Originally Posted by
WilcoRoger
Do you really need a TWOV just to transfer without going landside? I take you transferred int'l-int'l, because for domestic TWOV wouldn't work (outside Guangdong)
Yes, you need to be eligible to transit without visa even for immediate airside transfers. in this respect China is no different to any other country.
However, for a direct airside transit you don't need any forms or stamps. It is a pure transit without needing a visa. Almost all nationalities are eligible for TWOV in China.
If you wish to
enter China, either for a domestic connection, or to look around, you will need an
entry permit in addition to being eligible for TWOV. Again, almost all nationalities are eligible, but of course entry is at the discretion of the immigration officer. You can have multiple stops within 24 hours in China using TWOV with an appropriate entry permit.
Longer periods of entry - up to 144 hours - is only permitted for 53 nationalities.