144-hour Visa-free Transit

Beijing Municipality, Tianjin Municipality, and Hebei Province are implementing a visa-free transit policy for citizens of 54 countries, including Austria, who hold valid international travel documents and possess tickets for a connection with a fixed date and seat to a third country (or region) that they will depart for within 144 hours of their arrival.

Foreign nationals who intend to apply for the 144-hour visa-free transit must meet the following conditions according to the provisions of the Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China.

I. Citizens from 54 eligible countries with valid international travel documents proving their nationality and identity.

II. Possess a ticket for a connection with a fixed date and seat (flight, ship, or train) or relevant certificate for a third country or region that the passenger will depart for within 144 hours of the passenger's arrival.

III. Stay within the administrative limits of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, and enter or exit through any of the following checkpoints: Tianjin Binhai International Airport, Tianjin International Cruise Home Port, Beijing Daxing International Airport, Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing West Railway Station, Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport, and Qinhuangdao Port.

After the border inspection by officers verifies that applicants meet the above conditions at Beijing Daxing International Airport, Beijing Capital International Airport, and Beijing West Railway Station, passengers will be granted a temporary entry permit to stay in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei for 144 hours and are allowed to enter the country for transit purposes.


Gentle Reminder:

1. Foreign passengers eligible for transiting in China must not overstay the allowed 144 hours and should comply with the regulations nor travel outside the administrative limits of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. Any violations will be handled in accordance with relevant laws.

2. Foreign passengers staying in China, including hotels or other residences (such as self-purchased houses, rented houses, and borrowed houses), must register their accommodation as required by law. If staying in hotels, the accommodation is registered by the hotel itself. For non-hotel residences, either the foreign passenger or the resident providing accommodation must register with the local public security organ within 24 hours after check-in. If changing residence during the stay, registration should be updated with the new local public security organ.

3. For specific application information regarding visa-free transit, please refer to the entry results approved by the entry and exit border inspection authorities.


The 144-hour visa-free transit policy applies to the following 54 countries:

25 European member countries of Schengen Visa Scheme: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway.

15 other European countries: Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, Belarus.

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

2 Oceania countries: Australia, New Zealand.

6 Asian countries: South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar.