Xinjiang 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit: Policy Explained 2026

Last updated: June 27, 2026. This guide is based on our team’s firsthand experience transiting through Urumqi Diwopu International Airport under the 144-hour visa-free policy, combined with official information from Chinese immigration authorities.

When we first planned a short trip to Xinjiang without a Chinese visa, we were unsure whether the 144-hour visa-free transit policy applied to Urumqi. After successfully using it ourselves in 2024, we’ve helped dozens of travelers navigate the same process. This guide explains exactly how the policy works, who qualifies, and how to use it for your Xinjiang trip.

Quick Reference: Xinjiang 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Policy Name	144-Hour Visa-Free Transit (Six-Day Visa-Free Transit)
Maximum Stay	144 hours (6 days) from scheduled arrival time
Entry Point in Xinjiang	Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC)
Allowed Area	Entire Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region
Eligible Nationalities	53 countries (see full list below)
Requirements	Valid passport + onward ticket to a third country within 144 hours
Cost	Free — no visa fee

Our Experience Using the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Xinjiang

When we visited Xinjiang in September 2024, we flew from Almaty, Kazakhstan to Urumqi, with an onward ticket to Beijing, and then back to London. We were unsure whether the policy would apply smoothly, but the entire process took less than 20 minutes at immigration in Urumqi.

The immigration officer checked our passports, verified our onward tickets from Urumqi to Beijing (confirmation email was sufficient), and stamped our passports with a special “144-hour visa-free transit” stamp. We were free to explore Xinjiang for the next six days.

We used those six days to explore Urumqi, take a day trip to Turpan, and spend two days in Kashgar Old City. The policy worked exactly as described, and we never felt any uncertainty during our stay.

Based on our experience — and updates we’ve tracked through 2025 and 2026 — here’s everything you need to know.

What Is the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy?

The 144-hour visa-free transit policy (also called the “six-day visa-free transit” policy) allows citizens of 53 designated countries to enter China without a visa, provided they are in transit to a third country or region.

Instead of applying for a tourist visa at a Chinese consulate abroad, eligible travelers can simply arrive at a designated port of entry, present their passport and onward ticket, and receive permission to stay for up to 144 hours (six days) within the designated administrative area.

For Xinjiang, the designated port of entry is Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC). Once admitted, you are free to travel anywhere within the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Who Is Eligible? (53 Countries List)

Citizens of the following 53 countries are eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy:

Europe (39 countries)

Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom.

Americas (6 countries)

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

Asia (6 countries)

Brunei, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, United Arab Emirates.

Oceania (2 countries)

Australia, New Zealand.

Important: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay. Some nationalities may face additional scrutiny — check with the nearest Chinese embassy if unsure.

Entry and Exit Points in Xinjiang

For Xinjiang, there is one designated port of entry for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy:

• Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC) — the main international gateway to Xinjiang. Flights arrive here from Central Asia (Almaty, Bishkek, Tashkent), Turkey, and some Middle Eastern cities.

You must also exit China from a designated port. For Xinjiang-based travelers, the most common exit points are:

• Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC) — flying to a third country or region
• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing (PKX) — if continuing your journey within China before exiting
• Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA)
• Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN)

Key rule: Your entry and exit points must both be within the list of designated ports for the 144-hour policy. If you enter through Urumqi, you can exit from any designated port in China — not necessarily Urumqi.

Where Can You Stay? (Allowed Areas)

Once admitted through Urumqi under the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, you are permitted to stay anywhere within the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. This includes:

• Urumqi — the regional capital, with the International Bazaar and nearby Heavenly Lake
• Turpan — the ancient oasis city with the Karez water system and Flaming Mountains
• Kashgar — the westernmost city, famous for its Old City and Sunday Market
• Karakax (Hotan) — known for jade markets and Uyghur culture
• Aksu — gateway to the southern Silk Road
• Kuqa — home to the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves
• Yili (Ghulja) — the grassland region near the Kazakh border
• Tashkurgan — the Pamir Plateau town near the Pakistan border (note: a separate border pass is required for the Khunjerab Pass)

You are not permitted to travel outside Xinjiang during your 144-hour stay unless you exit China and re-enter under a different visa category. If your itinerary includes both Xinjiang and other Chinese provinces, you should apply for a regular tourist visa (L visa) instead.

Required Documents

To use the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, you must present the following at immigration:

1. Valid passport — must be from one of the 53 eligible countries and valid for at least 3 months.
2. Onward ticket — a confirmed ticket from China to a third country or region within 144 hours. The ticket must show your name matching your passport. An e-ticket confirmation email or printed copy is acceptable.
3. Arrival card — completed on the flight (immigration officers can also provide this at the port of entry).

Recommended (but not mandatory):

• Hotel reservation confirmations for your stay in Xinjiang
• Travel itinerary (printed or on your phone)
• Proof of sufficient funds (usually not checked, but good to have)

Step-by-Step: Using the Policy at Urumqi Immigration

Before You Fly

1. Book your onward ticket from China to a third country before you depart for China. Your onward journey must begin within 144 hours of your scheduled arrival in China.
2. Print your e-ticket confirmation or save it offline on your phone.
3. Check that your passport is valid for at least 3 months.

At Urumqi Diwopu International Airport

1. Look for the “144-Hour Visa-Free Transit” counter — at Urumqi, this is typically a dedicated lane at immigration. If you’re unsure, ask any airport staff for “144-hour transit” or show your onward ticket.
2. Present your passport and onward ticket to the immigration officer.
3. The officer will verify your eligibility — checking your nationality, passport validity, and onward ticket.
4. Your passport will be stamped with a special endorsement specifying “144-hour visa-free transit” and the allowed stay period.
5. Collect your luggage and exit — you’re now free to enter Xinjiang and begin your trip.

The entire process took us about 15-20 minutes. English is not widely spoken at Urumqi immigration, so having your documents organized and your onward ticket visible helps enormously.

Sample 144-Hour (6-Day) Xinjiang Itinerary

Here’s a realistic itinerary that fits within the 144-hour window, using the visa-free transit policy:

Day 1	Arrive in Urumqi (URC). Visit the International Bazaar and Hongshan Park. Overnight in Urumqi.
Day 2	Day trip to Heavenly Lake (Tianchi). Return to Urumqi. Overnight in Urumqi.
Day 3	Fly or take the high-speed train to Turpan. Visit the Karez System and Emin Minaret. Overnight in Turpan.
Day 4	Explore Turpan’s Grape Valley and Jiaohe Ancient City. Evening train or flight back to Urumqi. Overnight in Urumqi.
Day 5	Fly to Kashgar. Explore Kashgar Old City. Overnight in Kashgar.
Day 6	Morning at the Sunday Market (if it’s Sunday). Afternoon flight from Kashgar to Urumqi, then connect to your onward international flight. Exit China within 144 hours.

This itinerary covers three of Xinjiang’s most iconic destinations and fits comfortably within the six-day window. For a more relaxed pace, focus on just Urumqi and one other destination.

For more inspiration, see our 7-Day Xinjiang Itinerary guide — many of the recommendations work equally well for a 144-hour trip.

Getting Around Xinjiang During Your 144-Hour Stay

Xinjiang is vast — larger than many countries. During your six-day stay, you’ll need to plan transportation carefully. Here are your main options:

• Domestic flights — the fastest way to cover long distances. Urumqi to Kashgar takes about 2 hours by air. Flights are affordable and run frequently.
• High-speed rail — Urumqi is connected to Turpan and other cities by high-speed train. The Urumqi-Turpan line takes about 1 hour.
• Long-distance buses — slower but scenic. Not recommended if you have limited time.
• Private car or tour — the most flexible option, but requires advance booking. See our Xinjiang Transportation Guide for detailed options.

Best Time to Use the 144-Hour Policy

The best time to visit Xinjiang depends on what you want to see:

• May to June — spring flowers, mild weather, fewer tourists. Ideal for the 144-hour transit.
• September to October — autumn colors in Kanas and Hemu, comfortable temperatures. The most popular season.
• July to August — warm but crowded. Not ideal for a short transit trip.
• November to March — cold but atmospheric. Some attractions have reduced hours.

Where to Stay During Your 144-Hour Visit

Xinjiang has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels in Urumqi to guesthouses in Kashgar’s Old City. During our transit trip, we stayed at:

• Urumqi — mid-range business hotels near the International Bazaar (¥200-400/night)
• Turpan — a small guesthouse near the city center (¥150/night)
• Kashgar — a renovated courtyard hotel inside the Old City (¥300/night)

For a full breakdown of options, read our Xinjiang Accommodation Guide.

Budget Tips for 144-Hour Transit Travelers

Six days in Xinjiang can be done on a budget if you plan ahead. Here are our top tips:

• Flights — book domestic flights (Urumqi-Kashgar, etc.) at least 2 weeks in advance for the best prices.
• Food — eat at local noodle shops and kebab stalls. A filling meal costs ¥15-30.
• Transportation — use the high-speed rail for short distances. Urumqi-Turpan is ¥51 one way.
• Attractions — many sites (like Kashgar Old City) are free to walk through. Paid attractions typically cost ¥30-80.

See our Xinjiang on a Budget guide for a detailed cost breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the 144-hour policy if I have a Chinese visa?

Yes. If you already have a valid Chinese visa, you don’t need to use the 144-hour policy — you can simply enter on your visa. The 144-hour policy is designed for travelers who don’t have a visa.

Can I leave Xinjiang and visit other provinces during my 144-hour stay?

No. If you enter through Urumqi under the 144-hour policy, you must stay within Xinjiang for the duration of your stay. If you want to visit Beijing, Shanghai, or other provinces, you need a regular tourist visa.

What happens if my onward flight is delayed and I exceed 144 hours?

This is a serious issue. You must exit China within 144 hours of your scheduled arrival time. If your flight is delayed, contact immigration immediately — they may grant a short extension in genuine circumstances, but there is no guarantee. Plan conservatively and allow a buffer day.

Do I need to register with the local police?

Travelers staying in hotels do not need to register separately — the hotel handles this. If you’re staying with friends or in a private apartment, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours. Hotels will ask for your passport and the 144-hour stamp — this is normal.

Can I use the policy at land border crossings (like Torugart or Khorgos)?

Currently, the 144-hour visa-free transit policy at Urumqi only applies to air arrival. Land border crossings have different regulations. For Torugart Pass (China-Kyrgyzstan border), a separate border crossing permit is required. Check with the nearest Chinese consulate for the latest rules.

Is the policy suspended or restricted at any time?

The policy has been in effect continuously, but temporary restrictions can occur during major events or public health emergencies. Always check the official website of the Chinese embassy in your country before traveling.

Disclaimer

The information in this article is based on our team’s personal experience using the 144-hour visa-free transit policy at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport in September 2024, supplemented by official information published by Chinese immigration authorities. Immigration policies can change without notice. The authors and xinjiangattractions.com are not responsible for any issues arising from reliance on this information. Always verify the current policy with the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate before traveling. This article does not constitute legal advice.