Current China Entry policy
Mar 17, 2023 | 2:13 pm
#2761
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: LON
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 5,142
I'm not sure if it's currently true but I seem to recall that when you used to apply for the multi-year visas it didn't really matter what you ticked on the form, the consulate gave you whatever length of time visa they wanted to, at least this was the case in the UK. If you had no or limited travel history to China you would be unlikely to get a multi-year visa.
Mar 17, 2023 | 2:20 pm
#2762
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 2MM
Posts: 7,868
I'm not sure if it's currently true but I seem to recall that when you used to apply for the multi-year visas it didn't really matter what you ticked on the form, the consulate gave you whatever length of time visa they wanted to, at least this was the case in the UK. If you had no or limited travel history to China you would be unlikely to get a multi-year visa.
You sure that's right? Never heard of that before.
Maybe the UK is like Canada (and unlike USA) in that the Visa is only issued up to the date of passport expiration?
Mar 17, 2023 | 9:54 pm
#2763
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: RBKC
Programs: AA EXP and Eurostar Carte Blanche
Posts: 4,130
Mar 17, 2023 | 10:06 pm
#2764
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,382
Pre-Covid and after reciprocity took hold, 10 years was the default for L, M, F, and Q visas issued in the US to US passport holders. If you wanted more days/stay, you might have needed to accept a shorter total validity period (e.g. 2 years).
Mar 18, 2023 | 5:16 am
#2765
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: LON
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 5,142
Yeh, I think it was different for US passports (and there was different pricing). It would be useful to get some feedback from those applying for visas what they end up with these days, US and elsewhere.
Mar 18, 2023 | 8:16 am
#2766
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 7,359
So, sounds like both China & HK have more or less unofficially abandoned the testing regimes. Any clue on when this becomes official?
Mar 18, 2023 | 10:32 am
#2767
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,382
So, sounds like both China & HK have more or less unofficially abandoned the testing regimes. Any clue on when this becomes official?
Last edited by moondog; Mar 18, 2023 at 10:43 am
Mar 19, 2023 | 1:11 am
#2768
Join Date: Feb 2023
Posts: 13
Thailand to Beijing
Hi all. I posted this in the TWOV thead too bit maybe its better to post it here. I will go on a short trip to Thailand. After this I will fly from Bangkok direct to Beijing with Thai Airways. 5 days later I will fly back to the Netherlands. Im a dutch citizen btw. Did this before, so Im guessing the 144 hour TWOV is no problem? Also a bit confused, since Ill fly out from Thailand I dont need a PCR test right? Or does that only apply to Thai nationals? So my question is Am I ok for the TWOV and what do I need to do testing wise? Ive read a self test is also ok? But how would you peoof that?Thanks all!
Mar 19, 2023 | 1:26 am
#2769
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,285
Remember that your flights to/from Beijing can't make any other stops in China, and the flight out of Beijing must also not make its first stop in Thailand.
Mar 19, 2023 | 1:55 am
#2770
Join Date: Feb 2023
Posts: 13
Just confused about the testing. Since flight from Thailand dont need a pcr test anymore...
Mar 19, 2023 | 10:54 am
#2771
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 173
Is transiting allowed? For example if final destination is PEK/PKX but I find a good fare that transits for example, PVG or SZX before going to Beijing?
Mar 19, 2023 | 2:50 pm
#2772
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SIN (with a bit of ZRH sprinkled in)
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold
Posts: 9,606
Yes of course, why wouldn’t it?
you enter China at place X then take a domestic flight to Z, or a train, or whatever. No more regulations..
you enter China at place X then take a domestic flight to Z, or a train, or whatever. No more regulations..
Mar 19, 2023 | 3:00 pm
#2773
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,285
On a visa of course you can transit in China en route to Beijing.
But if you're entering on TWOV your flight cannot make any stops in China en route to Beijing.
But if you're entering on TWOV your flight cannot make any stops in China en route to Beijing.
Mar 19, 2023 | 3:01 pm
#2774
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SIN (with a bit of ZRH sprinkled in)
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold
Posts: 9,606
This isn’t the TWOV thread, and the person asking didn’t asked about TWOV, either.. so not sure why you think it should be about TWOV?
Mar 20, 2023 | 3:40 am
#2775
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: HKG
Posts: 1,397
Hi all. I posted this in the TWOV thead too bit maybe its better to post it here. I will go on a short trip to Thailand. After this I will fly from Bangkok direct to Beijing with Thai Airways. 5 days later I will fly back to the Netherlands. Im a dutch citizen btw. Did this before, so Im guessing the 144 hour TWOV is no problem? Also a bit confused, since Ill fly out from Thailand I dont need a PCR test right? Or does that only apply to Thai nationals? So my question is Am I ok for the TWOV and what do I need to do testing wise? Ive read a self test is also ok? But how would you peoof that?Thanks all!