Did you know? · Nomad School

Did you know?

Visa-Free Travel to Hainan: I have spent at least 3 weeks in Sanya every year since my arrival in China, its a great place to relax, explore and work!

For digital nomads looking to explore China without the hassle of obtaining a visa in advance, Hainan province offers a unique opportunity. As of recent policies, Hainan allows citizens from 59 countries to visit visa-free for up to 30 days. I hope this will guide you through everything you need to know, from eligibility and entry requirements to other visa-free transit options in China.

Visa-Free Entry to Hainan: Who is Eligible?

Citizens from the following 59 countries can enter Hainan visa-free for up to 30 days:

Europe:

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Russia, Ukraine

Asia & Oceania:

Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, UAE, Uzbekistan, Australia, New Zealand

Americas:

Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, United States

Africa:

South Africa

Entry Requirements & Conditions

1. Valid Passport – Your passport must have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry.

2. Pre-Arrival Registration – You Must Register Your Trip Through A Hainan-Based Travel Agency Or Provide Hotel And Flight Details In Advance. Unlike Other Visa-Free Policies, You Cannot Simply Book A Ticket And Show Up.

3. Return Ticket – You must have a return or onward ticket proving your departure within 30 days.

4. Hotel Booking – Proof of accommodation is required for the duration of your stay.

5. No Extensions – The 30-day visa-free period cannot be extended or converted into another visa type. If you plan to stay longer or visit other parts of China, you must apply for a visa beforehand.

6. Limited Mainland Travel – This visa-free entry is only valid for Hainan. You cannot travel to mainland China on this policy.

How to Arrive in Hainan?

You can fly directly to Hainan’s two international airports:

• Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK)

• Sanya Phoenix International Airport (SYX)

Alternatively, ferry services are available from Hong Kong and mainland ports, but air travel is the most common entry method.

Other Visa-Free Transit Options in China (144-Hour Transit Visa)

If you are only transiting through China on your way to another destination, you may be eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit. This applies to travelers from 53 countries transiting through designated cities.

Eligible Cities for 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit:

• Beijing (PEK, PKX)

• Shanghai (PVG, SHA)

• Guangzhou (CAN)

• Chengdu (CTU)

• Xiamen (XMN)

• Qingdao (TAO)

• Chongqing (CKG)

• Kunming (KMG)

• Hangzhou (HGH)

• Wuhan (WUH)

• Xi’an (XIY)

• Tianjin (TSN)

• Shenyang (SHE)

• Dalian (DLC)

• Harbin (HRB)

• Nanjing (NKG)

Key Rules for 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit:

1. Valid for 53 Countries – Includes most of Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, and select Asian nations.

2. Must Have an Onward Ticket – You must be flying to a third country. Example: London → Beijing → Tokyo qualifies, but London → Beijing → London does not.

3. Strictly for Transit – You cannot leave the designated city or province during the 144-hour stay.

4. Six-Day Stay – While advertised as 144 hours (6 days), it starts at 00:00 the day after arrival, giving you slightly more than six days in some cases.

Hainan’s 30-day visa-free entry makes it an excellent choice for digital nomads who want to explore China without visa hassle. However, it’s important to note that this policy only applies to Hainan and does not allow access to the rest of China. For those transiting through major cities, the 144-hour visa-free transit is a great way to explore places like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou for up to six days before heading to another country. Also make a note of pre arrival registration, it's the only hassle in the process, but gives you 30 days in what is locally known as the Hawaii of China, you won't be disappointed!

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