China Introduce New 144-hour Free Transit Visa

China have introduced a new 144-hour free transit visa for Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

This new policy, which came into effect on the 30th January 2016, is available to passport holders from the same countries that are eligible for the 72-hour transit visa (see list at the bottom of the page).

Aimed at boosting tourism and business to the Yangtze River Delta region, this 6-day visa is issued upon arrival if a passenger has a layover at Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang before continuing on to another country. An example itinerary is London-Shanghai-Los Angeles.

During the layover, passengers are ONLY permitted to travel to these three areas. Visiting other Chinese cities can result in deportation and a fine.