Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has resumed the 144-hour visa-free transit policy since January 8,2023,following China’s optimization of its COVID-19 response. This policy was initially introduced in Guangdong Province on May 1,2019,but was suspended in 2020 due to the global pandemic. In recent months,with a steady increase in international passenger flights and a surge in inbound and outbound travelers,there has been a growing number of foreign nationals applying for 144-hour temporary entry permits. This policy not only addresses foreigners’ traveling needs for business,tourism,and family visits,but also helps Guangzhou open wider to the world and fosters cultural exchanges. To further promote the 144-hour visa-free transit policy,the Guangzhou Municipal Commerce Bureau has prepared a set of frequently asked questions and answers to provide you with essential information for a smooth entry.

Q
Citizens of which countries are eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy?
Citizens of the following 54 countries are eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy.
A
  •  26 European countries in the Schengen area:
  • Austria,Belgium,Czech Republic,Denmark,Estonia,Finland,France,Germany,Greece,Hungary,Iceland,Italy,Latvia,Lithuania,Luxembourg,Norway,Croatia,Malta,Netherlands,Poland,Portugal,Slovakia,Slovenia,Spain,Sweden,and Switzerland;
  •  14 other European countries:
  • Russia,the United Kingdom,Ireland,Cyprus,Bulgaria,Romania,Ukraine,Serbia,Bosnia,Herzegovina,Montenegro,Macedonia,Albania,Monaco,and Belarus;
  •  6 American countries:
  • the United States,Canada,Brazil,Mexico,Argentina,and Chile;
  •  2 Oceania countries:
  • Australia and New Zealand;
  •  6 Asian countries:
  • South Korea,Japan,Singapore,Brunei,the United Arab Emirates,and Qatar.
Q
Can foreigners in transit through Guangdong Province apply for144-hour visa-free transit?
With the approval of the State Council, Guangdong Province has adopted the 144-hour visa-free transit policy for foreigners from May 1,Foreigners from 54 countries who have valid international travel documents and a connecting ticket to a third country (region) (including an air, ship, or train ticket, or a bus ticket to Hong Kong or Macao) with a confirmed date and seat within 144 hours may enter through Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, or Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport, and exit through one of the 32 ports approved by the State Council in Guangdong Province. The visa-free transit area is limited to Guangdong Province.
A
The 32 approved ports in Guangdong Province include:
  •  5 aviation ports:
  • Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, Meizhou Meixian Airport, Zhanjiang Airport, and Jeyang Chaoshan International Airport;
  •  4 railway ports (not reopened yet):
  • Guangzhou Tianhe Railway Port, Dongguan Changing Railway Port, Foshan Railway Port, and Zhaoqing Railway Port;
  •  8 road ports:
  • Shenzhen Wenjindu Port, Shatoujiao Port, Huanggang Port, Luohu Port, Shenzhen Bay Port, Futian Port, Zhuhai Gongbei Port, and Hengqin Port;
  •  15 sea ports:
  • Guangzhou Port, Nansha Port, Lianhuashan Port, Shekou Port, Shenzhen Airport Ferry Terminal (Fuyong Ferry Terminal), Jiuzhou Port, Wanzai Port, Wanshan Port, Doumen Port, Jiangmen Port, Heshan Port, Foshan Gaoming Port, Shunde Passenger Port, Zhongshan Port, and Dongguan Humen Port.- 5 aviation ports: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, Meizhou Meixian Airport, Zhanjiang Airport, and Jeyang Chaoshan International Airport;
  1.  Attention：
  2. For individuals who hold passports or other international travel documents with a validity period of less than 3 months, or have stamps of visa refusal by Chinese visa authorities, or have records of illegal entry and exit, residence, or employment within the last 5 years, the border inspection authority will not issue temporary entry permits. Such individuals are not elig ible to apply for 144-hour visa-free transit.
Long press or use your phone camera to scan the QR code and access the document.

*The above information is sourced from the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau.