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China 24, 72, and 144 hour Transit Without Visa ("TWOV") rules master thread

Old May 2, 2014, 10:31 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: moondog
Note: This thread pertains only to entering the People's Republic of China (PRC, mainland China) as a transit passenger. For information on obtaining regular PRC visas in advance of arrival, please see the China Visas Master Thread.
Transit Without Visa (TWOV) and Transit Without Visa (entry permit)

China offers multiple options to facilitate direct transits where you are flying from country A to country B, via China. The type of entry procedure varies depending on the city (or cities) you will transit, and the length of time you will spend in China.

The information in this wiki was last updated in August 2023.

Disclaimers/Warnings

This thread is based on currently available published information, supplemented by the experiences of actual travelers. A number of us are happy to review prospective itineraries, and can often identify red flags that might warrant attention. That having been said, complying with stated policy does not guarantee entry.

Transit Without Visa / Transit Without Visa (entry permit)

If you are visiting a single city in China, you will be offered a 24-hour transit without visa (TWOV). If you are visiting multiple cities within China you may be offered at 24-hour TWOV (entry permit). This latter category replaces the previous 'transit visa on arrival' which was offered briefly in 2018.

While TWOV is pretty much a guarantee, if your transit is less than 12 hours, and you don't need to go landside in order to pull it off (e.g. PEK T3 to T2 requires this), you might not be granted an entry permit, especially in the case of day time connections.

If you hold one of 53 passports, you may be eligible for a longer stay in China, either 72 hours or 144 hours. Admission to China will be an entry permit under the transit without visa program (TWOV).

In all cases, China must be a transit en route to a third country. Your immediate flight out of China cannot be back to the same country you flew into China from.

Restrictions and warnings

There are considerations and potential complexities with each of the entry methods above. These include:
  • city specific restrictions, for example TWOV with entry permit may not be offered if you have a short stay in CAN or PVG (under 8 hours), or if you can't provide hotel reservations.
  • restrictions based on your passport/nationality
  • countries you may have previously visited (for example an entry stamp to Turkey may preclude you being offered TWOV)
  • the time from which your stay is measured (either actual arrival time, or 00:01 the day after you arrive)
  • the region you will be visiting (some regions are 72 hours, some 144 hours)
The information below represents a combination of the official rules (contained in TIMATIC) and anecdotal feedback from passengers who have recently used TWOV and reported any specific problems (for example, Turkey entry stamps, or refusal to allow entry if a stay is considered 'too short').

Note: other 'visas on arrival' mentioned in TIMATIC are unlikely to ever be available to most passengers.

The main problem using TWOV is the potential for misunderstanding of the rules by airline check-in staff. Some airline staff believe a visa is mandatory for China, no exceptions. These misunderstandings are generally resolved at the airport, but you should allow plenty of time. In rare cases where passengers missed their flights, the airlines have provided full compensation (that is, they have acknowledged the rules and guidance on which this thread is based are correct and that their staff have erred).

Current known issues

NOTE 1: Effective end August 2017, 24 hour TWOV involving travel through CAN may be subject to restrictions. The situation is changing on a daily basis. Please check the last few posts of this thread for the latest information.


Direct international air-to-air connections are permitted at CAN. Uncertainty remains around whether you are able to leave the airport during longer transits. Passengers with passports only eligible for 24-hour TWOV may be required to remain within the transit area regardless of how long they are in transit. Passenger who would otherwise also be eligible for 72-hour TWOV may be able to leave the airport if their transit exceeds 8 hours (but is less than 24 hours). Passengers with less than 8 hours needing to collect bags in CAN to transfer airlines may not be permitted to enter China for the purpose of collecting bags and re-checking. You may be required to contact the operating airline of your onward flight to collect your bags on your behalf and re-tag them to your final destination.
NOTE 2: Effective February 2018, 24 hour TWOV involving travel through Shanghai may be subject to restriction. The rules are not clear and you should check the last few posts/pages of this thread for the latest information.



TWOV is still operational in Shanghai however new rules are supposedly in operation - at least at PVG - limiting the ability for passengers to enter China and leave the airport. Passengers with: (1) short stays (under four hours), (2) same-day transfers (more than four hours, but with an onward flight on the same day as arriving), (3) a transit within 24 hours but without confirmed hotel accommodation, and/or (4) who do not need to collect bags and recheck for their onward flight may all be affected. Passengers in any one of these categories may be directed to the transfer line with direct air-side transfer (not allowed to enter China/leave the airport).
NOTE 3: 24 hour TWOV is may not available to passengers travelling on the following passports: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Syria, Saudia Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. See the 24-hour TWOV section below for more details. The most recent version of TIMATIC appears to have lifted this exemption for all cities except XMN. But there are no recent reports to confirm this.

NOTE 4: passengers seeking TWOV in China who have previously visited Turkey (entry stamps) may be refused entry.

WARNING for passengers flying American Airlines (AA) on itineraries USA-China-USA:
in cases where either your outbound or inbound to China has a short transit in a third country (for example LAX-xNRT-PVG-LAX, or LAX-PVG-xHKG-LAX), you may be denied boarding as AA will insist you need a Chinese visa. This is incorrect and AA have admitted liability in cases where boarding has been refused in these circumstances. Despite this there have been several recent reports where AA check-in staff do not interpret TIMATIC correctly and instead apply IATA ticketing rules (that is, that the intermediate transit must instead be a stopover of longer than 24 hours to make it count as a 'third country'). You are advised to arrive at your embarkation point with plenty of time in case this becomes an issue.


Key Points

To avail yourself of transit provisions, you MUST be travelling from country A, via China, to Country B (a 'third country').

-Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are treated as separate countries in this case (special provisions apply to Shenzhen, where travel to the SARs is not permitted for TWOV purposes)

-flights in your itinerary that don't involve China are completely irrelevant (e.g. if you are flying BOS-ORD-PEK-HKG-BOS, focus solely on ORD-PEK-HKG)

-some airline employees misunderstand TWOV procedures, so be prepared to advise them that China is the transit country
*in the event that the airline people at your small airport are clueless, focus on getting to the larger airport, and take matters up there

-print the following
*TIMATIC rules applicable to your situation (e.g. Japan-China-USA) link
*receipt for onward flight (from China)
*your China hotel reservation (this is not an official requirement, and you can stay anywhere you please after the fact, but having a hotel reservation in hand can speed things up)

-on arrival in your China POE, it helps to have your onward ticket and hotel reservations in hand

Overview

China offers four distinct opportunities for transit passengers to enter the PRC without a visa - a 24 hour TWOV (transit without visa, including a separate TWOV with attached entry permit), 72 hour TWOV and 144 hour TWOV

Which one you are eligible for depends on whether you have one or more stops in China, the city or cities you intend to visit, and the passport you travel on.

Note: special conditions apply for Urumqi (URC) see below.


24-Hour TWOV

NOTE: please see warnings, restrictions, and 'current known issues' sections above for CAN, Shanghai, and passports excluded from using TWOV.

In circumstances where you are eligible for TWOV, the 24-hour period is measured from your first scheduled arrival into China, until your scheduled departure from China.

Note: special provisions apply to Urumqi (URC), where you are permitted to stay in transit for a maximum of 2 hours.

You should also read the section 'other important considerations' below.

New rules became effective from September 2018. These rules govern when you can leave the airport, which cities offer TWOV, which routes restrict TWOV, and which nationalities are eligible.

These new rules are:

24-hour TWOV - entry permit (multiple stops allowed)

Passengers with a confirmed onward air, cruise or train ticket to a third country within 24 hours can obtain an entry permit on arrival. They must have documents required for the next destination. When passengers have obtained an entry permit, they can have multiple transit stops within China (People's Rep).

Excludes holders of BNO, Hong Kong/Macao (SARs-China) or Republic of China (Chinese Taipei) passports.

Exclusions: does not apply at Fuzhou (FOC), Huangshan (TXN), Mudanjiang (MDG), Shenzhen (SZX), Urumqi (URC) and Yanji (YNJ). Does not apply to nationals of Syria transiting through Guangzhou (CAN). Does not apply to nationals of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Yemen transiting through Xiamen (XMN).

24-hour TWOV - other

Available to passengers with a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third country within 24 hours. They must stay in the international transit area of the airport and have documents required for the next destination.

Exclusions: this TWOV facility does not apply at Fuzhou (FOC), Huangshan (TXN), Mudanjiang (MDG), Shenzhen (SZX), Urumqi (URC) and Yanji (YNJ) or to nationals of Syria through Guangzhou (CAN).

This TWOV facility does not apply to nationals of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Yemen transiting through Xiamen (XMN).

This TWOV facility does not apply to holders of BNO, Hong Kong/Macao (SARs-China) or Republic of China (Chinese Taipei) passports (see below).

24-hour TWOV Hong Kong/Macao passport holders

Passengers with a Hong Kong (SAR China) or Macau (SAR China) passport transiting through Guangzhou (CAN), Shanghai (PVG) or Beijing (PEK) with a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third country within 24 hours. They must stay in the international transit area of the airport.

TWOV Urumqi (URC)

Passengers transiting through Urumqi (URC) with a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third country within 2 hours. They must stay in the international transit area of the airport and have documents required for the next destination.

Exclusions: nationals of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Turkey and Yemen.

Also excluded are holders of BNO, Republic of China (Chinese Taipei), Hong Kong/Macao (SARs-China) passports.

Note: eligible passport holders may also be able to obtain a 24-hour TWOV (with entry permit) if they have multiple stops within China in addition to Urumqi.

24 hour TWOV Shenzhen (new, September 2018)

Passengers transiting through Shenzhen (SZX) with a confirmed onward air, cruise or train ticket within 24 hours to a third country can obtain an entry permit on arrival. They must have documents required for the next destination.

When passengers have obtained an entry permit, they can have multiple transit stops within China (People's Rep)

Exclusions: does not apply when passengers are traveling to Hong Kong (SAR China) or Macao (SAR China).


72-Hour TWOV

72 Hour TWOV: available in selected cities, and only available if you fly non-stop into and out of China (no transits, technical stops or connections are allowed inside China).

Passport holders from select countries are eligible for this scheme. Check your eligibility against the TIMATIC excerpt at the end of this wiki.

The number of cities offering 72 hour TWOV continues to expand slowly and the table below will be updated once cities appear in TIMATIC.

The 72 hour period is measured differently depending on which city you transit as outlined in the table below.

Caution: Most airline staff rely on TIMATIC to determine if you can board the aircraft. If the city you wish to fly to does not appear in TIMATIC, you may be refused boarding even if the city states it has officially launched 72-hour TWOV. Cities which fall into this category are listed separately in the table below.


72-hour TWOV time measured from 00:01 the day after you arrive

A number of cities count the commencement time for TWOV from 00:01 the day after you arrive.

These cities are: Changsha (CSX), Chengdu (CTU), Chongqing (CKG), Guangzhou (CAN), Qingdao (TAO), Wuhan (WUH), Xi'an (XIY) and Xiamen (XMN)

(note: Hangzhou (HGH), Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Tianjin (TSN) (have now been moved to the 144-hour TWOV category)


72-hour TWOV time based on scheduled arrival time

Other cities are 'up to' 72 hours based on the scheduled arrival time of your inbound flight. You must have a departure time no later than 72 hours from the time you were scheduled to land. (If your flight lands early the time is measured from the time the flight was scheduled to land.)

These cities are: Guilin (KWL), Kunming (KMG), Harbin (HRB)


Prospective cities offering 72-hour TWOV

Some cities may advertise the intended availability of 72-hour TWOV however they may not yet appear in TIMATIC. You may be refused boarding as airline staff will usually rely on TIMATIC in deciding whether you are eligible to fly to and enter China. These cities will be moved into the appropriate category above once they are in TIMATIC.
Movements of travelers who qualify for 72-hour TWOV are restricted to the city/region of arrival. This limitation varies from city to city, but generally travelers are required to remain within about 100 miles of the arrival airport.

You should also read the section 'other important considerations' below.


144-Hour TWOV

Commencing 30 January 2016 a number of cities, grouped in three areas, are offering 144-hour TWOV.

Passport holders from select countries are eligible for this scheme. Check your eligibility against the TIMATIC excerpt at the end of this wiki.

Similar to 72-hour TWOV, these cities will count the commencement time as 00:01 the day after you arrive.

These cities are:
  • area 1: Hangzhou (HGH), Nanjing Lukou (NKG), Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, Shanghai Wusongkou (Baoshan) International Cruise Terminal or Shanghai Railway Station
and
  • area 2: Beijing (PEK), Tianjin (TSN), Shijiazhuang (SJW), Beijing West Railway Station, Tianjin International Cruise Home Port or Qinhuangdao Sea Port.
and
  • area 3: Dalian (DLC) and Shenyang (SHE)
and
  • area 4: Guangdong Province -- note: we will update this section after we get a chance to review the new sections in TIMATIC, which are a bit confusing, but the gist of it is that you can enter China in Guangdong by air (only CAN, SWA, and SZX), travel throughout the province during the course of 144 hours, and depart from a much longer list of airports and land borders, but you can't depart for HK or Macau if you arrive at SZX.

Movements of travelers who qualify for 144-hour TWOV are more generous than those offered for 72-hour TWOV, allowing travel between the cities (and provinces) within each of the three separate areas participating in the 144-hour program (that is, you can arrive and/or depart from any city or terminal listed within areas 1, 2 or 3 outlined above). However, travel between the three grouped areas is not permitted and requires a regular visa (that is, you can not arrive in one of the areas and depart from any other than the area in which you arrived).

You should also read the section 'other important considerations' below.


Other Important Considerations

The TWOV rules apply primarily to air travel but 144-hour TWOV variants are extended to select rail and cruise ship terminals. See the respective sections of this wiki for full details. .

Passengers must have confirmed onward tickets to a third country (not the PRC, and not the country from which they arrived).

Except for 24 hour TWOV (with entry permit), passengers must fly non-stop to/from their destination in China using two different countries. For this context, the SARs of Hong Kong and Macau are considered third countries, as is Chinese Taipei/Taiwan/Republic of China/Taiwan Province.


Duration of stop in third country is irrelevant (e.g., LAX-PVG-NRT-LAX is compliant, even if NRT stop is for only a few hours).

Travelers making intermediate stops within China, even on the same flight number, are not eligible for 72/144-hour TWOV (the 24-hour TVOA rule is still valid). All major Chinese airlines have flights of this nature (e.g. CA via DLC/XMN/PVG/CTU, CZ via CAN/XMN, MU via KMG/PVG), so be sure to examine them before booking. Travellers can arrive and depart from different airports in different provinces within the same 144-hour TWOV areas.

Proof of onward flights is required. Flights must be ticketed reservations alone, without an actual ticket number, will not be sufficient. You may also be asked for proof of hotel booking(s) by immigration at your point of entry to China.

Onward flight can be on a separate ticket.

You do not need to be traveling on Chinese carriers for any part of your itinerary.

Different airlines for inbound/outbound are permitted, even on separate tickets (example: arrive Cathay Pacific, depart Lufthansa is ok).

Most TWOV problems will occur with the carrier at the country of departure due to airline employees' misunderstanding of the rules. To avoid issues, it is wise to have a copy of the current TIMATIC version of the rules, along with confirmed onward tickets


TIMATIC

Sometimes members request official PRC documentation of these rules, but documentation from TIMATIC is typically more useful, as it's the most up-to-date source, and the one the airlines actually rely upon. Below the asterisks, you can view a complete version of China visa free transit that was in effect when KVS last updated it in 2019. According to KVS, the full (i.e. for all conceivable combinations of nationality, origin, transit city, and destination) text is no longer provided;. This means, individual prospective travelers should make their own queries as their trips draw near and print out (or save to phone) the applicable text along with proof of accommodation and onward transportation.

Here are just a few sites (there are many others, and we don't know which ones are the closest to real time) that host TIMATIC interfaces:
https://www.united.com/en/us/timatic/
https://skyteam.traveldoc.aero/
https://www.emirates.com/english/pla...n_results.aspx


February 2016 addition by moondog: There are occasional reports of airline staff at outstations having difficulty with TIMATIC as a credible data source. Beijing bound passengers can contact Beijing Exit/Entry Inspection directly on:

http://www.bjbj.gov.cn/
+86 10 5609 5400
Wechat: bjbianjian

(best to use Chinese whether you call or message them)
The TIMATIC text below is provided by KVS Tool and will only be updated when material changes to the TWOV rules are implemented. As such, travelers are advised to obtain a copy of the most recent TIMATIC data immediately before traveling. Besides KVS Tool and ExpertFlyer, some airline and alliance websites provide TIMATIC interfaces. Try this one: https://skyteam.traveldoc.aero/


IMPORTANT: When looking up China TWOV rules in TIMATIC, be sure to input China as the transit country, not the destination (e.g., origin = USA, destination = Hong Kong, transit country = China). If you don't have the patience to read the complete TIMATIC rules, which cover every contingency under the sun, we suggest using the following link:
https://www.emirates.com/english/pla...n_results.aspx

***************Hasn't been updated since 2019********************************************** ************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************************** *******************
Source: [KVS Availability Tool 9.1.8/Diamond - TIMATIC: Country Information: Visa] (requires subscription)


Code:
[Visa Information] China (People's Rep.) (CN) [As of 29 Jul 2019]

TWOV (Transit Without Visa):
- Passengers with a Hong Kong (SAR China) passport transiting
through Guangzhou (CAN), Shanghai (PVG) or Beijing (PEK)
with a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third
country within 24 hours. They must stay in the international
transit area of the airport and have documents required for
the next destination. (SEE NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Passengers with a Macao (SAR China) passport transiting
through Guangzhou (CAN), Shanghai (PVG) or Beijing (PEK)
with a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third
country within 24 hours. They must stay in the international
transit area of the airport and have documents required for
the next destination. (SEE NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Passengers transiting through Urumqi (URC) with a confirmed
onward ticket for a flight to a third country within 2
hours. They must stay in the international transit area of
the airport and have documents required for the next
destination. (SEE NOTE 88975)
- This TWOV facility does not apply to nationals of
Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi
Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Turkey and Yemen.
- This TWOV facility does not apply to passengers with a
British passport with nationality British National
(Overseas)".
- This TWOV facility does not apply to passengers with a
Chinese Taipei (on the cover: Republic of China Taiwan)
passport.
- This TWOV facility does not apply to passengers with a Hong
Kong (SAR China) passport.
- This TWOV facility does not apply to passengers with a
Macao (SAR China) passport.
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a
third country within 24 hours. They must stay in the
international transit area of the airport and have documents
required for the next destination. (SEE NOTE 88975)
- This TWOV facility does not apply at Fuzhou (FOC),
Huangshan (TXN), Mudanjiang (MDG), Shenzhen (SZX), Urumqi
(URC) and Yanji (YNJ).
- This TWOV facility does not apply to nationals of Syria
transiting through Guangzhou (CAN).
- This TWOV facility does not apply to nationals of
Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri
Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Yemen
transiting through Xiamen (XMN).
- This TWOV facility does not apply to passengers with a
British passport with nationality British National
(Overseas)".
- This TWOV facility does not apply to passengers with a
Chinese Taipei (on the cover: Republic of China Taiwan)
passport.
- This TWOV facility does not apply to passengers with a Hong
Kong (SAR China) passport.
- This TWOV facility does not apply to passengers with a
Macao (SAR China) passport.
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Passengers with a confirmed onward air, cruise or train
ticket to a third country within 24 hours can obtain an
entry permit on arrival. They must have documents required
for the next destination.
When passengers have obtained an entry permit, they can have
multiple transit stops within China (People's Rep.).(SEE
NOTE 88975)
- This TWOV facility does not apply at Shenzhen (SZX) when
passengers are traveling to Hong Kong (SAR China) or Macao
(SAR China).
- This TWOV facility does not apply at Fuzhou (FOC),
Huangshan (TXN), Mudanjiang (MDG), Urumqi (URC) and Yanji
(YNJ).
- This TWOV facility does not apply to nationals of Syria
transiting through Guangzhou (CAN).
- This TWOV facility does not apply to nationals of
Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri
Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Yemen
transiting through Xiamen (XMN).
- This TWOV facility does not apply to passengers with a
British passport with nationality British National
(Overseas)".
- This TWOV facility does not apply to passengers with a
Chinese Taipei (on the cover: Republic of China Taiwan)
passport.
- This TWOV facility does not apply to passengers with a Hong
Kong (SAR China) passport.
- This TWOV facility does not apply to passengers with a
Macao (SAR China) passport.
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Nationals of Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei
Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Rep., Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Japan, Korea
(Rep.), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico,
Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North
Macedonia (Rep.), Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian
Fed., Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, USA, Ukraine and United Arab Emirates
transiting through Changsha (CSX), Chongqing (CKG) or Xi'an
(XIY) with a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third
country within 72 hours, starting from 00:01 on the day
following the day of entry. They must:
- arrive at and depart from the same airport; and
- have documents required for the next destination. (SEE
NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Passengers with a British passport with nationality British
Citizen transiting through Changsha (CSX), Chongqing (CKG)
or Xi'an (XIY) with a confirmed onward ticket for a flight
to a third country within 72 hours, starting from 00:01 on
the day following the day of entry. They must:
- arrive at and depart from the same airport; and
- have documents required for the next destination. (SEE
NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Nationals of Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei
Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Rep., Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Japan, Korea
(Rep.), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico,
Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North
Macedonia (Rep.), Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian
Fed., Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, USA, Ukraine and United Arab Emirates
transiting through Guilin (KWL) or Harbin (HRB) with a
confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third country
within 72 hours. They must:
- arrive at and depart from the same airport; and
- have documents required for the next destination. (SEE
NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Passengers with a British passport with nationality British
Citizen transiting through Guilin (KWL) or Harbin (HRB)
with a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third
country within 72 hours. They must:
- arrive at and depart from the same airport; and
- have documents required for the next destination. (SEE
NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Nationals of Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei
Darussalam , Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Rep., Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Japan, Korea
(Rep.), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico,
Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North
Macedonia (Rep.), Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian
Fed., Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, USA, Ukraine and United Arab Emirates with a
confirmed onward air, cruise or train ticket to a third
country within 144 hours, starting from 00:01 on the day
following the day of entry. They must:
- arrive at and depart from one of the following locations:
Hangzhou (HGH), Nanjing (NKG), Shanghai: Hongqiao (SHA) and
Pudong (PVG), Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal,
Shanghai Wusongkou (Baoshan) International Cruise Terminal
or Shanghai Railway Station; and
- have documents required for the next destination. (SEE
NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Passengers with a British passport with nationality British
Citizen with a confirmed onward air, cruise or train ticket
to a third country within 144 hours, starting from 00:01 on
the day following the day of entry. They must:
- arrive at and depart from one of the following locations:
Hangzhou (HGH), Nanjing (NKG), Shanghai: Hongqiao (SHA) and
Pudong (PVG), Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal,
Shanghai Wusongkou (Baoshan) International Cruise Terminal
or Shanghai Railway Station; and
- have documents required for the next destination. (SEE
NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Nationals of Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei
Darussalam , Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Rep., Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Japan, Korea
(Rep.), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico,
Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North
Macedonia (Rep.), Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian
Fed., Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, USA, Ukraine and United Arab Emirates with a
confirmed onward air, cruise or train ticket to a third
country within 144 hours, starting from 00:01 on the day
following the day of entry. They must:
- arrive at and depart from one of the following locations:
Beijing (PEK), Tianjin (TSN), Shijiazhuang (SJW), Beijing
West Railway Station, Tianjin International Cruise Home Port
or Qinhuangdao Sea Port; and
- have documents required for the next destination. (SEE
NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Passengers with a British passport with nationality British
Citizen with a confirmed onward air, cruise or train ticket
to a third country within 144 hours, starting from 00:01 on
the day following the day of entry. They must:
- arrive at and depart from one of the following locations:
Beijing (PEK), Tianjin (TSN), Shijiazhuang (SJW), Beijing
West Railway Station, Tianjin International Cruise Home Port
or Qinhuangdao Sea Port; and
- have documents required for the next destination. (SEE
NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Nationals of Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei
Darussalam , Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Rep., Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Japan, Korea
(Rep.), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico,
Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North
Macedonia (Rep.), Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian
Fed., Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, USA, Ukraine and United Arab Emirates with a
confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third country
within 144 hours, starting from 00:01 on the day following
the day of entry. They must:
- arrive at and depart from one of the following two
airports: Dalian (DLC) or Shenyang (SHE); and
- have documents required for the next destination. (SEE
NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Passengers with a British passport with nationality British
Citizen with a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a
third country within 144 hours, starting from 00:01 on the
day following the day of entry. They must:
- arrive at and depart from one of the following two
airports: Dalian (DLC) or Shenyang (SHE); and
- have documents required for the next destination. (SEE
NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Nationals of Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei
Darussalam , Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Rep., Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Japan, Korea
(Rep.), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico,
Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North
Macedonia (Rep.), Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian
Fed., Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, USA, Ukraine and United Arab Emirates
transiting through Chengdu (CTU) with a confirmed onward
ticket for a flight to a third country within 144 hours,
starting from 00:01 on the day following the day of entry.
They must:
- arrive at and depart from the same airport; and
- have documents required for the next destination; and
- stay in the administrative area of Chengdu Municipality.
(SEE NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Passengers with a British passport with nationality British
Citizen transiting through Chengdu (CTU) with a confirmed
onward ticket for a flight to a third country within 144
hours, starting from 00:01 on the day following the day of
entry. They must:
- arrive at and depart from the same airport; and
- have documents required for the next destination; and
- stay in the administrative area of Chengdu Municipality.
(SEE NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Nationals of Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei
Darussalam , Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Rep., Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Japan, Korea
(Rep.), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico,
Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North
Macedonia (Rep.), Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian
Fed., Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, USA, Ukraine and United Arab Emirates
transiting through Kunming (KMG) or Wuhan (WUH) with a
confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third country
within 144 hours, starting from 00:01 on the day following
the day of entry. They must:
- arrive at and depart from the same airport; and
- have documents required for the next destination. (SEE
NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Passengers with a British passport with nationality British
Citizen transiting through Kunming (KMG) or Wuhan (WUH)
with a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third
country within 144 hours, starting from 00:01 on the day
following the day of entry. They must:
- arrive at and depart from the same airport; and
- have documents required for the next destination. (SEE
NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Nationals of Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei
Darussalam , Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Rep., Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Japan, Korea
(Rep.), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico,
Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North
Macedonia (Rep.), Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian
Fed., Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, USA, Ukraine and United Arab Emirates with a
confirmed onward air or cruise ticket to a third country
within 144 hours, starting from 00:01 on the day following
the day of entry. They must:
- arrive at and depart from one of the following locations:
Qingdao (TAO) or Qingdao Port; and
- have documents required for the next destination. (SEE
NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Passengers with a British passport with nationality British
Citizen with a confirmed onward air or cruise ticket to a
third country within 144 hours, starting from 00:01 on the
day following the day of entry. They must:
- arrive at and depart from one of the following locations:
Qingdao (TAO) or Qingdao Port; and
- have documents required for the next destination. (SEE
NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Nationals of Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei
Darussalam , Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Rep., Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Japan, Korea
(Rep.), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico,
Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North
Macedonia (Rep.), Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian
Fed., Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, USA, Ukraine and United Arab Emirates
transiting through Xiamen (XMN) with a confirmed onward air
or cruise ticket to a third country within 144 hours,
starting from 00:01 on the day following the day of entry.
They must:
- arrive at and depart from one of the following locations:
Xiamen (XMN), Xiamen International Cruise Center or Wutong
Passenger Wharf; and
- have documents required for the next destination. (SEE
NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Passengers with a British passport with nationality British
Citizen transiting through Xiamen (XMN) with a confirmed
onward air or cruise ticket to a third country within 144
hours, starting from 00:01 on the day following the day of
entry. They must:
- arrive at and depart from one of the following locations:
Xiamen (XMN), Xiamen International Cruise Center or Wutong
Passenger Wharf; and
- have documents required for the next destination. (SEE
NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Nationals of Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei
Darussalam , Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Rep., Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Japan, Korea
(Rep.), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico,
Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North
Macedonia (Rep.), Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian
Fed., Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, USA, Ukraine and United Arab Emirates with a
confirmed onward air, cruise or train ticket to a third
country within 144 hours, starting from 00:01 on the day
following the day of entry. They must:
- arrive at one of the following airports: Guangzhou (CAN),
Shantou (SWA) or Shenzhen (SZX); and
- depart from one of the following locations: Guangzhou
(CAN), Meixian (MXZ), Shantou (SWA), Shenzhen (SZX),
Zhanjiang (ZHA), Dongguan Humen Sea Port, Dongguan Railway
Port, Doumen Sea Port, Foshan Gaoming Sea Port, Foshan
Railway Port, Guangzhou Sea Port, Guangzhou Tianhe Railway
Port, Heshan Sea Port, Jiuzhou Sea Port, Jiangmen Sea Port,
Lianhuashan Sea Port, Nansha Sea Port, Rongqi Sea Port,
Shekou Sea Port, Shenzhen Airport Support Sea Port, Shenzhen
Bay Port, Shenzhen Futian Port, Shenzhen Huanggang Port,
Shenzhen Luohu Port, Shenzhen Shatoujiao Port, Shenzhen
Wenjindu Port, Wanchai Sea Port, Wanshan Sea Port, Zhaoqing
Railway Port, Zhongshan Sea Port, Zhuhai Gongbei Port or
Zhuhai Hengqin Port; and
- have documents required for the next destination. (SEE
NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Passengers with a British passport with nationality British
Citizen with a confirmed onward air, cruise or train ticket
to a third country within 144 hours, starting from 00:01 on
the day following the day of entry. They must:
- arrive at one of the following airports: Guangzhou (CAN),
Shantou (SWA) or Shenzhen (SZX); and
- depart from one of the following locations: Guangzhou
(CAN), Meixian (MXZ), Shantou (SWA), Shenzhen (SZX),
Zhanjiang (ZHA), Dongguan Humen Sea Port, Dongguan Railway
Port, Doumen Sea Port, Foshan Gaoming Sea Port, Foshan
Railway Port, Guangzhou Sea Port, Guangzhou Tianhe Railway
Port, Heshan Sea Port, Jiuzhou Sea Port, Jiangmen Sea Port,
Lianhuashan Sea Port, Nansha Sea Port, Rongqi Sea Port,
Shekou Sea Port, Shenzhen Airport Support Sea Port, Shenzhen
Bay Port, Shenzhen Futian Port, Shenzhen Huanggang Port,
Shenzhen Luohu Port, Shenzhen Shatoujiao Port, Shenzhen
Wenjindu Port, Wanchai Sea Port, Wanshan Sea Port, Zhaoqing
Railway Port, Zhongshan Sea Port, Zhuhai Gongbei Port or
Zhuhai Hengqin Port; and
- have documents required for the next destination. (SEE
NOTE 88975)
NOTE 88975: This TWOV facility does not apply when
passengers arrive on a direct flight from USA, Guam or
Northern Mariana Isl. AND depart on a direct flight to USA,
Guam or Northern Mariana Isl. (e.g. JFK - PVG - GUM).
- Warning:
All transiting passengers are subject to a check by
immigration. Passengers in transit must hold passports or
other documents accepted to enter China (People's Rep.).
- Warning:
For TWOV through Chengdu (CTU): before departure, a
notification must be sent by the carrier to immigration at
[email protected] .
- Warning:
For TWOV through Xiamen (XMN) for a maximum stay of 144
hours: before departure, a notification must be sent by the
carrier to immigration.
- Warning:
For TWOV through Changsha (CSX) or Guilin (KWL) for a
maximum stay of 72 hours: before departure, a notification
must be sent by the carrier to immigration.
- Warning:
For TWOV through Dalian (DLC) or Shenzhen (SZX): before
departure, a notification must be sent by the carrier to
immigration.
- Warning:
When passengers have obtained an entry permit, they can have
multiple transit stops within China (People's Rep.).



Visa required.

Visa Exemptions:
- Nationals of China (People's Rep.).
- Passengers with a China (People's Rep.) Travel Document (Lu
Xing Zheng).
- Passengers with a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and
Macao Residents (Hui Xiang Zheng, credit-card format) .
- Nationals of China (People's Rep.) with a Travel Permit to
and from Hong Kong and Macao when arriving from Hong Kong or
Macao (SAR China).
- Nationals of China (People's Rep.) with a Public Affairs
Hong Kong and Macao Travel Permit when arriving from Hong
Kong or Macao (SAR China).
- Nationals of China (People's Rep.) with a China (People's
Rep.) Travel Permit to and from Taiwan (Lu Bao Zheng).
- Passengers with a China (People's Rep.) Exit and Entry
Permit, with an endorsement to travel to China (People's
Rep.).
- Nationals of Mauritius for a maximum stay of 60 days.
- Nationals of Bahamas, Barbados, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada,
Qatar and Tonga for a maximum stay of 30 days.
- Nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina and San Marino with a
normal passport for a maximum stay of 90 days.
- Nationals of Belarus, Serbia, Seychelles and United Arab
Emirates with a normal passport for a maximum stay of 30
days.
- Nationals of Mongolia with a normal series E passport for
a maximum stay of 30 days.
- Nationals of Brunei Darussalam, Japan and Singapore with a
normal passport for a maximum stay of 15 days.
- Nationals of Korea (Dem. People's Rep.) with a Passport For
Official Trip".
- Passengers with a British diplomatic passport.
- Passengers with a British official passport containing a
"Visa Exempted" label issued by China (People's Rep.).
- Nationals of Afghanistan, Albania, Argentina, Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam , Cape Verde, Chile,
Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus,
Equatorial Guinea, Georgia, Guyana, Hungary, Indonesia,
Iran, Ireland (Rep.), Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Dem. Rep., Lithuania, Malaysia,
Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Moldova (Rep.), Montenegro,
Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russian
Fed., Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sudan,
Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan,
Ukraine, Venezuela and Viet Nam with a diplomatic passport.
- Nationals of Bahrain, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, North
Macedonia (Rep.), Rwanda, San Marino, Switzerland and
Uruguay with a diplomatic passport for a maximum stay of 90
days.
- Nationals of Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech
Rep., Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands,
Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden with a diplomatic
passport for a maximum stay of 90 days. (SEE NOTE 70951)
NOTE 70951: The maximum stay is granted within 180 days.
- Nationals of Eritrea and Morocco with a diplomatic passport
for a maximum stay of 60 days.
- Nationals of Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon,
Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Dominica, Egypt, Ethiopia,
Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Iraq, Israel, Kenya, Korea (Dem.
People's Rep.), Korea (Rep.), Kuwait, Lesotho, Liberia,
Mauritania, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria,
Panama, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sao Tome and
Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa,
South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Togo,
Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates,
Uzbekistan and Zimbabwe with a diplomatic passport for a
maximum stay of 30 days.
- Nationals of Panama with a consular passport for a maximum
stay of 30 days.
- Nationals of Ireland (Rep.) with an official passport if
accompanying a Minister of the Irish government on an
official visit.
- Nationals of Argentina, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia,
Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Equatorial
Guinea, Guyana, Jamaica, Lao People's Dem. Rep., Malaysia,
Maldives, Mexico, Myanmar, Pakistan, Samoa, Serbia,
Slovenia, Sudan, Thailand and Viet Nam with an official
passport.
- Nationals of North Macedonia (Rep.) and Uruguay with an
official passport for a maximum stay of 90 days.
- Nationals of Botswana, Cambodia, Dominica, Korea (Dem.
People's Rep.), Korea (Rep.), Lesotho, Mongolia, Nepal,
Nigeria, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore,
South Africa, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tobago,
Tunisia and Zimbabwe with an official passport for a maximum
stay of 30 days.
- Nationals of Albania, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Benin, Bolivia,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cape Verde, Colombia, Comoros, Costa
Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Equatorial Guinea, Georgia,
Guyana, Hungary, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Lithuania, Moldova (Rep.), Montenegro, Myanmar, Oman,
Poland, Romania, Samoa, Slovakia, Sudan, Tajikistan,
Tanzania, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Venezuela with a
service passport.
- Nationals of Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Rwanda and San
Marino with a service passport for a maximum stay of 90
days.
- Nationals of Algeria with a service passport for a maximum
stay of 90 days. (SEE NOTE 70951)
NOTE 70951: The maximum stay is granted within 180 days.
- Nationals of Eritrea and Morocco with a service passport for
a maximum stay of 60 days.
- Nationals of Angola, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon,
Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Dominica, Egypt, Ethiopia,
Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Israel, Kenya, Korea (Dem. People's
Rep.), Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Philippines, Russian
Fed., Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone,
Suriname, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates
and Zimbabwe with a service passport for a maximum stay of
30 days.
- Nationals of Jordan, Oman, Peru, Sudan and Turkey with a
special passport.
- Nationals of Bahrain with a special passport for a maximum
stay of 90 days.
- Nationals of Egypt, Kuwait, South Sudan and United Arab
Emirates with a special passport for a maximum stay of 30
days.
- Passengers with a residence permit issued by China (People's
Rep.).
- Chinese Taipei passengers with a multiple-entry Mainland
Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents (Tai Bao Zheng).
[[TIRULES/R210]]
- Chinese Taipei passengers with a single-entry Mainland
Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents (Tai Bao Zheng) for a
maximum stay of 3 months. [[TIRULES/R210]]
- Passengers with an APEC Business Travel Card [[TIRULES/R35]]
valid for travel to "CHN" for a maximum stay of 60 days.
(SEE NOTE 46798) (SEE NOTE 74203) (SEE NOTE 74206) The card
is valid for the countries listed on the back of the card.
NOTE 46798: This does not apply to passengers with a
Chinese Taipei (on the cover: Republic of China Taiwan)
passport.
NOTE 74203: This does not apply to passengers with a Hong
Kong (SAR China) passport.
NOTE 74206: This does not apply to passengers with a Macao
(SAR China) passport.
- Passengers with a Laissez-Passer issued by the European
Union [[TIRGL/EEU]] for a maximum stay of 90 days. (SEE NOTE
70951)
NOTE 70951: The maximum stay is granted within 180 days.
- Passengers with a China (People's Rep.) Alien Permanent
Identity Card.
- Nationals of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova (Rep.), Russian
Fed. and Turkmenistan traveling as a tourist as part of a
tour group accompanied by a representative of a tour
operator accredited in both China (People's Rep.) and
Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova (Rep.), Russian Fed. or
Turkmenistan for a maximum stay of 30 days.
- Nationals of Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam,
Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Rep.,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea
(Rep.), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico,
Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North
Macedonia (Rep.), Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Russian Fed., Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA and Ukraine with a
normal passport arriving at Sanya (SYX) for a maximum stay
of 30 days. They must have:
- a stamped name list or an invitation letter from a tourist
agent registered in Hainan province and approved by the
National Tourism Administration of China; or
- a confirmed hotel reservation and a return/onward ticket
and present them at the travel agent counter in the arrival
hall prior to immigration.
- Passengers with a British passport with nationality British
Citizen arriving at Sanya (SYX) for a maximum stay of 30
days. They must have:
- a stamped name list or an invitation letter from a tourist
agent registered in Hainan province and approved by the
National Tourism Administration of China; or
- a confirmed hotel reservation and a return/onward ticket
and present them at the travel agent counter in the arrival
hall prior to immigration.
- Nationals of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand with a normal
passport arriving at Sanya (SYX) for a maximum stay of 30
days. They must have a stamped name list or an invitation
letter from a tourist agent registered in Hainan province
and approved by the National Tourism Administration of
China. The list or the letter must have been applied 24
hours prior to arrival.
- Nationals of Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam,
Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Rep.,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Japan,
Kazakhstan, Korea (Rep.), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands,
New Zealand, North Macedonia (Rep.), Norway, Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Fed., Serbia, Singapore,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand,
USA and Ukraine with a normal passport arriving at Haikou
(HAK) for a maximum stay of 30 days. They must have a
stamped name list or an invitation letter from a tourist
agent registered in Hainan province and approved by the
National Tourism Administration of China.
- Passengers with a British passport with nationality British
Citizen arriving at Haikou (HAK) for a maximum stay of 30
days. They must have a stamped name list or an invitation
letter from a tourist agent registered in Hainan province
and approved by the National Tourism Administration of
China.
- Nationals of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao
People's Dem. Rep., Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam arriving at Guilin (KWL)
and traveling as part of a tourist group (2 or more people)
to Guilin for a maximum stay of 6 days. Tours must be
organized by a travel agent registered in China (People's
Rep.).
- Tourists traveling in a group organized by a Chinese
international tour operator or registered travel agency for
a maximum stay of 6 days if:
- arriving from Hong Kong or Macao to take a trip to the
Zhujiang Delta in Guangdong province; and
- arriving at/departing from Dongguan (DGM), Guangzhou
(CAN), Huizhou (HUZ), Shantou (SWA), Shenzhen (SZX) or
Zhuhai (ZUH); and
- being a national of a country having diplomatic relations
with China (People's Rep.).

Merchant Seamen:
- Visa required, except for Merchant Seamen who are nationals
of China (People's Rep.).
- Visa required, except for Merchant Seamen who are nationals
of Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei
Darussalam, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Japan, Mauritius, San
Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Tonga and United Arab
Emirates.
- Visa required, except for Merchant Seamen who are nationals
of Poland with a seaman book issued by Poland.
- Visa required, except for Merchant Seamen who are nationals
of Ukraine with a seaman book issued by Ukraine.

Crew Members:
- Visa not required for nationals of:
- United Arab Emirates when traveling on Emirates Airlines.
- Luxembourg.
- Visa is not required for crew members of airlines that have
an agreement with the government of China (People's Rep.)
exempting crew members.
- Crew Members holding a C visa must travel on duty.
Deadheading crew are allowed to enter China (People's Rep.)
to operate commercial/cargo flights out of China (People's
Rep.), if holding:
- a passport, and
- China "C" visa, and
- a company ID, and
- proof of the purpose of travel and trip itinerary, such as
a general declaration (GENDEC) or company letter which has
been submitted to China Inspection and Quarantine.

Military:
- Same regulations as for passengers apply.

Visa Issuance:
- Passengers with a national ID card issued by Chinese Taipei
(Taiwan Identity Card) and a Chinese Taipei (on the cover:
Republic of China Taiwan) passport can obtain a visa on
arrival at Beijing (PEK), Chengdu (CTU), Fuzhou (FOC),
Guilin (KWL), Haikou (HAK), Jinan (TNA), Ningbo (NGB),
Qingdao (TAO), Sanya (SYX), Shenyang (SHE), Shenzhen (SZX),
Wuhan (WUH), Wuxi (WUX), Xi An (XIY) and Xiamen (XMN) for a
maximum stay of 3 months. They must have 2 passport photos.
- Passengers with a national ID card issued by Chinese Taipei
(Taiwan Identity Card) and a Chinese Taipei (on the cover:
Republic of China Taiwan) passport can obtain a visa on
arrival at Changchun (CGQ), Changzhou (CZX), Chongqing
(CKG), Dalian (DLC), Guiyang (KWE), Hailar (HLD), Harbin
(HRB), Hefei (HFE), Huangshan (TXN), Kunming (KMG), Nanchang
(KHN), Nanning (NNG), Quanzhou (JJN), Taiyuan (TYN), Tianjin
(TSN) , Urumqi (URC), Weihai (WEH), Xining (XNN), Xuzhou
(XUZ), Yancheng (YNZ), Yanji (YNJ), Yantai (YNT), Yinchuan
(INC) and Zhangjiajie (DYG) for a maximum stay of 3 months.
They must have 2 passport photos.
- Passengers with a national ID card issued by Chinese Taipei
(Taiwan Identity Card) and a Chinese Taipei (on the cover:
Republic of China Taiwan) passport can obtain a visa on
arrival at Shanghai: Hongqiao (SHA) and Pudong (PVG) for a
maximum stay of 3 months. The passenger must have never
applied for a Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents
(Tai Bao Zheng) or the passenger must have an expired
Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents (Tai Bao Zheng).
They must have 2 passport photos.
- Passengers with a national ID card issued by Chinese Taipei
(Taiwan Identity Card) and a Chinese Taipei (on the cover:
Republic of China Taiwan) passport can obtain a visa on
arrival at Hangzhou (HGH) and Nanjing (NKG) for a maximum
stay of 3 months. They must have 2 passport photos.
- Passengers with a national ID card issued by Chinese Taipei
(Taiwan Identity Card) and a Chinese Taipei (on the cover:
Republic of China Taiwan) passport can obtain a visa on
arrival at Guangzhou (CAN) for a maximum stay of 3 months.
The passenger must
- have never applied for a Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan
Residents (Tai Bao Zheng) and have 2 passport photos; or
- have an expired Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan
Residents (Tai Bao Zheng) and have 2 passport photos.
The visa on arrival facility is available from 09:00 until
22:30 and the carrier must obtain a pre-clearance after
informing immigration authorities.
- Passengers with a national ID card issued by Chinese Taipei
(Taiwan Identity Card) and a Chinese Taipei (on the cover:
Republic of China Taiwan) passport can obtain a visa on
arrival at Zhengzhou (CGO) for a maximum stay of 3 months.
They must have 2 passport photos. The passenger must not
arrive on a direct flight from Chinese Taipei. Before
departure, notification must be sent by the carrier to CGO
immigration.
- Passengers with a national ID card issued by Chinese Taipei
(Taiwan Identity Card) and a Chinese Taipei (on the cover:
Republic of China Taiwan) passport can obtain a visa on
arrival at Wenzhou (WNZ) for a maximum stay of 3 months.
They must have 2 photos and carriers must notify the WNZ
immigration office before departure.
- Passengers with a national ID card issued by Chinese Taipei
(Taiwan Identity Card) and a Chinese Taipei (on the cover:
Republic of China Taiwan) passport can obtain a visa on
arrival at Changsha (CSX) for a maximum stay of 3 months.
They must have 2 photos and carriers must send a telex
notification and a filled application form to the CSX
immigration office before departure.
- Passengers with a Port Visa Notification can obtain a visa
on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
- Nationals of Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam,
Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Rep.,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Japan, Korea (Rep.), Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco,
Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia
(Rep.), Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Fed.,
Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, USA and Ukraine with a normal passport can
obtain a visa on arrival at Haikou (HAK) for a maximum stay
of 15 days. They must have a passport valid for at least 6
months on arrival and 2 passport photos.
Payable in cash and local currency only.
- Passengers with a British passport with nationality British
Citizen can obtain a visa on arrival at Haikou (HAK) for a
maximum stay of 15 days. They must have a passport valid for
at least 6 months on arrival and 2 passport photos.
Payable in cash and local currency only.
- Nationals of Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam,
Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Rep.,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
Iceland, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands,
New Zealand, North Macedonia (Rep.), Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Russian Fed., Serbia, Singapore,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA and
Ukraine with a normal passport can obtain a visa on arrival
at Sanya (SYX) for a maximum stay of 15 days. They must
have:
- a passport valid for at least 6 months on arrival; and
- 2 passport photos; and
- a hotel reservation; and
- an invitation letter from Tourist Agency or other
corporations/organizers/sponsors; and
- contact information from a local person; and
- documents that prove the purpose of visit.
Payable in cash only. Local currency or US Dollars are
accepted.
Carriers must notify the SYX immigration office before
departure.
- Nationals of Korea (Rep.) with a normal passport can obtain
a visa on arrival at Sanya (SYX) for a maximum stay of 15
days. Their personal number on the bio-date page does not
start with 125 or 225. They must have:
- a passport valid for at least 6 months on arrival; and
- 2 passport photos; and
- a hotel reservation; and
- an invitation letter from Tourist Agency or other
corporations/organizers/sponsors; and
- contact information from a local person; and
- documents that prove the purpose of visit.
Payable in cash only. Local currency or U.S dollar are
accepted.
Carriers must notify the SYX immigration office before
departure.
- Passengers with a British passport with nationality British
Citizen can obtain a visa on arrival at Sanya (SYX) for a
maximum stay of 15 days. They must have:
- a passport valid for at least 6 months on arrival; and
- 2 passport photos; and
- a hotel reservation; and
- an invitation letter from Tourist Agency or other
corporations/organizers/sponsors; and
- contact information from a local person; and
- documents that prove the purpose of visit.
Payable in cash only. Local currency or US dollar are
accepted.
Carriers must notify the SYX immigration office before
departure.
- Passengers with a normal passport can obtain a visa on
arrival at Beijing (PEK) for a maximum stay of 3 months if
they have confirmation that a visa has been approved before
departure. The airline must fax all documents to the
station manager prior to arrival and the passenger must
- have a confirmation from the Immigration authorities that
the visa will be issued on arrival; and
- passport contains at least 1 blank visa page for the
sticker-type visa; and
- have 2 passport photos and a letter of invitation issued
by the Chinese authorities or by a sponsor (approved by
Chinese authorities), who must meet passenger on arrival.
They can apply to extend their stay up to 6 months with an
Immigration judge (if coming on business purposes) (SEE NOTE
46798) (SEE NOTE 74203) (SEE NOTE 74206)
NOTE 46798: This does not apply to passengers with a
Chinese Taipei (on the cover: Republic of China Taiwan)
passport.
NOTE 74203: This does not apply to passengers with a Hong
Kong (SAR China) passport.
NOTE 74206: This does not apply to passengers with a Macao
(SAR China) passport.
- Passengers with a normal passport can obtain a visa on
arrival at Chengdu (CTU), Shanghai (Hongqiao (SHA) or Pudong
(PVG) for a maximum stay of 1 month if they have
confirmation that a visa has been approved before departure.
The passenger must:
- have a letter of invitation issued by the Chinese
authorities, confirmation from the Immigration authorities
that the visa will be issued on arrival, 2 passport photos
and a confirmed return/onward ticket; and
- passport contains at least one blank visa page; and
- a sponsor (approved by Chinese authorities) meets
passenger on arrival.
(SEE NOTE 46798) (SEE NOTE 74203) (SEE NOTE 74206)
NOTE 46798: This does not apply to passengers with a
Chinese Taipei (on the cover: Republic of China Taiwan)
passport.
NOTE 74203: This does not apply to passengers with a Hong
Kong (SAR China) passport.
NOTE 74206: This does not apply to passengers with a Macao
(SAR China) passport.
- Passengers with a normal passport can obtain a visa on
arrival at Fuzhou (FOC) or Xiamen (XMN) for a maximum stay
of 1 month if they have confirmation that a visa has been
approved before departure. The passenger must
- have a letter of invitation issued by the Chinese
authorities, confirmation from the Immigration authorities
that the visa will be issued on arrival, 2 passport photos
and a confirmed return/onward ticket; and
- passport contains at least 1 blank visa page; and
- a sponsor (approved by Chinese authorities) meets
passenger on arrival. (SEE NOTE 2558) (SEE NOTE 2565) (SEE
NOTE 46798) (SEE NOTE 74203) (SEE NOTE 74206)
NOTE 2558: Facility not applicable to:
- nationals of Afghanistan, France, Iran, Iraq, Mauritania,
Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey and USA;
- stateless persons and refugees.
NOTE 2565: Facility not applicable to:
- nationals of Canada, Israel, Korea (Rep.), South Africa
and Vatican City (Holy See);
- holders of British passports.
NOTE 46798: This does not apply to passengers with a
Chinese Taipei (on the cover: Republic of China Taiwan)
passport.
NOTE 74203: This does not apply to passengers with a Hong
Kong (SAR China) passport.
NOTE 74206: This does not apply to passengers with a Macao
(SAR China) passport.
- Passengers who are part of tourist groups of travel agencies
belonging to the Zhejiang Province can obtain a visa on
arrival at Hangzhou (HGH) for a maximum stay of 1 month.
(SEE NOTE 46798) (SEE NOTE 74203) (SEE NOTE 74206)
NOTE 46798: This does not apply to passengers with a
Chinese Taipei (on the cover: Republic of China Taiwan)
passport.
NOTE 74203: This does not apply to passengers with a Hong
Kong (SAR China) passport.
NOTE 74206: This does not apply to passengers with a Macao
(SAR China) passport.
- Passengers with a normal passport arriving at Chongqing
(CKG), Guangzhou (CAN), Guilin (KWL), Haikou (HAK), Kunming
(KMG), Qingdao (TAO), Sanya (SYX), Shenzhen (SZX), Weihai
(WEH), Xi An (XIY) and Yantai (YNT) can obtain a visa on
arrival if they have confirmation that a visa has been
approved before departure and:
- that a visa will be issued on arrival; and
- passport contains at least 1 blank visa page for the
sticker-type visa; and
- a sponsor (approved by Chinese authorities) meets
passenger on arrival.
They can apply to extend their stay.
(SEE NOTE 2558) (SEE NOTE 2568) (SEE NOTE 46798) (SEE NOTE
74203) (SEE NOTE 74206)
NOTE 2558: Facility not applicable to:
- nationals of Afghanistan, France, Iran, Iraq, Mauritania,
Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey and USA;
- stateless persons and refugees.
NOTE 2568: Passengers with a British passport are required
to hold a letter of invitation by the Chinese authorities
and 1 passport photo.
NOTE 46798: This does not apply to passengers with a
Chinese Taipei (on the cover: Republic of China Taiwan)
passport.
NOTE 74203: This does not apply to passengers with a Hong
Kong (SAR China) passport.
NOTE 74206: This does not apply to passengers with a Macao
(SAR China) passport.
- Passengers with a Chinese Taipei (on the cover: Republic of
China Taiwan) passport and a national ID card issued by
Chinese Taipei (Taiwan Identity Card) can obtain a transit
visa at Beijing (PEK), Changchun (CGQ), Changsha (CSX),
Changzhou (CZX), Chengdu (CTU), Chongqing (CKG), Dalian
(DLC), Fuzhou (FOC), Guangzhou (CAN), Guilin (KWL), Guiyang
(KWE), Haikou (HAK), Hailar (HLD), Hangzhou (HGH), Harbin
(HRB), Hefei (HFE), Huangshan (TXN), Jinan (TNA), Kunming
(KMG), Nanchang (KHN), Nanjing (NKG), Nanning (NNG), Ningbo
(NGB), Qingdao (TAO), Quanzhou (JJN), Sanya (SYX), Shanghai:
Hongqiao (SHA) and Pudong (PVG), Shenyang (SHE), Shenzhen
(SZX), Taiyuan (TYN), Tianjin (TSN) , Urumqi (URC), Weihai
(WEH), Wenzhou (WNZ), Wuhan (WUH), Wuxi (WUX), Xiamen (XMN)
Xi An (XIY), Xining (XNN), Xuzhou (XUZ), Yancheng (YNZ),
Yanji (YNJ), Yantai (YNT), Yinchuan (INC), Zhangjiajie (DYG)
and Zhengzhou (CGO) for a maximum of 3 months. They must
have 2 passport photos.

Additional Information:
- Extension of stay possible for holders of normal passports
issued to nationals of Brunei Darussalam, Japan and
Singapore by applying for a visa at an Exit & Entry
Administration Ministry of Public Security Office.
- Valid visas or resident permits in expired passports are
accepted if holding a new valid passport of the same
nationality. The personal information on both passports must
be the same.
- When a visa is used, a round entry stamp is placed in the
passport (i.e. a used single entry visa contains one round
entry stamp, a used double entry visa contains two round
entry stamps).
- Passengers traveling to Tibet must hold a special Tibet
Entry Permit.

Minors:
- An individual visa is not required for children traveling on
the passport of a parent or guardian, if their name is
endorsed in the visa of the passport holder.

Warning:
- Nationals of Afghanistan and Iraq with a service passport
must hold a visa issued in their home country. If visa is
issued in a third country, a residence permit or working
permit is also required.
- Nationals of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan and
Turkey with a normal passport must hold a visa issued in
their home country. If visa is issued in a third country, a
residence permit or working permit is also required.
- Holders of normal passports issued to nationals of Sri Lanka
must hold a visa issued in their home country. If visa is
issued in a third country, a residence permit or working
permit is also required.
- Stamped residence permits are not valid for entry.
- Visitors not holding return/onward tickets could be refused
entry.







China Forum Ambassadors: moondog----------anacapamalibu----------jiejie----------mnredfox

Print Wikipost

China 24, 72, and 144 hour Transit Without Visa ("TWOV") rules master thread

Old Sep 12, 2017, 2:20 pm
  #3451  
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 16
I purchased a ticket over a month ago from LAX - CAN (Guangzhou) to Kathmandu. Return is Kathmandu - CAN - LAX.

I purchased the flight with a 17 hr layover, believing that I would be able to enjoy the city as a bonus and be eligible under the "Tourist Without a Visa" 72hr exempt rule, as a USA citizen.

I am now seeing on this thread title that as of the end of AUG 2017, this is no longer allowed? Can anyone verify this? When I called China Southern Airlines, they told me to call the embassy to verify but that this is only meant for certain nationalities.

I am heavily confused as there is no other literature online regarding this abrupt change.
alexinc is offline  
Old Sep 12, 2017, 5:15 pm
  #3452  
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 16
Originally Posted by alexinc
I purchased a ticket over a month ago from LAX - CAN (Guangzhou) to Kathmandu. Return is Kathmandu - CAN - LAX.

I purchased the flight with a 17 hr layover, believing that I would be able to enjoy the city as a bonus and be eligible under the "Tourist Without a Visa" 72hr exempt rule, as a USA citizen.

I am now seeing on this thread title that as of the end of AUG 2017, this is no longer allowed? Can anyone verify this? When I called China Southern Airlines, they told me to call the embassy to verify but that this is only meant for certain nationalities.

I am heavily confused as there is no other literature online regarding this abrupt change.
OK, I think I understand. They are limiting the 24 TWOV restrictions but the 72 hr remains the same. The difference being many more countries are on the approved 24 hr list than 72 hr list.

Now here's my question: how do I differentiate, at immigration, on which one I ask for? If 72 hour one remains the same I prefer less bothersome and potential to get "refused at entry." possibility with the 24 hour one. Is it even possible to differentiate between the two?
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Old Sep 12, 2017, 7:47 pm
  #3453  
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Location: AU
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Posts: 14,393
Originally Posted by alexinc
OK, I think I understand. They are limiting the 24 TWOV restrictions but the 72 hr remains the same. The difference being many more countries are on the approved 24 hr list than 72 hr list.

Now here's my question: how do I differentiate, at immigration, on which one I ask for? If 72 hour one remains the same I prefer less bothersome and potential to get "refused at entry." possibility with the 24 hour one. Is it even possible to differentiate between the two?
Ordinarily Chinese immigration will issue you the appropriate entry permit depending on your duration of stay. Less than 24 hours you get 24-hour TWOV. More than 24 hours you get the 72 or 144 depending on your point of entry. Entry stamps filled in manually (as opposed to electronic stickers affixed to your passport) may have further restrictions, limiting your entry to the exact days of your flights (so if you're there 48 hours you get 48 hours, not 72).

We don't have any data points yet for the new arrangements at CAN. If your stay is less than 24 hours, airlines may not look further than the 24-hour TWOV in Timatic. You'd need to point out that 72 hour TWOV is still available.

Once you get to China it shouldn't be an issue. Provided you have a passport from one of the 53 eligible countries, immigration will issue the appropriate entry under the 72 hour TWOV. We don't know if they will look at it as being less than 24 hours, therefore you're only eligible for 24 hours (and hence can no longer get it or leave the airport). Chinese immigration is usually pretty practical, so I'm guessing they'll let you in on the 72 hour version.
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Old Sep 13, 2017, 8:07 am
  #3454  
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
Originally Posted by LHR/MEL/Europe FF
We don't know if they will look at it as being less than 24 hours, therefore you're only eligible for 24 hours (and hence can no longer get it or leave the airport). Chinese immigration is usually pretty practical, so I'm guessing they'll let you in on the 72 hour version.
I'm guessing the opposite, that the deciding factor will be the less-than-24 hours layover, and that the poster will be granted TWOV but not permitted to leave the airport. With 17 hours to kill at CAN, that would be a bummer.
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Old Sep 13, 2017, 9:51 am
  #3455  
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 16
Originally Posted by jiejie
I'm guessing the opposite, that the deciding factor will be the less-than-24 hours layover, and that the poster will be granted TWOV but not permitted to leave the airport. With 17 hours to kill at CAN, that would be a bummer.

For what it's worth, I contacted the 24-hour inquiry hotline of Guangzhou General Station of Immigration Inspection at +86 20 32090088, which was listed on the China Southern website for those concerned about immigration policies and he did not speak English very well but it was enough to the point where he said USA citizens have 72 hours to enter at Guangzhou airport.

I may have my Chinese friend call that number back and ask him to completely verify but that put my mind much more at ease that I won't be stuck at an airport for 15-16 hours.

I would suggest putting an asterik on the wiki as it is appearing more and more so that it is not true that people cannot leave the airport.
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Old Sep 13, 2017, 9:59 am
  #3456  
889
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,087
I've never come across anything suggesting there's any flexibility on the 24-72/144 hour TWOV. If your flight leaves within 24 hours, you get a 24-hour TWOV.

Bear in mind, though, that if the China Southern statement is correct in the details, then leaving the transit area isn't absolutely prohibited now on a 24-hour TWOV, but immigration may well not permit it. If there is in fact flexibility in the prohibition, then coming from a country eligible for a 72-hour TWOV might increase the odds of being let through.
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Old Sep 13, 2017, 1:19 pm
  #3457  
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: LHR
Programs: OWE(BA Gold), *G (TAP), Skyteam Elite+(ITA)
Posts: 20
All- I was certain I was eligible for the 144h TWOV in Shanghai (as a Canadian). I will now be using this itinerary LHR-DOH-PVG-HKG-DOH-BEG and I have put it in the TIMATIC (on United website) and entered China as the transit and HK as the destination, and it no longer references the Shanghai 144h TWOV. It only mentions that I am eligible if you set China as the destination rather than the transit. Any thoughts please, a bit nervous now as I leave on Friday and thought I was Okay.

I have also consulted the Qatar airlines website: https://www.qatarairways.com/en/visa...uirements.html and included the same - China as transit and HK as destination and they also make no reference of the 144h TWOV.

Last edited by interleukin; Sep 13, 2017 at 1:42 pm
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Old Sep 13, 2017, 2:02 pm
  #3458  
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: DL PM 1MM
Posts: 3,436
Originally Posted by interleukin
All- I was certain I was eligible for the 144h TWOV in Shanghai (as a Canadian). I will now be using this itinerary LHR-DOH-PVG-HKG-DOH-BEG and I have put it in the TIMATIC (on United website) and entered China as the transit and HK as the destination, and it no longer references the Shanghai 144h TWOV. It only mentions that I am eligible if you set China as the destination rather than the transit. Any thoughts please, a bit nervous now as I leave on Friday and thought I was Okay.

I have also consulted the Qatar airlines website: https://www.qatarairways.com/en/visa...uirements.html and included the same - China as transit and HK as destination and they also make no reference of the 144h TWOV.
Here's what I get when I enter DOH-PVG-HKG into United TIMATIC for Canadian passport holder:

Transiting without a visa is possible for:

Holders of confirmed onward air, cruise or train tickets for a max. transit time of 24 hours. Transit incl. multiple stops within China (People's Rep.), with a total transit time of max. 24 hours, is permitted. They must travel to a third country.

Nationals of Canada holding confirmed onward air, cruise or train tickets to a third country, arriving and departing from any one of the following locations: Hangzhou (HGH), Nanjing Lukou (NKG), Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) or Shanghai Pudong (PVG) for a maximum of 144 hours, starting from 00:01 on the day following the day of entry.

This also applies to passengers traveling from/to Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal and Shanghai Railway Station.

All transiting passengers are subject to a check by immigration. Passengers in transit must hold passports or other documents accepted to enter China (People's Rep.). .
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Old Sep 13, 2017, 3:14 pm
  #3459  
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 16
Originally Posted by 889
I've never come across anything suggesting there's any flexibility on the 24-72/144 hour TWOV. If your flight leaves within 24 hours, you get a 24-hour TWOV.

Bear in mind, though, that if the China Southern statement is correct in the details, then leaving the transit area isn't absolutely prohibited now on a 24-hour TWOV, but immigration may well not permit it. If there is in fact flexibility in the prohibition, then coming from a country eligible for a 72-hour TWOV might increase the odds of being let through.
On China Southern's website, there was a contact for further questions regarding immigration at CAN airport [24-hour inquiry hotline of Guangzhou General Station of Immigration Inspection at +86 20 32090088] and I talked to a guy who did NOT speak English very well but he spoke a little bit. It is quite a nuanced question but he seemed to understand and he asked where I was from, where I am flying to after. I said USA and going to Nepal after but stopping at Guangzhou for 15 hour layover. He said under 72 hours is okay to enter.

I may have to call my Chinese friend to have him speak to them to really get a hundred percent confirmed answer, or perhaps if anyone here is able to speak mandarin and can spare a couple minutes.

Either way, I believe the wiki should have an asterik as that is totally unconfirmed as to not letting ANYONE in under 24 hours appears to not be true. I contacted the China embassy, China Southern, consulted the IATA Timatic, and this 24 hour immigration inspection line and they seem to all point out that if you are eligible for the 72 hr TWOV program, you will be let in, even under 24 hours.
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Old Sep 14, 2017, 6:24 am
  #3460  
 
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: VA CA DL UA
Posts: 2
Hi,

My family will be travelling to USA this December. We are all Australian citizens. The itinerary is as follow:

21/12/2017 TG466 & TG662 MEL-BKK-PVG (TG issued ticket)
24/12/2017 DL88 PVG-LAX (DL issued ticket)

19/01/2018 DL89 LAX-PVG
24/01/2018 TG665 & TG665 PVG-BKK-MEL

Knowing that we are qualified for 144hr TWOV, I still have doubts about the check-in agent at MEL. I called the Thai office at MEL. The staff was not sure and I was told to send an email. I then emailed all the flight confirmation to them. Two days later, I received a reply from Thai Airways at MEL. Please see the following:

Dear passenger,

In regards to your enquiry transit visa in China Pudong Airport maximum up to 144 hours, Please see the information below.

Passenger travelling with Australian passport and hold the confirmed onward air ticket to a third country.

Transitting in Shanghai ( Pudong International airport ) must be at the same airport.

Please also make sure that you must inform Thai Airways staff during transit in Bangkok that you are travelling to USA via China Pudong Airport with TWOV ( Transit With Out Visa ) in order to forward message to notify Pudong Airport Immigration in advance.
Plesae make sure you must hold all itinerary on hand for Immigration check.

Additionally, I would like to inform you that please contact us once again in early December as the rules and regulation may change by local Immigration so that we can double check if there is any update or not.

------ The Rules for TWOV in Pudong Airport ---------
VISA REQUIRED, EXCEPT FOR NATIONALS OF AUSTRALIA HOLDING
CONFIRMED ONWARD AIR, CRUISE OR TRAIN TICKETS TO A THIRD
COUNTRY, ARRIVING AND DEPARTING FROM ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
LOCATIONS: HANGZHOU (HGH), NANJING LUKOU (NKG), SHANGHAI
HONGQIAO (SHA) OR SHANGHAI PUDONG (PVG) FOR A MAXIMUM OF 144
HOURS, STARTING FROM 00:01 ON THE DAY FOLLOWING THE DAY OF ENTRY.

TRANSIT WITHOUT VISA (TWOV) IS NOT PERMITTED WHEN THE
PASSENGER ARRIVES AND DEPARTS ON DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM/TO USA
AND USA TERRITORY GUAM OR NORTHERN MARIANA ISL.
NOTE 75232: THIS ALSO APPLIES TO PASSENGERS TRAVELING
FROM/TO SHANGHAI PORT INTERNATIONAL CRUISE TERMINAL,
SHANGHAI WUSONGKOU INTERNATIONAL CRUISE TERMINAL AND
SHANGHAI RAILWAY STATION.

ALL TRANSITING PASSENGERS ARE SUBJECT TO A CHECK BY
IMMIGRATION. PASSENGERS IN TRANSIT MUST HOLD PASSPORTS OR
OTHER DOCUMENTS ACCEPTED TO ENTER CHINA (PEOPLE'S REP.). .
FOR DETAILS ON DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS, PLEASE ENTER CHINA
(PEOPLE'S REP.) AS A DESTINATION.

Kind regards,

Tomoko
Passenger Handling Unit, Melbourne
Thai Airways International Public Company Limited
Melbourne Airport – Tullamarine
VIC 3045 , Australia
Tel: +61 3 929 71756 Fax 61 39335 3608

This sounds to me that we will be ok at the check in. I don't think her :PVG only" point was correct however this does not apply to us.

I have also contacted DL. DL's Australia call center is actually located in Singapore. I was told to contact the Embassy. Thanks a lot!

Has anyone had any issues at LAX DL check in?

Thanks!
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Old Sep 14, 2017, 7:31 am
  #3461  
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Join Date: Mar 2001
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Deakin, your itinerary qualifies, as confirmed by Thai airways.

Call centre staff are not always well versed in visa requirements, and referring you to the embassy puts the onus on you, not them (which is perhaps understandable as ultimately it is your responsibility). Airport staff are in the best position when it comes to these issues and your itinerary is very straight forward, with no complications (such as a return to origin with a short transit stop).

Thai advising you to check again before travel is good advice. TWOV rules recently changed in Guangzhou, with no notice.

Bottom line... you're good to go, with a very easy itinerary that is clearly within the rules.
LHR/MEL/Europe FF is offline  
Old Sep 14, 2017, 3:53 pm
  #3462  
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 5
Hi. I am a US citizen flying:
  • LAX to Shanghai (PVG), arriving on 11/5
  • PVG to Hong Kong (HKG) on 11/8
  • Hong Kong (HKG) back to LAX on 11/11

I just want to make sure that this is as straightforward as it seems for a 72 hour TWOV.

Also, what documents do I need? Do I need my HK boarding pass, and if so can I get it that early? And I'm not sure I understand what TIMATIC is?

Thank you very much for your help; I am just very nervous about getting on a flight to Shanghai with no visa, but it seems I don't need one. Appreciate all reassurances!
pinksand is offline  
Old Sep 14, 2017, 4:36 pm
  #3463  
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,393
Originally Posted by pinksand
Hi. I am a US citizen flying:
  • LAX to Shanghai (PVG), arriving on 11/5
  • PVG to Hong Kong (HKG) on 11/8
  • Hong Kong (HKG) back to LAX on 11/11

I just want to make sure that this is as straightforward as it seems for a 72 hour TWOV.

Also, what documents do I need? Do I need my HK boarding pass, and if so can I get it that early? And I'm not sure I understand what TIMATIC is?

Thank you very much for your help; I am just very nervous about getting on a flight to Shanghai with no visa, but it seems I don't need one. Appreciate all reassurances!
Hi and welcome to FT!

Your itinerary is compliant. You need to present your onward ticket, not boarding pass.

The wiki at the top of this thread contains a lot more information, including about TIMATIC. If you have any questions after that you can ask here.
LHR/MEL/Europe FF is offline  
Old Sep 14, 2017, 4:57 pm
  #3464  
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: TPE, SF, DC
Programs: UA Lifetime GS 4mm
Posts: 890
Originally Posted by pinksand
Hi. I am a US citizen flying:
  • LAX to Shanghai (PVG), arriving on 11/5
  • PVG to Hong Kong (HKG) on 11/8
  • Hong Kong (HKG) back to LAX on 11/11

I just want to make sure that this is as straightforward as it seems for a 72 hour TWOV.

Also, what documents do I need? Do I need my HK boarding pass, and if so can I get it that early? And I'm not sure I understand what TIMATIC is?

Thank you very much for your help; I am just very nervous about getting on a flight to Shanghai with no visa, but it seems I don't need one. Appreciate all reassurances!
Originally Posted by LHR/MEL/Europe FF
Hi and welcome to FT!

Your itinerary is compliant. You need to present your onward ticket, not boarding pass.

The wiki at the top of this thread contains a lot more information, including about TIMATIC. If you have any questions after that you can ask here.
Welcome to FT.
Please clarify if you are flying AA or Delta or UA.
It is widely understood that AA or Delta will give lots of grief trying to get boarding pass for LAX-PVG on TWOV [e.g. you may not succeed because agents lack training].
UA is slightly better experience because some agents have experience with TWOV while others don't, so you need to have hard-copy printout of TIMATIC rules[listed in wiki] and hotel rsv and onward ticket confirmation info.
Regardless of airline, be prepared to arrive early [allocate at least 2 hours to be safe] at intl departure check-in counter for extended check-in procedure to issue boarding pass with TWOV.

Last edited by npei; Sep 14, 2017 at 5:20 pm
npei is offline  
Old Sep 14, 2017, 5:18 pm
  #3465  
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 5
Originally Posted by npei
Welcome to FT.
Please clarify if you are flying AA or Delta or UA.
It is widely understood that AA or Delta will give lots of grief trying to get boarding pass for LAX-PVG on TWOV [e.g. you may not succeed because agents lack training].
UA is slightly better experience because some agents have experience with TWOV while others dont', so you need to have hard-copy printout of TIMATIC rules[listed in wiki] and hotel rsv and onward ticket confirmation info
I am flying AA.

So, do I need to copy & paste the TIMATIC into a Word Doc and print it out and bring it with me? I'm sorry I'm so stupid.
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