In a bid to boost tourism in China's northeast province of Liaoning, a new travel policy has been put in place allowing international visitors to stay in the capital Shenyang and the port city of Dalian for 72 hours without need for a visa.
Shenyang and Dalian join Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Chongqing as the only other cities in China that have a visa-free, 72-hour stay policy. Several other cities including Wuhan have also applied to be granted a 72-hour visa-free status.
Under the new policy which went into effect on Jan. 1, travelers arriving in Shenyang's Taoxian Airport or Dalian's Zhoushuizi Airport will now be allowed to stay within either city for up to 72 hours without a visa. Although travel during the 72 hours is limited to Shenyang or Dalian respectively, visitors can depart China from either airport.
Upon arrival, passengers without a visa will be issued a transit permit. In order to obtain the permit however, passengers must show authorities that they have a valid passport, confirmed onward flight arrangements to a destination outside of China and, if necessary, the required third-country visas.
The 72-hour period will begin as soon as the transit permit is issued to the visitor. Any visitor staying past the 72-hour period will need to apply for a visa, otherwise they may be fined, detained or both depending on the circumstances. The permit will not be available to those arriving with a single return ticket to the country from which the flight originated. Once a transit permit is issued, visitors are required to register, within 24 hours, at the local police station of the area where they will be staying.
The policy identifies 51 countries, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, Germany, France and the United Kingdom, whose citizens may participate in the program. Tourists from these countries are the most common visitors to China.