Yesterday, an official from the Beijing General Station of Immigration Inspection provided explanations on frequently asked questions regarding the implementation of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy at Beijing’s ports.

Entry and exit ports in Beijing implement the 144-hour visa-free transit policy in coordination with ports in Tianjin and Hebei. Eligible foreign nationals entering China via ports in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region covered by the policy can apply for 144-hour visa-free transit within Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, and exit via any of the eligible ports in the region.

Foreign nationals applying for 144-hour visa-free transit should meet the following three requirements. First, he/she must be a citizen of one of the countries entitled to the 144-hour visa-free transit. Second, he/she must hold a valid international travel document (valid for no less than three months) that can prove his/her nationality and identity, and meet the conditions for entering a third country or region. Third, he/she must hold a connecting ticket to a third country or region with a confirmed date and seat for departure within 144 hours or relevant certificates as per the amount of time applied for the visa-free transit, fill out the Arrival Card for Temporary Entry Foreigners, and accept inquiries from the entry-exit border inspection authority.

Regarding the calculation of the 144-hour stay period and the maximum length of stay, the official explained that the 144-hour visa-free stay period starts from 00:00 the next day after entry and ends at 24:00 on the sixth day.

In case of force majeure that requires a period of stay longer than 144 hours in the designated region, the foreigner shall apply for corresponding stay permits to exit/entry administrations of public security authorities.