The visa-free transit policy for foreigners is a part of the visa-free system implemented by countries around the world. It refers to the policy that foreigners can transit from one country to a third country without applying for a transit country visa and can stay in the transit country for a short period of time in accordance with the laws or relevant regulations of the transit country.

The visa-free transit policy for foreigners is a part of the visa-free system implemented by countries around the world. It refers to the policy that foreigners can transit from one country to a third country without applying for a transit country visa and can stay in the transit country for a short period of time in accordance with the laws or relevant regulations of the transit country.

Q: How is the 72/144-hour visa-free transit time calculated?

A: After the border control authority issues a temporary entry permit for a passenger, the passenger can stay visa-free for 72/144 hours in the specified administrative area from 00:00 hours of the next day of entry.

Q: How do foreigners who meet the conditions for 72/144 hours visa-free transit apply for transit?

A: Eligible passengers can present their valid entry/exit documents and a joint ticket to a third country (region) with a confirmed date and seat within 72/144 hours to the staff of the transportation vehicle on duty, and the person in charge of the transportation vehicle will declare to the border checkpoint before arriving at the above-mentioned port. After verification and approval, the border checkpoint will handle the 72/144-hour visa-free transit procedures for them.

Q: If I do not buy an outbound ticket upon entry, can I apply for 72/144 hours visa-free transit if I plan to buy a ticket to a third country (region) within 72/144 hours after entry?

A: No, you cannot. According to the regulations, eligible foreigners applying for 72/144-hour transit visa waiver must have a joint ticket with a confirmed date and seat, i.e., they must have bought a ticket for their departure before their entry.

Q: Can a foreigner who comes from a country (region) to a city in China with 72/144 hours visa-free transit and has booked a confirmed date and seat on a 72/144 hours return ticket to his or her country (region) of origin apply for this policy?

A: No. According to the regulations, the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy is for foreigners who are in transit to a third country or region, so the country of origin and the country of destination must be different.

Q: What should foreigners pay attention to when they apply for the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy?

A: The border control authorities will not issue temporary entry permits to those with passports or other international travel documents valid for less than 3 months, or those with visa refusal stamped by China's visa authorities, or those with records of illegal entry and exit, illegal residence or illegal employment within 5 years.

During the visa-free transit stay of foreigners, they should comply with Chinese laws and regulations, and shall not exceed the scope of the permitted stay area or stay time limit. If the foreigner stays in a hotel, the hotel shall register the stay, and if the foreigner lives or stays in a dwelling other than a hotel, the foreigner shall register with the police station or foreigner service station of the public security authorities within 24 hours after the stay.

For foreigners who exceed the scope or time limit of the stay area and exit from non-designated transit ports, as well as those who do not register for accommodation without a visa, the entry and exit border inspection authorities or the local public security authorities will impose penalties according to the law.

Q: What should foreigners do if they are unable to leave the country within 72/144 hours for special reasons after entering the country through the 72/144-hour visa-free transit procedure?