Do I Require A Visa In Order To Visit Guangzhou, China?

Since June 28, 2013, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou has been approved to execute a 24-hour Visa-free Transit Policy for transit passengers from any foreign countries. The Transit Visa will be exempted if the traveler holds a connecting flight ticket to a third country (region) transiting through the airport. Most overseas travelers to the Chinese mainland need a visa, regardless of whether they are visiting for business or touring purposes.

China has expanded the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, allowing people from certain countries to enjoy six days of travel to select areas of the country without applying for a visa beforehand. Passengers transiting in Guangdong can travel around the whole province, while those transiting in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei can also move around the three policy zones before international transit.

A Chinese Visa is needed for regular visits to Guangzhou, while China offers exclusive Visa Waiver Programs for certain visitors, such as 6-day visa-free policies for group tourists in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area. A US passport is required for a 6-day visa-free policy in Guangzhou for group tourists.

For direct transit, most overseas travelers to the Chinese mainland need a visa, regardless of whether they are touring or visiting for business purposes. Passport holders from 54 countries and regions in Europe, America, Oceania, and Asia can enter China without applying for a Chinese visa if they hold valid international passports. Most foreigners need a visa for Guangzhou if traveling from Hong Kong, except those joining a tour group from HK or qualified for 24 or 72-hour visa-free transit. An application for a preliminary entry permit at the Chinese border is required for a visa-free transit.

Do Russians need a visa to China?

It is a requirement for Russian citizens to obtain a visa prior to visiting China. However, the process of doing so is relatively straightforward when utilising online services such as iVisa. Alternatively, they may submit their applications at their nearest Chinese embassy. In order to be eligible for a tourist visa to China, applicants must meet certain requirements, including the possession of a valid passport with at least six months’ remaining validity and a minimum of two blank pages. To ascertain the requisite documentation, one may utilize the Visa Checker Tool or peruse the visa requirements in their entirety.

What is the 144 hour visa in Guangzhou?

The 144-hour visa-free transit policy allows foreign travelers to stay in certain Chinese cities without a visa, provided they come from 54 eligible countries, enter and exit China from eligible ports, stay within the allowed cities and regions, and satisfy other requirements. Eligible countries include 25 countries in the Europe Schengen area, 15 other European countries, six countries in the Americas, two Oceanian countries, and six Asian countries. To obtain this visa exemption, the foreign national must have a valid passport from one of the 54 countries.

Do I need a visa to enter China?

It is typical for foreign citizens to require a visa in order to enter China’s mainland, unless they are exempt from this requirement or are subject to alternative regulations. Further details on this topic can be found in the section of the same name, “Guidance on Chinese Visas.”

Is Russia visa-free for China?

Russia is aiming to replicate its successful tourist exchange program with India, which allows visa-free entry for citizens from China and Iran. The program began on August 1, 2023, and has been successful. India may soon be able to travel to Russia without a visa. Both nations are in the final stages of discussions to ease travel restrictions, with consultations to finalize the criteria under a bilateral agreement starting in June.

Nikita Kondratyev, Director of the Russian Economic Development Ministry’s Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects, stated that Russia and India are strengthening their tourism ties as they gear up for the launch of visa-free group tourist exchanges. The first round of consultations is scheduled for June, with the aim of finalizing a bilateral agreement by the end of the year.

Are foreigners allowed to enter China now?

China has lifted all public health restrictions and mask requirements for international travelers, though a valid passport and visa are still required, except in cases where visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry is permitted.

Which countries are visa-free in China in 2024?

China has announced the implementation of a visa-free policy for Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg, effective from March 14 to November 30, 2024. This policy will allow holders of ordinary passports to enter China for business, tourism, family visits, or transit for up to 15 days. It should be noted that individuals who do not meet the aforementioned requirements must still obtain a visa prior to entering China.

Is China still issuing tourist visas?

The Chinese government has announced that it will resume issuing tourist visas for leisure travel to China starting on January 9, 2023. Starting from then, foreign national visitors are no longer required to undergo quarantine upon arrival. Instead, they must present a negative PCR test taken 48 hours before departure, along with required travel documentation. The Chinese government will clarify its policies on outbound travel from China in the near future.

This move follows similar requirements from several other countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Spain, the UK, and the US. China will work with individual consulates to process visas efficiently. As China reopens for travelers, visa experts anticipate a large influx of visa requests. It is recommended that individuals renew their visas to China today and be aware of key updates before their next business trip to China.

Which countries are visa free in China in 2024?

China has announced the implementation of a visa-free policy for Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg, effective from March 14 to November 30, 2024. This policy will allow holders of ordinary passports to enter China for business, tourism, family visits, or transit for up to 15 days. It should be noted that individuals who do not meet the aforementioned requirements must still obtain a visa prior to entering China.

Do I need a visa to transit through Guangzhou airport?

Foreign citizens traveling through mainland China at open ports by plane, ship, or train can stay up to 24 hours in China without a visa. However, a preliminary entry permit application at the Chinese border is required for a visa-free transit. This applies to citizens from 53 countries: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, Belarus, USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, UAE, and Qatar.