after their stay they will have to exit to Macau by taking a ferry from Shekou port to Macau. Also, it is necessary to understand that the ferry ticket for Shekou to Macau section will have to be bought in advance, even before their departure from Hong Kong. This ticket will have to be printed out and held at hand because it will be required by both Hong Kong and mainland China authorities as a proof of transit.
In the end, they will really have to take exactly that ferry from Shekou to Macau that they have bought their ticket for.
Alternatively, they can go first to Macau, from Macau by ferry to Shekou and then from Sheou or Nansha to Hong Kong.
It is essential that they take a ferry toward mainland China in the morning hours because only the first shift of immigration officials are well versed with 144 hour visa free transit scheme. Also, they can repeat the use of 144 hour visa free transit after the first use. There is no limit in this regard.
In order to use 144 hour visa free transit, they can take a ferry from Hong Kong to Shekou port or to Nansha port. The latter would be probably more convenient. They can stay for up to 144 hours (6 days) in entire Guangdong province, but after their stay they will have to exit to Macau by taking a ferry from Shekou port to Macau. Also, it is necessary to understand that the ferry ticket for Shekou to Macau section will have to be bought in advance, even before their departure from Hong Kong. This ticket will have to be printed out and held at hand because it will be required by both Hong Kong and mainland China authorities as a proof of transit.
In the end, they will really have to take exactly that ferry from Shekou to Macau that they have bought their ticket for.
Alternatively, they can go first to Macau, from Macau by ferry to Shekou and then from Sheou or Nansha to Hong Kong.
It is essential that they take a ferry toward mainland China in the morning hours because only the first shift of immigration officials are well versed with 144 hour visa free transit scheme. Also, they can repeat the use of 144 hour visa free transit after the first use. There is no limit in this regard.