144-hour Visa-free Transit in Liaoning

Following Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, Liaoning Province in China's northeastern part has also adopted the 144-hour visa-free transit since January 1, 2018. Holders of passports issued by 53 countries and regions do not need a visa if transiting through Shenyang Taoxian International Airport or Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport for a stay not exceeding 144 hours, the equivalent of six days.
 

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

 24 Schengen Agreement 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

 15 Other European Countries: Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia (FYROM), Albania, Belarus, Monaco

 6 American Countries: the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile

 2 Oceania Countries: Australia, New Zealand

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

What Is An Eligible Route?

A: departure country ⇒ B: Liaoning ⇒ C: the third country or region

Prior to passengers' entry to Liaoning and after passengers' leave from Liaoning, they are not allowed to stop anywhere in Mainland China. For example, if a passenger departs from South Korea to Liaoning with a stop in Shanghai, he cannot use the 144-hour visa-free transit.
 

Liaoning Province Map
Areas Allowed to Stay

Areas Allowed to Stay

Passengers eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit can move freely in Liaoning Province, which includes famous northeastern China cities like Shenyang and Dalian. In case of unexpected departure to other provinces and cities, it’s necessary to go to the local Exit and Entry Administration of Public Security Bureau to apply for a visa.
 

Registration at the Police is Required

It's important to register your stay at the police within 24 hours after arrival. If you lodge at a hotel, the hotel receptionist will do it for you. If you stay in a private house, you need to do it on your own. In case that you fail to register with the Public Security Bureau within the 24 hours after entry, you cannot enjoy the visa-free transit in China again for two years.
 

How to Apply for 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Liaoning

Prepare the required documents including a passport valid for at least 3 months, the visa (if necessary) and ticket to the third country or region, and a completed Arrival/Departure Card. Then follow the steps in the chart for the application. 
 
144-hour visa-free transit

What Are the Eligible Transit Ports?

In Liaoning Province, currently only the Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport and Shenyang Taoxian International Airport are open for this policy. It means only air passengers are permitted for entry and exit through either of these two ports.

As a routine route, many travelers prefer to entering North Korea via the international train from Shenyang or Dandong to Pyongyang. However, since the 144-hour visa-free transit is only applicable to those who fly in and fly out of Liaoning, passengers wishing to take the international train cannot use the 144-hour visa-free transit policy.
 

Contact Information of the Two Ports

Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport 0086-411-96600
Shenyang Taoxian International Airport 0086-24-96833
 

What Can I Do During the 144 Hours in Liaoning?

As the former palace of Qing Dynasty rulers before they entered Beijing, Shenyang Imperial Palace should be on your travel destination list during the 144-hour stay. In terms of scale, it is second only to the Forbidden City in Beijing. In 2008, it was inscribed in the World Culture Heritage List by the UNESCO. A visit around the splendid palace complex unveils a corner of Chinese history right in front of your eyes.
 

Xinghai Park in Dalian
Xinghai Park in Dalian

Strolling along the beach in Dalian

Passengers can arrange a trip of two or three days in Dalian during the layover. As a coastal city, Dalian owns beautiful golden beaches. When in Dalian, do take a stroll along the beaches to feel the gentle sea breeze on your cheeks, especially during summer evenings. Xinghai Park and Jinshitan Scenic Area both rank among the best beaches in Dalian. Seafood restaurants can be found nearby to serve you an authentic delicious meal.
 

Experiencing the wonder of Panjin Red Beach

If your 144-hour visa-free transit is scheduled in September or October, don’t forget to set aside a day to visit one of the best wonders in the world, Panjin Red Beach. The vast beach, covered by red weeds intermingled with some green weeds and adjoining to golden rice fields in the far end, creates a colorful and stunning visual effect. If you are lucky enough, you may encounter the rarely-seen red-crowned cranes there.
 

Immersing yourself in the spree of Shenyang International Ice and Snow Festival

If transiting in Liaoning in winter, Shenyang International Ice and Snow Festival should not be missed. It usually starts from the end of December through to the end of February. During this time, you can appreciate all kinds of ice carvings and snow sculptures.

Further Reading on China 144-Hour Visa-Free Policy:

144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Guangdong
Xiamen, Wuhan, Qingdao, Chengdu, Kunming, Xi'anChongqing

- Last updated on Jan. 15, 2020 -
Questions & Answers on 144-hour Visa-free Transit in Liaoning
Asked by Matthew Huynh from USA | Jan. 10, 2020 15:25Reply
visa on arrival in Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport and stay 7 days or less
Can US citizens get visa on arrival at Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport and stay 7 days or less? How much does it cost for US citizens get visa on arrival at Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Airport and stay 7 days or less?
Answers (1)
Answered by ZUPAN | Jan. 11, 2020 04:34
00Reply


Matthew, unfortunately there is no such thing as visa on arrival in Dalian. Anyway, you can enjoy 144 hour visa free transit through Dalian if your itinerary is eligible for this travel options. For example, if your itinerary has two different countries immediately before and after Dalian, you will be eligible for 144 hour visa free transit:

Tokyo - Dalian - Seoul

As you can see in the above mentioned itinerary, you have Japan before Dalian and South Korea after Dalian and if your itinerary is similar to this one, you can enjoy 144 hour visa free transit not only in the city of Dalian, but in the entire Liaoning province, roughly the size of Montana, but with roughly 44 million inhabitants.

Also, a good detail is that during your stay and travel within Liaoning province, you are allowed to use also Shenyang airport. In other words, you can arrive to Dalian from Japan and depart from Shenyang to Germany or any other foreign country that has direct or better to say non stop flights to/from Shenyang. An itinerary of this kind is perfectly fine:

Seoul (South Korea) - Dalian - Shenyang - Bangkok (Thailand)

Now when you know this, you will be able to construct your itinerary to fit within the legal frames of 144 hour visa free transit in Liaoning province.
Asked by Andy from UNITED KINGDOM | Nov. 10, 2019 07:05Reply
UK - Shenyang - Osaka - Sheyang - UK
Hi

I am looking to travel

Leaving UK 19/12 arriving Shenyang 20/12
Leaving Shenyang 26/12 arriving Osaka 26/12
Leaving Osaka 30/12 arriving Shenyang 30/12
Leaving Shenyang 05/01 arriving Uk 05/01


Will I be entitled to 144h transit visa both ways?

UK-Shenyang-Japan
Japan-Shenyang-UK


Thank you!
Answers (1)
Answered by ZUPAN | Nov. 10, 2019 10:48
00Reply


Andy, you will obviously use LH782 and LH783 from Europe to Shenyang and back. This is fine. Also, if you are using a nonstop flight from Shenyang to Osaka and back, you will be definitely eligible for 144 hour visa free transit in the entire Liaoning province both ways.
Asked by Oscar A Marconi from UNITED STATES | Oct. 13, 2019 10:01Reply
I am going this November to visit my girlfriend can I....
stay for two weeks ? I don't understand this 144 hour visa … can you please explain or what can I do .
thank you very much.
Answers (1)
Answered by ZUPAN | Oct. 14, 2019 11:56
00Reply


Actually, this is not a visa, but 144 hour visa free transit. In other words, if you are in real transit through China and that means that the immediate points before and after your Chinese destination are in different countries, you are eligible for this visa free transit option. For example, this is an eligible itinerary:

US - Beijing - Tokyo

US - Shanghai - Hong Kong

So, if you can create an itinerary of this kind, you can enjoy 144 hour visa free transit.

Anyway, you have mentioned that you intend to visit your girlfriend and that you will stay for two weeks. In this case, I suggest you to obtain a 10 year long term, multiple entry Chinese visa. This is your best option.
Asked by Adam from USA | Oct. 08, 2019 18:43Reply
Am I eligible for Liaoning 144 hours visa free policy?
From San Francisco to Seoul to shenyang to Anywhere back to United States?

Or San Francisco to Seoul to shenyang to Seoul to San Francisco?

I am just trying to visit shenyang for a few days but all the airlines need a layover in Beijing or Seoul returning back
Answers (3)
Answered by Ary from NEW ZEALAND | Oct. 10, 2019 01:51
00Reply


San Francisco - Seoul - shenyang - Anywhere back to United States: For this route, you are eligible for the 144 hours visa free policy.
San Francisco - Seoul - shenyang - Seoul - San Francisco: No. You need to apply for the visa in advance in your country.
Answered by Adam from USA | Oct. 10, 2019 09:31
00Reply


I just want to confirm before I buy my ticket if I qualify for 144 visa

Lax direct to shenyang
Shenyang to Seoul
Seoul to lax
Answered by ZUPAN | Oct. 10, 2019 16:12
00Reply


Yes, this is perfectly eligible itinerary for 144 hour visa free transit in the entire Liaoning province.

Just to inform you... It would be also eligible if you have an itinerary of this kind:

Los Angeles - Shenyang - Dalian - Seoul - Los Angeles
Asked by Jennifer from AUSTRALIA | Sep. 22, 2019 09:42Reply
is it eligible for Liaoning 144 hours visa free policy?
Hi,
we are holding Australian passports, traveling to North Korea from Taiwan through Sheyang Airport.
Are we eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit? or we need to apply for Chinese tourist visa?
Thank you so much!
Answers (3)
Answered by ZUPAN | Sep. 22, 2019 14:19
00Reply


Yes, your itinerary, under the condition that both of your flights, i.e. Taiwan - Shenyang and Shenyang - Pyongyang are non-stop, you are definitely eligible for 144 hour visa free transit in the entire Liaoning province. You are advised to contact your travel agent who organizes your trip to North Korea, to supply you with all the necessary documentation, in the first place a confirmation of your onward flight from Shenyang to Pyongyang. You will need this documentation first in Taiwan where you will declare that you will be flying to North Korea via Shenyang using 144 hour visa free transit. Also, you will present this documentation to the Chinese authorities upon your landing in Shenyang.

Please, keep in mind that your entire stay within Lioning province has to be longer than 24 hours to enjoy 144 hour visa free transit, otherwise if your stay is less than 24 hours, you will be covered by 24 hour visa free transit. So, if you can, it would be advisable to stay longer because like this you would be able to explore this Chinese province. Of course, if you find this idea attractive and suitable for your travel aspirations.
Answered by Jennifer from AUSTRALIA | Sep. 22, 2019 20:34
00Reply


Unfortunately, we will only stay in Shenyang for 15hours (Taiwan-Pyongyan) and 25 hours (Pyongyan-Taiwan), so we have to apply for different transit visa, is that right? Thank you for your reply!
Answered by ZUPAN | Sep. 23, 2019 14:35
00Reply


No, no... You don't need any kind of visa at all. With your layover, you will be eligible for 24 hour visa free transit. You will just apply for temporary entry permit upon your landing in Shenyang. It will be granted after very short time and you will be able to collect your luggage and to exit the airport. After your short stay in Shenyang, you will return to airport for your check-in for Air Koryo flight JS156. That's it :)
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