Commencing from November 17, 2023, Norwegian citizens can take advantage of China’s newly expanded 72/144-hour transit visa-free policy, a development announced by the Chinese National Immigration Administration. This policy extension encompasses a total of 54 countries, facilitating easier transit for travelers en route to other destinations.
Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and 20 others have implemented the 144-hour transit visa-free policy, providing a streamlined process for eligible travelers. These cities include Shijiazhuang, Tianjin, Nanjing, Qinhuangdao, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Ningbo, Jieyang, Shenzhen, Dalian, Shenyang, Chongqing, Qingdao, and more, such as Xi’an, Chengdu, Wuhan, Xiamen, and Kunming.
The transit visa-free policy allows travelers from the specified countries to transit through these cities en route to a third country or region. To qualify, individuals must hold valid international travel documents and a connecting ticket with a confirmed date and seat, granting them a visa-free stay of up to 72 or 144 hours. During their stay in China, visitors can engage in short-term activities such as tourism and temporary business visits.
Foreigners meeting the specified conditions can apply for the 144-hour visa-free transit at the entry-exit border inspection authorities in 20 designated cities in China, or the 72-hour visa-free transit in three cities where this policy is applicable. It’s important to note that application is not possible in cities that have not yet implemented this policy.
Since its introduction in January 2013, China’s 72/144-hour transit exemption policy has benefited over 500,000 foreigners, providing increased convenience and flexibility for international travelers. The National Immigration Administration underscores its commitment to adapting to the evolving landscape of China’s global engagement, aligning with international economic and trade standards, and fostering continuous reform and innovation in immigration and entry-exit policies.
Chinese authorities emphasize the importance of meeting evolving expectations and demands to promote economic globalization and support China’s path to open, innovative, and high-quality development. It’s noteworthy that this extension aligns with China’s proactive approach to address the evolving needs of Chinese and foreign individuals, facilitating international economic and trade exchanges.
It’s worth mentioning that back in May of the same year, citizens of Norway were exempted from visa requirements when visiting China for a duration of no more than six days, provided they intended to travel to another country after departing China. This alignment with 53 other nations reflects China’s commitment to providing streamlined transit options while maintaining compliance with visa-free transit conditions. Chinese authorities emphasize that entering the country under the visa-free transit policy without continuing the journey to a third country will be considered illegal entry.
