144-hour Visa-free Transit in Chengdu

The six-day, or 144-hour visa-free transit has been introduced to Chengdu, a fascinating travel destination in China. This benefits citizens from 53 countries who are transiting in Chengdu for a layover not exceeding 144 hours. That is, you are able to stay for as long as six days in Chengdu and other 10 cities in Sichuan Province without applying for a visa in advance if you are from one of the countries. Making use of the visa-free policy will not only save your money, but also give you a chance to enjoy a hassle-free layover tour in Chengdu.
 

Who can enjoy the 144-hour visa-free transit? - List of 53 Qualified Countries

 American Countries: US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile

 Oceania Countries: Australia, New Zealand

 Schengen Agreement Countries: Austria, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

 Other European Countries: UK, Ireland, Russia, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Monaco

 Asian Countries: South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar
 

Areas Allowed to Stay

Passengers qualifying under the 144-hour visa-free transit are allowed to travel within Chengdu and other 10 cities in Sichuan, including Zigong, Luzhou, Deyang, Suining, Neijiang, Leshan, Ziyang, Yibin, Ya'an, and Meishan. Unfortunately, the famous Jiuzhai Valley is not within this region.
 

What Is an Eligible Route?

Departure Country A: ⇒ Chengdu ⇒ The Third Country C

You need to take an international flight to enter Chengdu, and then catch a connecting flight to leave for the third country. NO stop in any other mainland Chinese cities is allowed. Note that A and C can refer to foreign countries as well as Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
 

What Documents Do I Need?

1. Your passport, valid for at least 3 months at the time of application;
2. A confirmed air ticket to a third country;
3. A visa to the third country if required;
4. An arrival/ departure card.
 

How to Apply for 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit? - A step by step guide

144-hour visa-free transit
1. Inform the airline when boarding
2. Fill an Arrival/Departure Card
3. Apply for the 144-hour visa-free stay permit upon arrival
4. Claim the luggage
5. Go through the customs
6. Leave the airport
 

What Are the Eligible Transit Ports?

If you wish to transit in Chengdu and use the 144-hour visa-free transit facility, Shuangliu International Airport and Tianfu International Airport can both be used for your entry and exit. The contact number of the Shuangliu Airport is 0086-28-85205555 if you have any further queries.
 

What Can I Do During the 144 Hours?

Take a close look at the pandas

Wide and Narrow Alley
Wide and Narrow Alley

When mentioning Chengdu, what comes into your mind first? I guess the answer is pandas. They are fluffy and cute, and mostly inhabit Chengdu, China. A Chengdu trip is never complete without greeting with the pandas. The Panda Base, only 10 km (6 miles) from downtown Chengdu, should be absolutely on your destination list. Half a day is enough for the visit.
 

Explore the most prosperous landmarks

The Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street and the Wide and Narrow Alley nearby are perhaps the most thriving part of the city. There you can see two sides of Chengdu, fashionable and antique. International brands gather here in large shopping malls, while vendors sell small traditional commodities on the streets. You can enjoy a wide variety of Chengdu snacks there, like wonton, boiled glutinous rice balls, or spicy chili skewers.

Sometimes it is nice to sit back and enjoy a nice cup of tea, and embrace the slow lifestyle of Chengdu at a teahouse. Some teahouses offer the ear cleaning service. Time permitting, you can have your ears picked, which makes settles your nerves and is more relaxing. If you arrive at night, you may visit Jinli Street, where you can enjoy a similar travel experience to the Wide and Narrow Alley, but more charming as a night piece.
 

Enjoy spicy Chengdu hotpot

Hotpot is what makes Chengdu so famous in terms of its food. If you get used to spicy and hot food, do take the chance to challenge your taste buds. There are numerous hotpot restaurants and you can find one easily no matter where you are. In some restaurants, the classical face-changing performance in Sichuan opera is available, adding fun to your meal.

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- Last updated on Jul. 19, 2023 by Kate Liu -
Questions & Answers on 144-hour Visa-free Transit in Chengdu
Asked by MC from SINGAPORE | Jul. 19, 2023 07:55Reply
Connecting flight aka
Hi regarding 144 hour visa free transit: Can the confirmed air ticket to a third country be purchased separately from the ticket to China? I.e. 2 single ticket, one to China and one to a third country. Thanks :)
Answers (1)
Answered by Paul | Jul. 19, 2023 21:00
00Reply


Yes, they can be two seperate tickets, even from two different airlines. Good luck~
Asked by Minnu from SINGAPORE | Jul. 12, 2023 05:46Reply
do i need a visa to Chengdu
Hi,

I have a Singapore Passport and need to attend a wedding in Chengdu in October or December. Do I need a visa to Chengdu?

Thank you so much
MP

Answers (1)
Answered by Andy | Jul. 12, 2023 19:34
00Reply


Yes, you need a visa.

But you can create an itinerary which is eligible for 144-hour visa free transit, like Singapore - Chengdu - Hong Kong - Singapore.
Asked by Jonny from UK | Apr. 25, 2023 12:45Reply
Chengdu Transit - Change Airports allowed?
Hi Everyone,
I'm looking at some flight options via Chengdu but notice that at transfer, a change of airport (TFU to CTU) is sometimes required. Also the same scenario in Beijing (PEK to PKX)
Would this be allowed for UK citizens without a visa?
Many thanks for your help.
Jonny Wright
Answers (1)
Answered by Lily | Apr. 25, 2023 20:04
00Reply


If your stop is less than 24 hours in just one Chinese mainland city, you are eligible for 24-hour visa free transit and there is no problem of transferring in different airports.

If you stop over 24 hours and your itinerary is eligible for the condition of 144-hour visa free transit. There is also no problem for you to transit without a visa.

However, make sure you only stop in Beijing or Chengdu but not the both two cities. If you have to stop in both cities, then you have to apply for a visa in advance no matter how many hours you will stop.
Asked by Swee from SINGAPORE | Apr. 07, 2023 19:23Reply
I have Singapore passport. Can I stay in Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou & Zhangjiajie for total 9 days)
I have Singapore passport. I planned to fly to Chengdu in September 2023. Stay in Chengdu for 2-3 days. Then a train or fly from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou. Stay in Jiuzhaigou for 3-4 days. Then either fly from Jiuzhaigou to Zhangjiajie if there is direct flight, or take train or fly from Zhangjiajie to Chengdu. Stay in Chengdu for 1 day. Fly from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie. Stay in Zhangjiajie for 3 days. Then either fly from Zhangjiajie to Singapore or Sydney, Australia. Or fly from Zhangjiajie to Chengdu. Take connecting flight from Chengdu to Singapore or Sydney or stay one day in Chengdu before flying to Singapore or Sydney. Do I qualify for 144hr visa free programme?
Answers (1)
Answered by Nina | Apr. 10, 2023 19:57
00Reply


No, your route is not eligible for the 144-hour visa free transit; Zhangjiajie is in another province. You need to apply for a regular visa in advance before coming to China.
Asked by Slava from CANADA | Feb. 24, 2023 09:51Reply
Any restriction now for take 144hrs visa to Chengdu ?
I want to fly to YVR-HKG-CTU-ICN-YVR and spend 4 days in Chendgu (CTU) from March 8 to the 11th. Are there any restrictions now for obtaining a 144 hour visa in CTU? Or other restrictions?
Answers (2)
Answered by Fiona | Feb. 26, 2023 23:45
00Reply


No restrictions. Just that you need to show your ticket to Seoul when applying for the transit.
Answered by Slava | Feb. 27, 2023 13:14
00Reply


Thank you so much, Fiona
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