Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
Yes, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macao all do not count as being within China for TWOV. However, you could also do MSP-SEA-PVG stay up to 72 hours PVG-NRT-MSP under TWOV; you don't need to stay in Hong Kong or any other country before returning to the USA, you just need to have a flight segment from PVG to any airport that isn't in the USA. Note, however, that your flight out of China cannot be standby so NRSA isn't allowed for TWOV. You must have a confirmed reservation and ticket (receipt with ticket number) for you departure within 72 hours.
I know I need to confirm a ticket out of China, standby won't work. (Though I can NRSA on all other portions). I also know I could use Tokyo or Seoul or Bangkok, and not stay in those countries.
SHA-HKG tickets are the least expensive I could find, hence why I want to do HKG. TYO and ICN aren't bad, but I travel on the cheap and HKG would be easiest. Plus, I could see both Shanghai and Hong Kong, two cities very high on my list.
Thanks for the prompt response FT. Now to plan my trip...and print out Timatic documentation as I'm 99% sure I'll get a fight from the Gate Agents in SEA.
