Chengdu 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit: The Complete 2026 Guide (53 Countries)
Flying to or through Chengdu? If you hold a passport from one of 53 eligible countries, you can explore Sichuan for 6 full days without a visa. No paperwork, no embassy visits, no fees. Here's exactly how it works โ written by a local travel agency that's helped thousands of travelers use this policy since it launched.
๐ก Quick summary: Fly into Chengdu Tianfu (TFU), show your passport + onward ticket to a third country, and you're in for up to 144 hours (6 days). Covers the entire Sichuan province. No visa application needed.
Which 53 Countries Are Eligible?
The 144-hour transit visa-free policy applies to passport holders from these countries:
What Documents Do You Need?
At immigration, you'll need to show:
- Valid passport โ at least 6 months validity remaining
- Onward flight ticket to a third country/region (Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan count as "third regions") departing within 144 hours
- Arrival/departure card (provided on the plane or at the airport)
- Hotel booking confirmation (recommended but not always checked)
โ ๏ธ Important: You must enter AND exit through Chengdu. You cannot fly into Chengdu and exit through Beijing or Shanghai. The third destination must be different from where your flight originated. Example: London โ Chengdu โ Tokyo โ | London โ Chengdu โ London โ
Step-by-Step Airport Process
- On the plane: Fill out the blue arrival card (available in English). Tick "Transit Visa-Free (144h)" if there's an option.
- At immigration: Look for the "144-Hour Transit Visa-Free" lane at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU). Don't queue at the regular "Foreigners" line.
- Present documents: Passport, onward ticket, arrival card. The officer may ask where you're staying โ have your hotel name ready.
- Stamp & entry: You'll get an entry stamp with a handwritten "144h" notation. That's it โ you're in.
Where Can You Actually Go?
The 144-hour policy covers the entire Sichuan province, including:
- Chengdu โ Panda Base, Jinli Ancient Street, Sichuan opera, hot pot
- Jiuzhaigou Valley โ UNESCO World Heritage, turquoise lakes (requires 3+ days round trip)
- Leshan Giant Buddha โ 71m carved Buddha, 2 hours from Chengdu
- Mount Emei โ One of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains
- Chongqing โ Yes, you can take the 1.5h high-speed train to Chongqing!
- Western Sichuan โ Tagong grasslands, Tibetan villages (4,000m+ altitude)
Sample 6-Day Itineraries
Option A: Chengdu + Jiuzhaigou (Classic)
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive, explore Jinli Ancient Street, Sichuan opera in the evening |
| 2 | Chengdu Panda Base (morning), people's park tea house, hot pot dinner |
| 3 | Drive to Jiuzhaigou (7-8 hrs via Wenchuan) or fly (1 hr) |
| 4 | Full day Jiuzhaigou Valley โ Five Flower Lake, Nuorilang Waterfall |
| 5 | Huanglong travertine pools (morning), fly back to Chengdu |
| 6 | Sanxingdui Museum (3,000-year-old bronze masks), depart |
Option B: Chengdu + Chongqing (Urban Explorer)
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Chengdu, Kuanzhai Alley, hot pot |
| 2 | Panda Base, Wuhou Temple, Jinli night walk |
| 3 | High-speed train to Chongqing (1.5h), Hongyadong night view |
| 4 | Chongqing: Ciqikou ancient town, light rail through building, hot pot |
| 5 | Dazu Rock Carvings (UNESCO, day trip from Chongqing) |
| 6 | Train back to Chengdu, last-minute shopping, depart |
Common Questions
Can I extend beyond 144 hours?
No. The 144 hours (6 days) is strict and starts from 00:00 of the day after arrival. If you overstay, you'll face fines (ยฅ500/day) and possible detention. Always plan to exit before the deadline.
What if I miss my flight?
Go to the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration immediately. They can issue an emergency extension, but this is a hassle. Book flexible tickets or allow buffer time.
Can I use this multiple times?
Yes. There's no limit on how many times you can use the 144-hour transit policy, as long as each entry meets the requirements (third-country onward ticket, etc.).
Want a Custom Itinerary for Your 144 Hours?
Tell us your arrival/departure flights and interests. We'll plan every hour of your 6 days โ free, no obligation.
๐ฌ Get My Free 6-Day Plan โThis guide reflects current policy as of June 2026. Visa policies can change. Always verify with your local Chinese embassy before travel.