FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - China 24, 72, and 144 hour Transit Without Visa ("TWOV") rules master thread
Old Sep 5, 2019 | 8:29 am
  #6013  
ianmanka
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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)
The itinerary had me stay a night in PEK, so I needed the 24h entry permit, which necessitated the TWOV process: BKK-CAN-PEK-SEA. I apologize for not using clear language in my post - I was describing the TWOV entry permit process because I was transferring to a domestic Chinese flight and effectively entering the country, thus needed permission to do so.

What LHR/MEL/Europe FF said in their post is accurate:

Originally Posted by LHR/MEL/Europe FF
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.
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