Jan 13, 2024, 10:15 am
Last edit by: moondog
Notice: This thread pertains strictly to visa free transit.
China (the PRC) has several programs that permit travelers with most passports to transit in China without the need to obtain a visa for periods of 24, 72, or 144 hours. These policies are commonly referred to as "transit without visa", "TWOV", or "visa free transit". They have almost completely replaced transit visas, but technically aren't visas.
This thread is functionally the same as its archived predecessor:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chin...er-thread.html
What's more, the information contained in the wikipost of the previous thread is still (as of 2024) reasonably accurate. However, since that wikipost had evolved into a long and tedious read, we decided to start anew.
Following are summaries of some of the key points:
1. "transit", in the case of all TWOV policies, requires entering and exiting China directly from different countries. For example, USA-China-Japan is okay, while Japan-China-Japan is not, even if you don't actually enter Japan in either direction (i.e. LAX-TYO-SHA is regarded as TYO-SHA).
2. Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau are functionally regarded as separate entities for the sake of TWOV, mean routings such as Hong Kong - Shanghai - Macau are permitted.
3. 24-hour TWOV applies to most combinations of conceivable ports of entries/exits, whereas 72 and 144 TWOV is restricted to travel within specific zones (e.g. if you enter China via Shanghai, you are required to remain within the boundaries of Shanghai/Jiangsu/Zhejiang during your stay and must exit from an approved checkpoint within the same area).
4. Your first port of entry in China establishes your zone, and this is the case even for flights that make intermediate stops within China (e.g. CA154 HIJ-PEK stops in DLC, so if you want 144 TVOW, you need to terminate in Dalian and remain within Liaoning Province, and if terminate in Beijing, you'll need to depart China within 24 hours of your arrival in DLC).
5. Visitors to this thread are welcome to provide specific itineraries for us to comment on here, but we encourage you to query TIMATIC (there are numerous free TIMATIC interfaces available on the internet, some better than others) for your specific case first because approved ports change from time to time and there are some variances based on passport/citizenship.
6. In order to avail of TWOV, you should be prepared to demonstrate compliance with both your inbound transportation provider (almost certainly an airline) and at the arrival border checkpoint. Proof of onward travel within the applicable time frame (i.e. 24, 72, or 144 hours) is essential, so even if your plan is to walk across an approved land border upon exit, you may well be denied boarding if you fail to produce a confirmed onward plane/boat/bus ticket.
7. Proof of accommodation in China is not technically required, BUT reserving a hotel room, for at least the first night, is advisable because doing so preempts "where are you staying?" conversations and staying in a hotel will ensure compliance with the "all foreigners must register with a PSB within 24/72 hours" rule.
8. In some cases (e.g. daytime layovers within the same terminal facility), applicants for 24-hour TWOV might be permitted to transit, but denied permits to enter the country. There are a number of ways to minimize (or completely eliminate) the odds of being denied an entry permit.
China (the PRC) has several programs that permit travelers with most passports to transit in China without the need to obtain a visa for periods of 24, 72, or 144 hours. These policies are commonly referred to as "transit without visa", "TWOV", or "visa free transit". They have almost completely replaced transit visas, but technically aren't visas.
This thread is functionally the same as its archived predecessor:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chin...er-thread.html
What's more, the information contained in the wikipost of the previous thread is still (as of 2024) reasonably accurate. However, since that wikipost had evolved into a long and tedious read, we decided to start anew.
Following are summaries of some of the key points:
1. "transit", in the case of all TWOV policies, requires entering and exiting China directly from different countries. For example, USA-China-Japan is okay, while Japan-China-Japan is not, even if you don't actually enter Japan in either direction (i.e. LAX-TYO-SHA is regarded as TYO-SHA).
2. Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau are functionally regarded as separate entities for the sake of TWOV, mean routings such as Hong Kong - Shanghai - Macau are permitted.
3. 24-hour TWOV applies to most combinations of conceivable ports of entries/exits, whereas 72 and 144 TWOV is restricted to travel within specific zones (e.g. if you enter China via Shanghai, you are required to remain within the boundaries of Shanghai/Jiangsu/Zhejiang during your stay and must exit from an approved checkpoint within the same area).
4. Your first port of entry in China establishes your zone, and this is the case even for flights that make intermediate stops within China (e.g. CA154 HIJ-PEK stops in DLC, so if you want 144 TVOW, you need to terminate in Dalian and remain within Liaoning Province, and if terminate in Beijing, you'll need to depart China within 24 hours of your arrival in DLC).
5. Visitors to this thread are welcome to provide specific itineraries for us to comment on here, but we encourage you to query TIMATIC (there are numerous free TIMATIC interfaces available on the internet, some better than others) for your specific case first because approved ports change from time to time and there are some variances based on passport/citizenship.
6. In order to avail of TWOV, you should be prepared to demonstrate compliance with both your inbound transportation provider (almost certainly an airline) and at the arrival border checkpoint. Proof of onward travel within the applicable time frame (i.e. 24, 72, or 144 hours) is essential, so even if your plan is to walk across an approved land border upon exit, you may well be denied boarding if you fail to produce a confirmed onward plane/boat/bus ticket.
7. Proof of accommodation in China is not technically required, BUT reserving a hotel room, for at least the first night, is advisable because doing so preempts "where are you staying?" conversations and staying in a hotel will ensure compliance with the "all foreigners must register with a PSB within 24/72 hours" rule.
8. In some cases (e.g. daytime layovers within the same terminal facility), applicants for 24-hour TWOV might be permitted to transit, but denied permits to enter the country. There are a number of ways to minimize (or completely eliminate) the odds of being denied an entry permit.
China 24, 72, and 144 hour Transit Without Visa ("TWOV"), 2024 onwards
Mar 25, 2024, 11:53 am
#211
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 85
One cannot stress enough the importance of the Hotel reservation, preferably as a print-out.
While I, as already mentioned in reply #196 of this thread, had absolutely no problem entering Chengdu at TFU for a 30 hour layover, an Aussie couple with two small children with a 20h layover on the way from Istanbul via Chengdu to Down Under, has been refused entry because they had no hotel reservation at all.
Moondog's comment regarding the padded chairs inside the terminal comes pretty close to what happened, they were actually pointed in the direction of the not so padded metal seats in the corner and told "have a seat there". The discussion became a little bit heated afterwards.
In Tianjin the Hotel reservation has also been much more interesting for the immigration officer. The onward ticket not so much.
While I, as already mentioned in reply #196 of this thread, had absolutely no problem entering Chengdu at TFU for a 30 hour layover, an Aussie couple with two small children with a 20h layover on the way from Istanbul via Chengdu to Down Under, has been refused entry because they had no hotel reservation at all.
Moondog's comment regarding the padded chairs inside the terminal comes pretty close to what happened, they were actually pointed in the direction of the not so padded metal seats in the corner and told "have a seat there". The discussion became a little bit heated afterwards.
In Tianjin the Hotel reservation has also been much more interesting for the immigration officer. The onward ticket not so much.
Mar 25, 2024, 12:48 pm
#212
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,041
That having been said, I'd certainly reserve a room if I was surryson, in order to create the second prong.
I doubt I'd go so far as to prepay for the room though.
Mar 25, 2024, 1:28 pm
#213
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 85
If surryson is able to short check his luggage to PVG, I'd almost be inclined to label the hotel reservation as window dressing because setting the "airline 2 retrieves bag from belt, checks in passenger, and hand delivers boarding pass" train in motion requires additional work (i.e. something to be avoided, when possible).
That having been said, I'd certainly reserve a room if I was surryson, in order to create the second prong.
I doubt I'd go so far as to prepay for the room though.
That having been said, I'd certainly reserve a room if I was surryson, in order to create the second prong.
I doubt I'd go so far as to prepay for the room though.
Thank god Trip.com allows cancellations up until 8 p.m. on the day of arrival.
Mar 25, 2024, 1:55 pm
#214
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM
Posts: 6,356
This.
I've had instances where I was banking on certain procedures only to find that staff was far more accommodating than I expected, which ended up 'worse' for me. Still appreciated the effort of the airport staff though.
I've had instances where I was banking on certain procedures only to find that staff was far more accommodating than I expected, which ended up 'worse' for me. Still appreciated the effort of the airport staff though.
Mar 25, 2024, 2:00 pm
#215
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Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,041
Mar 25, 2024, 2:25 pm
#216
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 85
6 hours in PVG would really suck, the transit procedure with the Airline Logo sticker on your clothes etc. and afterwards spending hours in that dull terminal.
Last week in CKG, already on the way back to Budapest, everyone had to re-enter the country. I mean passengers who arrived from SIN, TPE (like me) etc. with Air China and only had 3-4 hour transit before the departure onwards to Budapest.
Only had my backpack, but still no transit. If you already have a boarding pass for the onward flight, they tear off the perforation after you have disembarked from the incoming aircraft and send you straight to immigration and afterwards the check-in counter on the 4th floor.
Passengers had to re-check their luggage at the counter themselves and the border control only re-opened five minutes after midnight.
Good for the statistics.
Last week in CKG, already on the way back to Budapest, everyone had to re-enter the country. I mean passengers who arrived from SIN, TPE (like me) etc. with Air China and only had 3-4 hour transit before the departure onwards to Budapest.
Only had my backpack, but still no transit. If you already have a boarding pass for the onward flight, they tear off the perforation after you have disembarked from the incoming aircraft and send you straight to immigration and afterwards the check-in counter on the 4th floor.
Passengers had to re-check their luggage at the counter themselves and the border control only re-opened five minutes after midnight.
Good for the statistics.
Last edited by wwtknoyb; Mar 26, 2024 at 12:00 am
Mar 25, 2024, 5:28 pm
#217
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: BA Exec Club Gold, *G, EK Skywards Silver
Posts: 1,020
Thanks all
I have contemplated booking an Avios ticket PVG-HKG for 2 days later, then cancelling it. Maybe that’s a bit overkill. Anyway, appreciate the comments and I will share the outcome.
I have contemplated booking an Avios ticket PVG-HKG for 2 days later, then cancelling it. Maybe that’s a bit overkill. Anyway, appreciate the comments and I will share the outcome.
Mar 25, 2024, 11:58 pm
#218
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 85
In January 2024, after receiving the TWOV stamp for my 19h layover, I was sent off by the border control/immigration officer with the advise "Do not change/cancel your ticket".
They basically fill in the date/flight number into their system. If you change it or cancel it afterwards (except in an emergency of course)....good luck the next time you show up at immigration in China.
Even now that I can enter China visa free for 15 days, I would not dare to do that.
Mar 26, 2024, 1:27 am
#219
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,041
Do not do this.
In January 2024, after receiving the TWOV stamp for my 19h layover, I was sent off by the border control/immigration officer with the advise "Do not change/cancel your ticket".
They basically fill in the date/flight number into their system. If you change it or cancel it afterwards (except in an emergency of course)....good luck the next time you show up at immigration in China.
Even now that I can enter China visa free for 15 days, I would not dare to do that.
In January 2024, after receiving the TWOV stamp for my 19h layover, I was sent off by the border control/immigration officer with the advise "Do not change/cancel your ticket".
They basically fill in the date/flight number into their system. If you change it or cancel it afterwards (except in an emergency of course)....good luck the next time you show up at immigration in China.
Even now that I can enter China visa free for 15 days, I would not dare to do that.
Mar 27, 2024, 5:19 am
#221
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 893
Could someone please check this itinerary for me? I'm hoping to use the 144 hour TWOV on the outbound, and the 24 hour TWOV for the return.
Outbound
London to Beijing Daxing, arriving 09:35 April 28th
Beijing Capital to Tokyo, departing 15:10 May 3rd.
Return
Tokyo to Beijing Capital, arriving 19:45 May 11th
Beijing Daxing to London, departing 11:20 May 12th
All flights are direct. London to Beijing & back is booked with BA. Beijing to Tokyo and Tokyo to Beijing are two one-way flights, with their own booking ref.
Outbound
London to Beijing Daxing, arriving 09:35 April 28th
Beijing Capital to Tokyo, departing 15:10 May 3rd.
Return
Tokyo to Beijing Capital, arriving 19:45 May 11th
Beijing Daxing to London, departing 11:20 May 12th
All flights are direct. London to Beijing & back is booked with BA. Beijing to Tokyo and Tokyo to Beijing are two one-way flights, with their own booking ref.
Last edited by BA-Flyer; Mar 27, 2024 at 5:27 am
Mar 27, 2024, 5:28 am
#222
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM
Posts: 6,356
Could someone please check this itinerary for me? I'm hoping to use the 144 hour TWOV on the outbound, and the 24 hour TWOV for the return.
Outbound
London to Beijing Daxing, arriving 09:35 April 28th
Beijing Capital to Tokyo, departing 15:10 May 3rd.
Return
Tokyo to Beijing Capital, arriving 19:45 May 11th
Beijing Daxing to London, departing 11:20 May 12th
London to Beijing is booked with BA. Beijing to Tokyo is booked with JAL on a different booking reference.
Outbound
London to Beijing Daxing, arriving 09:35 April 28th
Beijing Capital to Tokyo, departing 15:10 May 3rd.
Return
Tokyo to Beijing Capital, arriving 19:45 May 11th
Beijing Daxing to London, departing 11:20 May 12th
London to Beijing is booked with BA. Beijing to Tokyo is booked with JAL on a different booking reference.
The second TWOV coming back looks like a bit of a pain. Where are you staying the night? The city?
Mar 27, 2024, 5:49 am
#223
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 893
I've booked the Hilton Garden Inn for the night before flying back to Lonodn. Although I do have enough points to get somewhere in the city, I thought staying closer to the airport would be better.
I've edited my original post because I realised Beijing to Tokyo was booked as two singles. (ANA and JAL). I presume this doesn't make a difference to qualifying for TWOV?
Thank you.
I've edited my original post because I realised Beijing to Tokyo was booked as two singles. (ANA and JAL). I presume this doesn't make a difference to qualifying for TWOV?
Thank you.
Mar 27, 2024, 6:37 am
#224
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM
Posts: 6,356
I'd be inclined to make my way from PEK closer to PKX airport the night of the arrival, then not have to stress the next morning. Here's a link to hotels near PKX:
https://tinyurl.com/5yja8xz3
Edit: oh, you mean the Hilton at PKX? Yes, perfect choice!
And no, no difference: ANA and JAL on single tickets is fine.
Last edited by narvik; Mar 27, 2024 at 6:44 am
Apr 1, 2024, 4:17 pm
#225
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 131
Hi Guys,
Can someone please check my itinerary for a 144hr TWOV... I'm a NZ citizen so I should be eligible passport-wise.
Friday 3rd May: Danang to Shanghai (PVG) via Hanoi (as there was no direct flight from Danang to Shanghai).
Tuesday 7th May: Shanghai (PVG) to AKL flight. This onward flight is booked and confirmed, however, this flight is booked on a seperate ticket and different airline. We also have a hotel booking confirmed for this stay.
Thanks!
Can someone please check my itinerary for a 144hr TWOV... I'm a NZ citizen so I should be eligible passport-wise.
Friday 3rd May: Danang to Shanghai (PVG) via Hanoi (as there was no direct flight from Danang to Shanghai).
Tuesday 7th May: Shanghai (PVG) to AKL flight. This onward flight is booked and confirmed, however, this flight is booked on a seperate ticket and different airline. We also have a hotel booking confirmed for this stay.
Thanks!