Help! Booked an accidental 23hr layover in Guangzhou
Jun 20, 2011, 7:31 am
#61
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
I first came to the immigration control. The agent sent me to the airline desk near by. There they issued a boarding pass for connecting flight which I didn't get in Hanoi.
Then I went back to the immigration line where they sent me after stamping my passport to the very first desk on my left which had created a pathway going directly back through a side via an one way elevator to terminal security.
Yes, I had a connection same day within 9 hours. I even went back to the normal immigration control and asked agents to leave. After they found one who spoke english, he told me I can't leave as I don't have visa. I explained him I have 9 hours and I knew otherwise. He jsut laughed at me...
Then I went back to the immigration line where they sent me after stamping my passport to the very first desk on my left which had created a pathway going directly back through a side via an one way elevator to terminal security.
Yes, I had a connection same day within 9 hours. I even went back to the normal immigration control and asked agents to leave. After they found one who spoke english, he told me I can't leave as I don't have visa. I explained him I have 9 hours and I knew otherwise. He jsut laughed at me...
Has anybody heard of any other reports of this happening at CAN to anybody? (or other airport, for that matter). Wondering if we have a one-off problem or something systemic at this airport...
Jun 25, 2011, 11:39 pm
#62
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: TUL
Programs: AA Plat, DL FO/1MM, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, National Exec Elite
Posts: 2,102
This thread has been fascinating to read! Thanks FT!
I will be reporting back here about our experience next week at CAN. We will have 9 hours there and will be departing by the "next connecting flight." 2 US Passport holders with no visa. If we make it out, does anyone have any suggestions of a good dumpling restaurant near CAN? Our time on the ground is less than ideal 3PM-12AM, so we likely would only look to have dinner outside and then return. Many of the things we would like to do (Safari Park, White Cloud Mtn.) are closed at 5-6PM.
Thanks!
I will be reporting back here about our experience next week at CAN. We will have 9 hours there and will be departing by the "next connecting flight." 2 US Passport holders with no visa. If we make it out, does anyone have any suggestions of a good dumpling restaurant near CAN? Our time on the ground is less than ideal 3PM-12AM, so we likely would only look to have dinner outside and then return. Many of the things we would like to do (Safari Park, White Cloud Mtn.) are closed at 5-6PM.
Thanks!
Jul 8, 2011, 2:25 am
#63
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: TUL
Programs: AA Plat, DL FO/1MM, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, National Exec Elite
Posts: 2,102
This thread has been fascinating to read! Thanks FT!
I will be reporting back here about our experience next week at CAN. We will have 9 hours there and will be departing by the "next connecting flight." 2 US Passport holders with no visa. If we make it out, does anyone have any suggestions of a good dumpling restaurant near CAN? Our time on the ground is less than ideal 3PM-12AM, so we likely would only look to have dinner outside and then return. Many of the things we would like to do (Safari Park, White Cloud Mtn.) are closed at 5-6PM.
Thanks!
I will be reporting back here about our experience next week at CAN. We will have 9 hours there and will be departing by the "next connecting flight." 2 US Passport holders with no visa. If we make it out, does anyone have any suggestions of a good dumpling restaurant near CAN? Our time on the ground is less than ideal 3PM-12AM, so we likely would only look to have dinner outside and then return. Many of the things we would like to do (Safari Park, White Cloud Mtn.) are closed at 5-6PM.
Thanks!
Well, we were denied. As another poster mentioned, after receiving the diamond stamp we were forced to go around and up an escalator into the terminal. Upon asking if we could leave the airport, they said "no visa, no leave." Bummer!
Jul 8, 2011, 3:54 am
#64
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: HKG
Posts: 1,315
This appears to be a "feature". CAN is in the process of implementing int-to-int transfers without having to go through passport control. As a consequence I suspect the visa-free loophole will no longer be available there.
Aug 23, 2011, 11:39 pm
#66
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: BKK/SEL/YQG
Posts: 2,543
One time, in early 2010, I had a 5-6 hour connection ICN-CAN-REP and was planning to go into the city for lunch.
But I had an immigration agent call for a CZ agent to escort me from the immigration counter, upstairs to checkin, then to the emigration queue. So my 5 hours in town became 5 hours in the old CZ lounge...pretty unlucky.
It only happened that once, and hasn't happened since, in CAN or other Chinese airports.
But I had an immigration agent call for a CZ agent to escort me from the immigration counter, upstairs to checkin, then to the emigration queue. So my 5 hours in town became 5 hours in the old CZ lounge...pretty unlucky.
It only happened that once, and hasn't happened since, in CAN or other Chinese airports.
Aug 31, 2011, 6:27 am
#67
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Shanghai and Bavaria
Programs: Spire RA, 1865 Voyager, Bonvoy Titanium, FB LP, LH SEN.
Posts: 3,104
I can confirm that you must not leave the airport without a visa. There is only a single immigration transfer check.
1. After deboarding your airplane, head to transfer/immigration.
2. Designated transfer immigration desks are on the left. Your passport will be stamped.
3. After that, you will be directed to the escalators to the left right after immigration
4. There is a security check-point. Have your liquids sealed, or say goodbye to them
5. You're back at int'l airside and can board your connecting flight.
Previous Post:
China Southern will provide a hotel for int'l transfers longer than 6 hours. I could not find out which one, but my guess is the Nanfang Hangkong Mingzhu Hotel ("China Southern Pearl Hotel"), a decent Chinese 4 star in close proximity to the airport. It is a typical Chinese hotel, but modern and clean. (I have stayed there).
Furthermore, I again got the reply that CAN will "soon" try out a "visa-free" int'l to int'l transfer; the agent I talked to already knew about the plans.
Moreover, I got a glimpse at the new CZ VIP lounge at CAN - that is certainly an improvement and certainly can keep up with its HKG/ICN counterparts (there's a massage place!).
1. After deboarding your airplane, head to transfer/immigration.
2. Designated transfer immigration desks are on the left. Your passport will be stamped.
3. After that, you will be directed to the escalators to the left right after immigration
4. There is a security check-point. Have your liquids sealed, or say goodbye to them
5. You're back at int'l airside and can board your connecting flight.
Previous Post:
China Southern will provide a hotel for int'l transfers longer than 6 hours. I could not find out which one, but my guess is the Nanfang Hangkong Mingzhu Hotel ("China Southern Pearl Hotel"), a decent Chinese 4 star in close proximity to the airport. It is a typical Chinese hotel, but modern and clean. (I have stayed there).
Furthermore, I again got the reply that CAN will "soon" try out a "visa-free" int'l to int'l transfer; the agent I talked to already knew about the plans.
Moreover, I got a glimpse at the new CZ VIP lounge at CAN - that is certainly an improvement and certainly can keep up with its HKG/ICN counterparts (there's a massage place!).
Last edited by Chinatrvl; Oct 25, 2011 at 9:49 pm Reason: Update
Dec 9, 2011, 6:02 pm
#68
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: UA Plat
Posts: 754
Airport Lounge
So if I show up with a Canadian passport I will be OK, even though I am a dual citizen living in the US?
Or, given that my 22 hour layover (6AM - 10 PM) will have to be in the airport unless I get a Visa (I got one before and it cost me big bucks), is the lounge any good for sleeping? The pictures on Priority Pass look OK, but I would like a first-hand review is possible.
Or, given that my 22 hour layover (6AM - 10 PM) will have to be in the airport unless I get a Visa (I got one before and it cost me big bucks), is the lounge any good for sleeping? The pictures on Priority Pass look OK, but I would like a first-hand review is possible.
Dec 9, 2011, 6:19 pm
#69
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
So if I show up with a Canadian passport I will be OK, even though I am a dual citizen living in the US?
Or, given that my 22 hour layover (6AM - 10 PM) will have to be in the airport unless I get a Visa (I got one before and it cost me big bucks), is the lounge any good for sleeping? The pictures on Priority Pass look OK, but I would like a first-hand review is possible.
Or, given that my 22 hour layover (6AM - 10 PM) will have to be in the airport unless I get a Visa (I got one before and it cost me big bucks), is the lounge any good for sleeping? The pictures on Priority Pass look OK, but I would like a first-hand review is possible.
There's no problem transiting or entering China on any passport you have a legitimate right to use, regardless of where your residence is. Why don't you get a visa on the Canadian passport, which is a lot cheaper than getting it on the US passport? This layover is way too long to stay in the airport, even if you can find a comfortable lounge/place to sleep.
Jan 8, 2014, 11:42 pm
#70
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Programs: Hotels.com Gold
Posts: 168
I know its 2 years late but is there any update on this? I'm potentially booking a trip and could either have a 8 hour layover in CAN or a 4 hour layover. I would love to go spend 4 hours in the city but at the same price its not worth an extra 4 hour layover if I cannot leave.
Jan 9, 2014, 8:19 am
#72
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: China and Canada
Posts: 1,886
I know its 2 years late but is there any update on this? I'm potentially booking a trip and could either have a 8 hour layover in CAN or a 4 hour layover. I would love to go spend 4 hours in the city but at the same price its not worth an extra 4 hour layover if I cannot leave.
Jan 9, 2014, 11:09 am
#73
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
I know its 2 years late but is there any update on this? I'm potentially booking a trip and could either have a 8 hour layover in CAN or a 4 hour layover. I would love to go spend 4 hours in the city but at the same price its not worth an extra 4 hour layover if I cannot leave.
Mar 17, 2016, 3:14 pm
#74
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: It's hot here
Posts: 4,286
So, I don't quite have a 23 hour layover and I am planning on using the 24 hour TWOV... so what is a good little route to walk and maybe grab a bite to eat in a 7 hour layover? Planning to pad each end of the layover for immigration time and I know the train ride into the city isn't short. So, is there a good place for us to get off the train in the city, walk some and see some sights and then head back? I looked at the really easy route of going to Haizhu Square and walking to Culture Park and then taking the train back, but is that area worth walking or should we go the other way?
This will be in the evening. We land at 5:30pm.
This will be in the evening. We land at 5:30pm.
Sep 3, 2016, 2:52 pm
#75
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 14
I'm flying HAN-CAN-YVR with only 2h40m for transit in CAN. I believe that I will need to get a boarding pass at CAN, but I'm not sure whether I will have to pick up my baggage at CAN or not.
My recent experience with a similar trip via Shanghai (HAN-PVG-YVR) was not fun at all. At PVG, I had to get a temporary visa, get my baggage, change terminals by bus, and check in again. The whole process took >3 hours.
Do you think that 2h40m for a transit in CAN is going to be enough for my case? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
My recent experience with a similar trip via Shanghai (HAN-PVG-YVR) was not fun at all. At PVG, I had to get a temporary visa, get my baggage, change terminals by bus, and check in again. The whole process took >3 hours.
Do you think that 2h40m for a transit in CAN is going to be enough for my case? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Last edited by philly20152016; Sep 3, 2016 at 3:15 pm