CHONGQING - Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality will start offering 72-hour visa-free stays for citizens from 51 countries on Dec 30, said local authorities.

To enjoy the policy, travelers should hold a valid passport, third country visas and have plane tickets leaving for a third country or region within 72 hours, according to Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau.

The bureau added that the day of arrival in Chongqing would not be included in the 72-hour time limit.

Jiangbei International Airport in Chongqing will apply the visa-free policy to passengers. Foreigners granted visa-free stays can only go around the administrative districts of Chongqing, said the bureau.

Travelers who stay more than 72 hours or who go to places other than Chongqing will be fined up to 10,000 yuan ($1,648) or be detained for up to 15 days for illegal residence.