1. China's Visa-On-Arrival Policy

China allows citizens from certain countries and regions to apply for a visa on arrival (Port Visa) at specific ports, subject to certain conditions. Below are the applicable situations and eligible ports for visa-on-arrival:

1. Eligibility Criteria for Visa-On-Arrival

• Purpose: Short-term stays such as tourism, business, visiting relatives (usually within 30 days).
• Required Documents: Valid passport, return flight ticket, hotel reservation, invitation letter in China (for business or family visits), or guarantee letter from a travel agency (for tourism).
• Nationality Restrictions: Only citizens from countries that have agreements with China are eligible (e.g., Thailand, Singapore, UAE, among 54 countries; confirmation is required beforehand).

2. Ports Offering Visa-On-Arrival

Currently, China offers visa-on-arrival at both airports and land border crossings:

Note: Hainan Island implements a more relaxed 59-country visa-free policy, allowing visitors to stay for 30 days without a visa (entry must be through Hainan airports or ports, and visitors cannot leave Hainan Island).

2. China's Transit Without Visa Policy

China provides a 24-hour, 72-hour, and 144-hour transit without visa policy for travelers passing through China en route to a third country, as follows:

1. 24-Hour Transit Without Visa

• Eligibility: All nationalities (some exceptions may apply).
• Conditions: Hold connecting flight tickets and remain within the international transit area of the airport.
• Ports: All Chinese international airports.

2. 72-Hour Transit Without Visa

• Cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenyang, Dalian, Xi'an, Kunming, Hangzhou, Guilin, Wuhan, Xiamen, Tianjin, Nanjing, Qingdao, Changsha, Harbin, Zhengzhou.
• Conditions:
• Hold visas for a third country and connecting flight tickets.
• Stay limited to the provincial administrative region of the entry city (e.g., if entering through Shanghai, only activities within Shanghai are allowed).

3. 144-Hour Transit Without Visa

• Regions:
• Yangtze River Delta: Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang.
• Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region: Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei.
• Pearl River Delta: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, etc., nine cities.
• Other Areas: Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenyang, Dalian, Xi'an, Kunming, Wuhan, Xiamen, Qingdao, Changsha, Harbin.
• Conditions:
• Hold visas for a third country and connecting flight tickets.
• Activities can cross cities within the region (e.g., if entering through Shanghai, one can visit Jiangsu or Zhejiang).

3. Precautions

1. Nationality Restrictions: The eligibility for visa-on-arrival and transit without visa policies may vary depending on nationality. Please confirm your eligibility with Chinese embassies or consulates before traveling.
2. Document Preparation: Additional materials (such as photos or itineraries) may be required for visa-on-arrival applications. It’s recommended to prepare them in advance.
3. Policy Changes: China's visa policies may change dynamically. Please contact local embassies, consulates, or airlines before departure to confirm the latest information.
4. Alternative Options: If concerned about policy changes, consider applying for an electronic visa (eVisa) or obtaining a regular tourist visa through a travel agency in advance.