Specific Steps and Considerations for Applying for the 144/240-Hour Transit Visa Exemption in Chongqing

I. Confirm Eligibility

1. Nationality Requirements
   Applicants must be citizens of one of the 54 designated countries:
   • Europe (40 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, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway.
   • Americas (6 countries): United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile.
   • Oceania (2 countries): Australia, New Zealand.
   • Asia (6 countries): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, UAE, Qatar.
2. Document Requirements
   • A valid international travel document (e.g., passport) with ≥3 months validity.
   • Confirmed connecting tickets (e.g., flight tickets, e-itinerary) to a third country/region within 144/240 hours.

II. Prepare Required Materials

1. Essential Documents
   • Valid passport (with ≥3 months validity).
   • Connecting tickets/itinerary (clearly showing departure date from China and third-country destination).
   • Third-country visa (if required by the destination country).
2. Supporting Documents (Recommended)
   • Hotel reservations or travel itinerary (for potential border inspection inquiries).
   • Proof of financial means (e.g., credit card, cash; optional but advisable).

III. Procedures Upon Arrival in Chongqing

1. Entry Port
   • Proceed to the Terminal 3 (T3) border inspection counter at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport.
2. Complete Arrival Card
   • Fill out the “Temporary Entry Card for Foreigners” at the border checkpoint, providing accurate personal and travel details.
3. Border Inspection
   • Undergo inspection by border authorities. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel purpose and itinerary.
   • Upon approval, your passport will be stamped with a Transit Visa Exemption Entry Stamp, indicating the permitted stay duration.

IV. During Your Stay

1. Stay Duration Calculation
   • The 240-hour stay period starts at 00:00 on the day after entry and lasts up to 10 days.
   • Example: If you enter at 15:00 on January 1, your stay expires at 23:59 on January 11.
2. Permitted Travel Areas
   • Allowed to travel across 24 provinces/regions/municipalities in China (e.g., Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai) with no regional restrictions.
3. Prohibited Activities
   • Must not engage in activities unrelated to transit (e.g., employment, long-term residence).
   • Overstaying may result in fines, deportation, or future entry bans.

V. Departure Requirements

• Depart from any of China’s designated ports of exit (e.g., Chongqing Airport). Present connecting tickets and third-country entry permits (if required).

FAQ

1. Is prior application needed?
   • No. Eligible travelers can apply directly upon arrival.
2. Can the stay be extended?
   • Generally not allowed. For exceptional cases, apply in advance to local immigration authorities.
3. Applicable transit modes?
   • Only air transit is permitted (not applicable to land or sea ports).

Policy Significance

This policy facilitates international transit passengers and promotes trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges in Chongqing and neighboring regions. For the latest updates, check the National Immigration Administration website or consult your airline before travel.

Let me know if you need further clarification!