skywardhunter

I recently flew BHX-DXB and on to HYD on separate ticket. I require visas for both Dubai and India. I simply showed my onward ticket at check-in (visa question not asked yet I proactively mentioned it when asked "just flying to Dubai tonight?") And accepted without further question. They never asked whether I had a visa for India. I think Ek staff are relatively chilled compared to other airlines and as mentioned the system (timatic) has the info so there really should be no issue.

MSPeconomist

It is ***NOT*** a visa. You're talking about transit WITHOUT visa, called TWOV on FT. There's a huge sticky thread about it in the China forum.

It's true that China has been giving ten year visas to USA citizens, but the cost is $160 plus photos and visa service agency fees. I don't know whether you get ten years if you apply outside of the USA, but I've heard that the answer is no if you get the visa in Hong Kong for instance.

In addition to the hard copies mentioned in an earlier post, with both confirmed reservations and ticket receipts for all flights, I would bring a printout from TIMATIC showing that you're eligible to enter China as TWOV.

TWOV in China is easy if you follow the rules, but the hard part is getting your airline to allow you to board without an expensive and inconvenient visa that isn't required.

subject2load

Can attest to this, based on my experience in April of last year.

I was questioned extensively (albeit with much courtesy) at Macau airport, by Air Macau when presenting for check-in for my flight to Chengdu, which also is included in the TWOV arrangement. After about 30 minutes of to-ing & fro-ing by various personnel, I was eventually given a boarding pass.

There was then a delay on my arrival at Chengdu whilst immigration officers checked their files/ book of rules etc, gabbled amongst themselves, and questioned me about my proposed stay ; but I was then allowed to proceed, after what I felt was only minor hassle.

vytas315

Thanks for all the advise guys!

Yes, it's linked earlier in this thread. I was continuing here to see if people had experience with Emirates staff interpreting the TWOV rules.

I actually can. I've talked to the agency handling Chinese visas here in Nairobi and they told me that for US citizens they do 10 year visas for about $150 (including their fees).

I'll come armed with the TIMATIC printout and requisite travel documents. It's good to know that Emirates does use TIMATIC and my call with them confirmed that they see the clause about 72 hour TWOV. I'll probably start by saying my final destination is Thailand and at least in NBO that might be the end of the conversation if they don't check the layover times on my Thai airways itinerary, or even notice that my EK itinerary takes me to PEK.

I'll report back in a month!