Can Foreigners Go to China via Harbin Airport? Yes, but not Perfect!

China’s visa-free policy has seen significant updates in recent years, offering more flexibility for travellers. As of 2024, China has expanded its visa exemption programs to include citizens from more countries and regions, making it easier for tourists, business travellers, and those in transit to visit without the usual visa application process.

This move aligns with China’s efforts to attract international visitors, promote tourism, and enhance global economic ties. Understanding the latest updates to this visa-free policy is essential for travellers planning a trip to China, as it can significantly impact travel logistics, costs, and entry requirements.

In this article, we’ll break down the key aspects of China’s visa-free policy for 2024 and help you navigate these changes smoothly.

What is a Visa-Free Policy?

A visa-free travel policy allows individuals from certain countries or regions to enter a foreign country without the need to obtain a visa beforehand. This means travellers can stay in the destination country for a specified period—usually for tourism, business, or transit—without the lengthy and often costly visa application process. Visa-free policies are typically based on reciprocal agreements between countries, where each nation agrees to allow short-term entry to citizens of the other country without requiring a visa.

The duration of stay and specific conditions vary from one country to another. Some visa-free arrangements may only apply to short visits (ranging from a few days to a few months), while others may be more flexible. Countries offering visa-free access typically require travellers to meet certain entry conditions, such as valid passports, return tickets, or proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay. This policy is designed to simplify travel, promote tourism, and strengthen international relations.

What is the China’s Visa-Free Policy? (2024 Update)

Let’s check the below 3 conditions:

Condition 1: 24-hour Visa-free Policy

Target Visitors’ Countries: All Countries

Target Chinese Cities (Ports): All Open Ports

Original Terms:

Condition 2: 72-hour Visa-free Policy

Target Visitors’ Countries (Total 54):

• Albania
• Argentina
• Australia
• Austria
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Canada
• Chile
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Mexico
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• the Netherlands
• New Zealand
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Qatar
• the Republic of Korea
• Romania
• Russia
• Serbia
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Ukraine
• the United Arab Emirates
• the United Kingdom
• the United States

Target Chinese Cities (Ports):

• Changsha (Changsha Huanghua International Airport)
• Harbin (Harbin Taiping International Airport)
• Guilin (Guilin Liangjiang International Airport)
• Beihai (Beihai Port – for passenger transport only)

Original Terms:

Condition 3: 144-hour Visa-free Policy

Target Visitors’ Countries (Total 54):

• Albania
• Argentina
• Australia
• Austria
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Canada
• Chile
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Mexico
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• the Netherlands
• New Zealand
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Qatar
• the Republic of Korea
• Romania
• Russia
• Serbia
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Ukraine
• the United Arab Emirates
• the United Kingdom
• the United States

Target Chinese Cities (Ports):

• Beijing (Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing Daxing International Airport, Beijingxi Railway Station)
• Tianjin (Tianjin Binhai International Airport, Tianjin International Cruise Home Port)
• Shijiazhuang (Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport)
• Qinhuangdao (Qinhuangdao Port – for passenger transport only)
• Shanghai (Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Exit-Entry Port of Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai Port – for passenger transport only)
• Nanjing (Nanjing Lukou International Airport)
• Lianyungang (Lianyungang Port – for passenger transport only)
• Hangzhou (Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport)
• Ningbo (Ningbo Lishe International Airport)
• Wenzhou (Wenzhou Port – for passenger transport only)
• Zhoushan (Zhoushan Port – for passenger transport only)
• Guangzhou (Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Nansha Port – for passenger transport only)
• Shenzhen (Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, Shekou Port – for passenger transport only)
• Jieyang (Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport)
• Shenyang (Shenyang Taoxian International Airport)
• Dalian (Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport, Dalian Port – for passenger transport only)
• Qingdao (Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, Qingdao Port – for passenger transport only)
• Chongqing (Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport)
• Chengdu (Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport)
• Xi’an (Xi’an Xianyang International Airport)
• Xiamen (Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, Port of Xiamen – for passenger transport)
• Wuhan (Wuhan Tianhe International Airport)
• Kunming (Kunming Changshui International Airport)

Original Terms:

Example: Can a US Citizen Go to China via Harbin Airport?

Yes, according to condition 2 above, the US is on the 54 countries list, and Harbin is on the 72-hour Visa-Free target cities list.

Therefore, if you are a US citizen, you can enter China via Harbin airport. However, if you choose another city, such as Shenyang or Dalian, you can stay for a longer time.

FAQs about China’s 72/144-hour Visa-Free Policy

Q: How is the 144-hour transit visa exemption time calculated?

A: After the border inspection authority issues a temporary entry permit to passengers, passengers can stay in the specified administrative area without a visa for 144 hours from 0:00 on the next day of entry.

Q: How do foreigners who meet the conditions for a 144-hour transit visa exemption apply for transit?

A: Qualified passengers can show valid entry and exit documents and a connecting ticket to a third country (region) with a confirmed date and seat within 144 hours to the check-in transportation staff. The person in charge of the transportation vehicle will report to the border inspection station before arriving at the above-mentioned port in accordance with regulations. After verification and approval, the border inspection station will handle the relevant procedures for 144-hour transit visa exemption for them.

Q: If I do not buy an outbound ticket when entering the country, and plan to buy a ticket to a third country within 144 hours after entering the country, can I apply for a 144-hour transit visa exemption?

A: No. According to regulations, eligible foreigners who apply for 144-hour transit visa exemption must hold a connecting flight ticket with a confirmed date and seat, that is, they must have purchased a ticket for the departure before entering the country.

Q: Can this policy be applied to foreigners who come from a country (region) to a city in China that implements 144-hour transit visa exemption and have booked a ticket to return to their country (region) within 144 hours with a confirmed date and seat?

A: No. According to regulations, the 144-hour transit visa exemption policy is for foreigners who transit to a third country or region, so the country of departure and the country of destination must be different.

Q: What should foreigners who apply for the 144-hour transit visa exemption policy pay attention to?

A: Border inspection authorities will not issue temporary entry permits to those whose passports or other international travel documents are valid for less than 3 months, or have a visa rejection stamp from my country’s visa authorities, or have a record of illegal entry and exit, illegal residence, illegal employment, etc. within 5 years.

During the visa-free transit stay, foreigners shall abide by the provisions of Chinese laws and shall not exceed the scope of the permitted stay area or the stay time limit. If staying in a hotel, the hotel shall handle the accommodation registration for them. If living or staying in other residences other than hotels, they shall register with the police station of the public security organ or the foreign service station in the place of residence within 24 hours after check-in.

Foreigners who exceed the scope of the stay area or the time limit, leave the country from non-designated transit ports, and fail to register their accommodation in accordance with the law will be punished by the entry-exit inspection authorities or local public security organs in accordance with the law.

Q: After entering the country with 144-hour transit visa exemption procedures, what should foreigners do if they cannot leave the country in time within 144 hours due to special reasons?

A: If you need to stay in the visa-free stay area for more than 144 hours due to force majeure or other reasons, you should apply for the corresponding stay certificate from the entry-exit management department of the public security organ in accordance with the regulations.

Q: What are the conditions for applying for transit visa exemption?

A: 1. The applicant must be a citizen of the 53 countries covered by transit visa exemption.

2. Applicants must hold a valid international travel document that can prove their nationality.

3. Applicants must hold a connecting flight ticket to a third country (region) with a confirmed date and seat within 144 hours or relevant proof.

Source: China National Immigration Administration

How can Jinyu Help?

At Jinyu, we provide expert translation services that ensure seamless communication for your travel needs in China. Whether you’re visiting for tourism or business, we offer accurate translation of documents, travel itineraries, and essential materials, helping you navigate local regulations and cultural nuances with ease.

Our experienced team can also assist with interpreting services for meetings, tours, or other interactions during your stay. Additionally, our local travel services can guide you through the latest visa-free policies and entry requirements, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience from the moment you arrive in China. With over 20 years of experience, Jinyu ensures that every aspect of your travel is covered, from translation to local insights, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.