China 72 hour Transit Visa
May 2, 2014, 8:10 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 56
China 72 hour Transit Visa
I am arriving with Delta in PEK and will only be there for less than 72 hours. I heard about this new fee transit visa program. Delta told me to call the consulate, but was curious as some places say it should be requested by the airline. Thank you for any help.
Thank you,
Adam
Thank you,
Adam
May 2, 2014, 8:46 am
#3
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 349
As long as you have proof of your onward journey (i.e., your confirmation email with flight times/numbers, ticket numbers, payment info, etc) and you are heading to a different country from the one you came from, you should have no problems clearing immigration in PEK.
You will likely have some issues convincing the check-in and/or gate agents that you can in fact legally enter China under these circumstances without a visa, so plan on some extra time and hassle at your departure airport.
Also note that while USA-China-USA is not allowed, it is perfectly legal to fly, say, USA-China-NRT-USA or USA-NRT-China-USA, even if you do are just making a connection in NRT and not clearing immigration.
You will likely have some issues convincing the check-in and/or gate agents that you can in fact legally enter China under these circumstances without a visa, so plan on some extra time and hassle at your departure airport.
Also note that while USA-China-USA is not allowed, it is perfectly legal to fly, say, USA-China-NRT-USA or USA-NRT-China-USA, even if you do are just making a connection in NRT and not clearing immigration.
May 2, 2014, 9:58 am
#5
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Minneapolis and Phoenix-2 weeks per month each
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Posts: 476
We just finished an "in transit trip" booked on two separate itineraries . I was over prepared with a download from the Chinese Embassy, a print out of the visa requirements from Timatic, etc. We got to the departing airport (PHX) hours early, and the gate agent agent looked at the onward trip, and said okay, and we were on our way in minutes. In PEK, there are dedicated customs lines for the "in transit". We got through faster than others. It was no big deal, and I would do it again in a flash.
May 2, 2014, 10:11 am
#6
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There's a long and very informative thread on this in the China forum.
OP should note that it is NOT a 72 hour transit VISA but rather a rule that permits transit WITHOUT visa. Calling it a 72 hour visa will only cause confusion.
When I did this, I had trouble with DL agents at NRT not wanting to let me board, then wanting me to make a reservation to spend three days in some airport hotel at PVG. YMMV.
OP should note that it is NOT a 72 hour transit VISA but rather a rule that permits transit WITHOUT visa. Calling it a 72 hour visa will only cause confusion.
When I did this, I had trouble with DL agents at NRT not wanting to let me board, then wanting me to make a reservation to spend three days in some airport hotel at PVG. YMMV.
May 2, 2014, 12:06 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2012
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Semi-related... I'll be in HKG for several days later this year, and was thinking about doing a day tripper to Shenzhen (a short train ride away, but in mainland China).
Is the only option for a US citizen a full blown visa? I've gotten Chinese tourist visas before, but I don't have a current one, and would rather not go through the trouble and expense ($130) for this one time use for under a day.
Is the only option for a US citizen a full blown visa? I've gotten Chinese tourist visas before, but I don't have a current one, and would rather not go through the trouble and expense ($130) for this one time use for under a day.
May 2, 2014, 12:10 pm
#8
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Semi-related... I'll be in HKG for several days later this year, and was thinking about doing a day tripper to Shenzhen (a short train ride away, but in mainland China).
Is the only option for a US citizen a full blown visa? I've gotten Chinese tourist visas before, but I don't have a current one, and would rather not go through the trouble and expense ($130) for this one time use for under a day.
Is the only option for a US citizen a full blown visa? I've gotten Chinese tourist visas before, but I don't have a current one, and would rather not go through the trouble and expense ($130) for this one time use for under a day.
May 2, 2014, 12:12 pm
#9
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Kingdom of the Sun
Programs: DL GM/MM
Posts: 3,708
Semi-related... I'll be in HKG for several days later this year, and was thinking about doing a day tripper to Shenzhen (a short train ride away, but in mainland China).
Is the only option for a US citizen a full blown visa? I've gotten Chinese tourist visas before, but I don't have a current one, and would rather not go through the trouble and expense ($130) for this one time use for under a day.
Is the only option for a US citizen a full blown visa? I've gotten Chinese tourist visas before, but I don't have a current one, and would rather not go through the trouble and expense ($130) for this one time use for under a day.
May 2, 2014, 12:32 pm
#10
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Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,403
BTW, Macau has frequent hydrofoil service from several points in Hong Kong, including the airport before you go through immigration and customs to enter Hong Kong. Or you can return from Macau to the airport and also avoid the step of entering Hong Kong. Check the rules and required time if you decide to do it this way.
May 2, 2014, 5:55 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2012
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Ever heard of the mega geek markets for electronic components? That's my target destination.
As for mainland China, I've visited that a fair amount already, not enough to call myself an expert, but this time around just a day in Shenzhen will do.
May 2, 2014, 8:44 pm
#13
Join Date: Dec 2011
Programs: DL DM PM
Posts: 2,033
I'm doing the same (SGN via PVG and RT the same). Has anyone had any trouble at the US end on the outbound with DL agents demanding Chinese visas? It seems to me they usually check for this and in my case there will be no visa (except for Vietnam).
May 2, 2014, 8:55 pm
#14
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May 4, 2014, 6:53 pm
#15
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Ever heard of the mega geek markets for electronic components? That's my target destination.