144-hour Visa-free Transit in Kunming

✨ Key Highlights of the Policy

Eligible Countries

Citizens from 54 countries are eligible for this policy:

• Schengen Area (24 countries): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

• Other European countries (15): Russia, UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, Belarus.

• Americas (6): USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile.

• Oceania (2): Australia, New Zealand.

• Asia (6): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, UAE, Qatar.

? Note: The list was recently expanded from 53 to 54 countries.

Duration & Calculation

• Eligible travelers can stay up to 144 hours (6 days) visa-free.

• The time is counted from 00:00 on the day after entry.

  • Example: If you arrive on Sept 11 afternoon, the 144 hours begin at 00:00 on Sept 12 and end at 24:00 on Sept 17.

Permitted Area of Stay

According to the National Immigration Administration’s July 15, 2024 announcement, the permitted region now covers 9 cities/prefectures in Yunnan Province:

• Kunming, Lijiang, Yuxi, Pu’er, Chuxiong, Dali, Xishuangbanna, Honghe, Wenshan.

Designated Ports of Entry & Exit

• Kunming Changshui International Airport

• Lijiang Sanyi International Airport

• Mohan Railway Port

? Application Requirements & Procedure

Eligibility

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of one of the 54 eligible countries.

• Valid Travel Document: Passport with at least 3 months validity.

• Confirmed Onward Ticket: A confirmed seat and date ticket to a third country/region within 144 hours.

  • ⚠️ The departure country and destination country cannot be the same.

  • The onward ticket must be purchased before entry.

Application Process

1. At Departure Check-in: Present your valid passport and confirmed onward ticket to airline staff.

2. Transport Carrier Declaration: The airline (or other carrier) will declare your visa-free transit request to Chinese border inspection before arrival.

3. At Port of Entry: Upon arrival at Kunming, Lijiang, or Mohan port, proceed to immigration control. After verification, border officers will issue a temporary entry permit.

   • Processing time at Mohan Railway Port is usually 3–5 minutes.

⚠️ Important Notes

Ineligible Cases

Temporary entry will not be granted if:

• Passport validity is less than 3 months.

• Passport has a Chinese visa refusal stamp.

• The traveler has records of illegal entry, stay, or employment within the last 5 years.

Rules to Follow

• You must remain within the 9 designated cities/prefectures.

• You must leave within 144 hours.

• Accommodation Registration:

  • Hotels will register automatically.

  • If staying at a private residence, registration at the local police station within 24 hours is required.

Penalties for Violations

Overstaying, traveling beyond the permitted area, failing to exit via designated ports, or neglecting accommodation registration may lead to fines, penalties, or other legal consequences.

Special Circumstances

If you cannot leave within 144 hours due to force majeure (e.g., natural disasters, severe illness), apply promptly to the local immigration authority for the proper permit to avoid being classified as overstaying.

? Practical Tips

• Plan Ahead: 6 days is perfect to explore highlights of Yunnan — from Kunming to Dali, Lijiang, and Xishuangbanna.

• Ensure Your Ticket: The onward ticket to a third country is the most crucial requirement.

• Know Your Ports: Besides airports, the Mohan Railway Port is a great option, especially for China-Laos railway travelers.

• Respect Local Rules: Follow Chinese laws and respect local customs during your stay.

The Kunming 144-hour visa-free transit policy is a convenient gateway for international travelers. It allows citizens of 54 countries to stay up to 6 days in nine cities across Yunnan Province without applying for a visa in advance.

✅ Key requirements:

• Be from one of the eligible countries.

• Hold a valid passport (≥3 months).

• Have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region.

Follow the rules, enjoy your trip, and take full advantage of this policy to explore the beauty of Yunnan.