Sichuan Visa-Free Entry Policies and Application Guidelines

I. Visa-Free Entry Policies for Sichuan

1. 144-Hour Transit Visa Exemption

• Eligibility: Citizens from 53 designated countries (including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, etc.).
• Duration: Permits a maximum stay of 144 hours (6 days) within Sichuan Province.
• Entry/Exit Ports:
  • Entry Ports: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport.
  • Exit Ports: Must depart from ports within Sichuan or other provinces/cities covered by the 144-hour visa exemption (e.g., Chongqing, Kunming).
• Permitted Area: Activities are restricted to Sichuan Province administrative region; travel beyond this area is prohibited.
• Purpose: Limited to short-term activities such as tourism, business, or family visits. Work or study is strictly prohibited.

2. Other Visa Exemptions

• 72-Hour Transit Visa Exemption: Largely replaced by the 144-hour policy; travelers are advised to opt for the 144-hour exemption.
• Bilateral Agreement Exemptions: Citizens from certain countries (e.g., Singapore, Brunei, Japan) may enjoy visa-free entry for stays under 15 days, subject to bilateral agreements.

II. Application Process

1. Pre-Arrival Preparation

• Eligibility Check: Verify that your nationality is on the 144-hour exemption list.
• Confirmed Connecting Tickets: Must hold confirmed onward tickets to a third country/region (e.g., USA → Chengdu → Singapore).
• Accommodation Proof: Prepare hotel reservations or lodging arrangements in Sichuan (may be requested by immigration authorities).

2. Entry Procedures

• Arrival Card: Complete the Foreigner Arrival Card during the flight, selecting the “Transit Visa Exemption” option.
• Immigration Inspection: Submit the following documents to border officers:
  • Valid passport (with ≥3 months validity).
  • Onward tickets and visas (if required by the destination country).
  • Accommodation proof (recommended but not mandatory).
• Approval: Upon approval, a temporary entry stamp with the permitted stay duration will be issued in your passport.

3. Key Notes

• Time Calculation: The 144-hour period starts at 00:00 on the day after entry and is calculated hourly; ensure departure before the deadline.
• Overstay Penalties: Exceeding the permitted stay may result in fines, deportation, or future entry restrictions.
• Geographic Restrictions: Travel beyond Sichuan requires prior visa approval.

III. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: Can I enter via Chengdu and exit from Shanghai?
  A: Yes, provided Shanghai is part of the 144-hour exemption network (e.g., under the Yangtze River Delta coordinated policy).
• Q: Is pre-approval required online?
  A: No prior application is needed. Submit documents directly to immigration upon arrival.
• Q: Can I visit Jiuzhaigou during the visa-free period?
  A: Yes. Jiuzhaigou is within Sichuan Province and permitted under the policy.

IV. Policy Updates and Verification

• Verify the latest regulations before travel through:
  • National Immigration Administration (China): https://www.nia.gov.cn
  • Sichuan Border Inspection: Tel: +86-28-8606-6110.

Information updated as of October 2023. Policies are subject to change; refer to official sources for confirmation. Enjoy your visit to Sichuan!

This translation maintains technical accuracy while adhering to formal English conventions for official documents.