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If you're planning a trip with a layover in Xiamen, China, you may be wondering if you need a visa to leave the airport. The short answer is: it depends. Xiamen offers a 240-hour visa-free transit scheme, which allows passport holders from 54 designated countries, including the USA, UK, New Zealand, and Australia, to explore Xiamen and other parts of China for up to 10 days without a visa. However, there are specific requirements that must be met, such as having a valid passport, international travel documents, and a confirmed ticket out of China within the 240-hour period. Additionally, registration with local authorities is typically required within 24 hours of entry. It's important to note that this visa exemption is not available to citizens of about 20 Muslim-majority countries, including Thailand. For those who are eligible, Xiamen offers a range of attractions, such as the famous Gulangyu Island, Nanputuo Temple, and Xiamen University, making it a great place to explore during a long layover.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa-free period | 240 hours (10 days) from 00:00 am the next day upon arrival |
| Visa-free eligibility | Passport holders from 54 countries, including the USA, UK, New Zealand, and Australia |
| Visa-free conditions | Valid passport with at least three months' validity, air or cruise ticket with a confirmed seat and departure within 240 hours, a visa for the third country if required, and an arrival card for temporary entry |
| Temporary accommodation registration | Required within 24 hours of entry; hotels will register on behalf of guests, otherwise, visitors must register with the local Public Security Bureau |
| Overstaying | Contact the local Exit and Entry Administration of Kunming Public Security Bureau for assistance |
| Airport facilities | Open 24 hours, with limited food options and Wi-Fi available |
| Free transit options | Transit lounge, city tour, or hotel room provided by Xiamen Airlines for layovers of 2-6 hours |
| Nearby attractions | Gulangyu Island, Nanputuo Temple, Xiamen University, Zhongshan Road, Hulishan Fortress, and South Putuo Temple |
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What You'll Learn
Xiamen's 240-hour visa-free transit policy
Xiamen offers a 240-hour visa-free transit policy, allowing passport holders from 54 designated countries, including the USA, UK, New Zealand, and Australia, to explore Xiamen and other permitted provinces and regions in Mainland China. This policy is applicable to both air and ship passengers, with eligible ports including Gaoqi International Airport, Quanzhou Airport, Fuzhou Airport, and all sea ports in Xiamen.
To be eligible for the visa-free transit, individuals must possess a passport with at least three months' validity, a valid ticket to a third country with a confirmed seat and departure within 240 hours, and any required visa for the third country. Visitors are also advised to prepare hotel bookings and make temporary accommodation registrations within 24 hours of entry.
Upon verification, an Exit and Entry Immigration officer will affix a Temporary Entry Permit to the passport, granting short-term entry to Xiamen. This permits individuals to leave the airport or cruise ports and embark on a layover tour for up to 6 days.
It is important to note that the 240-hour period starts from 00:00 am the day after arrival, not from the date of landing at the airport. Additionally, this policy does not apply to citizens of certain Muslim-majority countries, including Thailand.
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Eligibility for the visa-free transit
To be eligible for the visa-free transit in Xiamen, you must be a citizen of one of the 54 (now 55 including Indonesia) designated countries, including the USA, UK, New Zealand, and Australia. This means that, as of December 17, 2024, citizens of these countries can apply for a 240-hour visa-free transit at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport and Xiamen International Cruise Port.
The visa-free 240 hours count from 00:00 am the day after arrival, not from the date of landing at the airport. Visitors must make a temporary accommodation registration within 24 hours of entry. If staying in a hotel, the hotel staff will register for you, otherwise, you or your host will need to register with the local Public Security Bureau.
To be eligible, you must have a passport with at least three months' validity, a ticket with a confirmed seat and departure date within 240 hours, and a visa for the third country if required. You will also need an Arrival Card for Temporary Entry. It is recommended that visitors prepare hotel bookings in case of an immigration check.
It is important to note that the 240-hour visa-free transit policy does not apply to those with a previous illegal stay or bad record from a previous visit to China.
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Transit without a visa (TWOV)
TWOV or Transit Without a Visa is a program that allows travellers to transit through a country without a visa. This is applicable in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In the United States, citizens of participating countries can transit under the Visa Waiver Program. This applies to foreign citizens travelling to another country with a layover in the US, as long as their sole purpose of entering is for transit. Similarly, Canada has a TWOV program for travellers flying through Canada on their way to the US. Travellers do not need to apply for this program, but they must meet certain conditions, such as having a confirmed airline ticket for a flight to the US that departs within 24 hours of their arrival in Canada.
Australia also has a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program, allowing eligible travellers to transit through Australia without a visa for a period of up to 72 hours.
Xiamen in China also offers a visa-free transit program. Xiamen's 240-hour visa-free transit scheme is available at Gaoqi International Airport and all international cruise ports. This means that eligible applicants can have a 10-day visa-free layover tour in Xiamen and other parts of China. This applies to passport holders from 54 designated countries, including the USA, UK, New Zealand, and Australia. To be eligible, travellers must have a valid passport with at least three months' validity remaining, a ticket to a third country with a confirmed seat and departure date within 240 hours, and a visa for the third country if required.
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Xiamen airport facilities and amenities
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is located 12km (7-10 miles) from the city centre of Xiamen, a bustling port city on China's southeast coast in Fujian Province. The airport is accessible by BRT bus, taxi, airport bus, shuttle bus, and ride-hailing services. It is recommended to allow plenty of time for travel to the airport, with at least 2 hours for security checks and boarding.
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport has two terminals, T3 and T4, with a free shuttle service connecting the two. The airport offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, cafes, lounges, duty-free shopping, business facilities, and medical centres. There are both international and local food options, including Chinese, Western, Halal, and local Xiamen cuisine. There are also fast-food options, such as KFC, McDonald's, and Starbucks.
The airport provides currency exchange services, with booths located on the 2nd and 3rd floors, and ATMs are available in each terminal. There are a variety of shops, including international fashion chains and Chinese teashops, as well as a post office in T3. For passengers with babies, there is a nursery room in T4, and smoking rooms can be found on the 3rd floor. Left-luggage facilities are available in the arrivals hall of each terminal.
A new airport, Xiamen Xiang'an International Airport, is currently under construction on Dadeng Island and will offer expanded capacity and improved transportation links to the city.
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Attractions in Xiamen
Xiamen, a charming port city on the southeast coast of China, offers a plethora of attractions for visitors. Here is a list of some of the must-see places in Xiamen:
Gulangyu Island
Gulangyu Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous attractions in Xiamen. It is known for its beautiful beaches, lush gardens, and unique blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles. Visitors can take a short boat ride to the island and explore landmarks such as the Shuzhuang Garden, the piano museum, and wooden carvings. It is also a great place to enjoy the coastal scenery and taste local snacks.
Nanputuo Temple
Nanputuo Temple, also known as South Putuo Temple, is a prosperous Buddhist temple dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It features traditional Chinese architecture and offers a peaceful atmosphere for visitors. After exploring the temple, visitors can climb the rear mountain for a rewarding experience. The nearby Xiamen University, renowned for its beautiful campus, is also worth a visit.
Xiamen Cycling Skyway
Xiamen boasts the world's longest elevated cycling path, offering breathtaking views of the city and its skyscrapers. Visitors can rent bikes and enjoy a unique perspective of Xiamen while cycling along the Xiamen Cycling Skyway.
Huandao Road
Huandao Road, also known as Island Ring Road, provides a scenic cycling experience with its golden beaches, gentle sea breezes, and tall coconut trees. It is a great way to explore the coastline and take in the natural beauty of Xiamen.
Zhongshan Road
Zhongshan Road is a popular shopping destination in Xiamen. It offers a vibrant mix of traditional shops, modern boutiques, and lively markets. Visitors can also find a variety of dining options along this road, making it a great place to immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy the city's culinary delights.
Other Attractions
Xiamen has a lot more to offer, including the Xiamen University, Wanshi Botanical Garden, hot springs, and the Eighth Seafood Market. The city also has a rich cultural heritage, with sites such as the Hakka Tulou Clusters, Sunlight Rock, and the Catholic Church on Gulangyu Island. For nature lovers, there are serene beaches and scenic gardens to explore, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.
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Frequently asked questions
Xiamen offers a 240-hour visa-free transit scheme for passport holders from 54 designated countries, including the USA, UK, New Zealand, and Australia. This means you can leave the airport and explore Xiamen and other parts of China for up to 10 days without a visa.
To be eligible for the visa-free transit, you must have a passport with at least three months' validity, a ticket to a third country with a confirmed seat and departure within 240 hours, and a visa for that third country if necessary. You must also complete an Arrival Card for Temporary Entry.
Xiamen Airlines offers free city tours, transit lounges, or hotel rooms for layovers of 2-6 hours. You can also explore the city on your own. Popular attractions include Gulangyu Island, Xiamen University, Nanputuo Temple, and Zhongshan Road.
It is recommended to have a hotel booking in case of immigration checks. If you are provided with a hotel by the airline, make sure to check with them ahead of time. You will need to show the name and address of the hotel in Chinese to the taxi driver.
Upon arrival, proceed to the immigration counter and inform them that you are transiting without a visa. Present your passport and immigration form. After verification, an immigration officer will stamp your passport and issue a Temporary Entry Permit, allowing you to exit the airport and begin your layover tour.
