Originally Posted by
RetiredATLATC
I guess I'm confused by the term "transit" in this case. For some reason I can't wrap my head around it.
Usually when I'm transiting an airport with a layover I'm staying in the transit area of the airport and not entering the country. I was going to stay at a hotel next to the airport, so am I still "transiting" or am I "entering" the country. And if I'm entering do I need a different type of visa?
If it matters in this case I'm a US citizen with many years left in my passport.
Thanks again, and sorry for seeming so dense.
You will be entering the country.
As you do not have a visa, the basis of your entry is " Transit Without Visa", in which you are
transiting from one country to another via China. This allows a stay up to 144 hours in the region of arrival.
If you were not transiting to a third country ( i.e. returning to Japan where you came from), you
would not be permitted to enter the country without a visa.