Under China's visa-free transit policy, is it permissible to travel across different regions, including entering areas without permission?

For foreigners (especially holders of passports from countries like the United States that enjoy the 144-hour transit visa-free policy), the answer is extremely clear: absolutely NOT allowed.

In China, whether you enter 144-hour/24-hour transit visa exemption or holding a regular visa, you must strictly follow the exact travel area stated on your visa or permitted under the transit exemption policy. Traveling across regions to places not permitted is a serious violation of the law and will bring immediate and severe consequences.

Here is a detailed explanation:

1. Core Rules of the Transit Visa-Free Program (144-hour / 24-hour Transit Exemption)

The whole point of these policies is “**transit**”, not “free sightseeing”. The key requirements are:

- Strict regional restrictions: You can only move and stay within the designated administrative areas.

- For example: If you fly from the United States to Shanghai using the 144-hour transit exemption, your permitted area is only Shanghai Municipality. You cannot take a train or plane to Beijing, Xi’an, Guangzhou, or any other city outside the allowed zone.

- Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang linked area: Taking Shanghai as an example, the 144-hour policy covers Shanghai City + Jiangsu Province + Zhejiang Province as one linked region. You may travel from Shanghai to Hangzhou or Nanjing, but you cannot leave this linked zone and enter other provinces (such as Anhui or Jiangxi).

- You must hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region within 144 hours: The ticket must have a confirmed date and seat, and the “third country” cannot be the country you came from.

- Correct itinerary example: USA → Shanghai → Japan (allowed)

- Wrong itinerary example: USA → Shanghai → USA (not allowed)

2. What Happens If You Travel Outside the Permitted Area?

If you violate the regional restrictions, you will face one or more of the following serious consequences:

- It is treated as illegal entry or illegal stay.

- Punishments: Fines, immediate deportation order, and being escorted by law enforcement to the airport or border.

- Permanent negative record: You will be placed on the immigration authorities’ blacklist, which can cause future Chinese visa applications to be rejected or even result in being banned from entering China for several years.

- Total disruption of your travel plans: You may miss your onward flight, leading to much greater financial loss and trouble.

3. What Are “Restricted Areas” for Foreigners?

Besides crossing provincial boundaries, there are certain zones that foreigners are strictly prohibited from entering without special permission:

- Military restricted zones and areas around key infrastructure.

- Some sensitive border regions.

- Certain nature reserves or cultural heritage sites that are not open to foreigners.

These places usually have clear signs saying “Foreigners prohibited without permission”.

Clear Advice for You:

1. Strictly obey the regional rules: Before departure, always check the exact permitted area for your specific transit exemption policy on the official website of the National Immigration Administration of China or by contacting the Chinese embassy/consulate in your country. Think of it as a “geographic bubble” — never step outside of it.

2. Plan your itinerary properly: Make sure your ticket is a confirmed onward connection to a third country, and keep all activities inside the allowed zone during the exemption period.

3. When in doubt, apply for a proper visa in advance: If you want to visit multiple cities in different provinces, or your itinerary does not meet the “onward ticket to a third country” requirement, do not rely on the transit exemption. Instead, apply for a regular tourist visa (L visa) at the Chinese embassy/consulate in your home country before you leave. With a proper visa, you can travel freely across China (except those few areas that remain off-limits to foreigners).

Summary:

Under the 144-hour/24-hour transit visa-free program, traveling across different regions or entering restricted areas is absolutely forbidden and constitutes a serious violation of Chinese law. It can result in fines, immediate deportation, and being blacklisted. Please stay strictly within the permitted area, or apply for the correct visa in advance.