Q: Can I combine modes of transportation and still be granted the 144-hour visa waiver?

For instance: "As a South Korean national arriving in Shanghai via a cruise on Jan 16, 2025, and departing on Jan 18 by plane, I would like to ascertain if I qualify for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy."

A: Based on the information provided and current policies, this itinerary does not meet the requirements for the visa waiver policy.

The transportation options for the 144-hour visa waiver include cruises, planes, and railways. However, this does not mean that foreign visitors can combine modes of transportation and still be granted the 144-hour visa waiver.

The conditions for a visa waiver in this situation are as follows:

The cruise journey must be organized by a foreign tourist group consisting of two or more individuals, facilitated by China's domestic travel agencies. Under this condition, foreign tour group passengers coming to China on cruise ships can enter the port of Shanghai International Passenger Terminal and Wusongkou International Cruise Port with their valid international travel documents visa-free.

After entry, foreign passengers can stay in China for up to 15 days and travel with the cruise group to other ports in China's coastal provinces and cities, where they can disembark and sightsee in the cities until the departure of the cruise. The tourist group needs to remain together on the same cruise ship until departing China for the next port.

Alternatively, the foreign passenger may arrive in China by plane and possess a connecting ticket to a third country or region with a confirmed seat and date within 144 hours (e.g., South Korea-Shanghai-Japan).

For more detailed information, please refer to China's visa-free policies for foreign visitors.

Source: nia.gov.cn