Unlock China: Visa-Free Transit & Free Layover Tours!
Heads up, globetrotters! You might already know this, but just in case...
A - China's Visa-Free Transit Policies: Your Ticket to Explore!
I'm flying from Russia back to Ho Chi Minh City with layovers in China next month, so I've been digging deep into China's visa-free transit policies. Here's the lowdown, based on official info from the National Immigration Administration of China (NIA) – check out the NIA website – and summaries from international law firms.
I - The 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy: A Quick Peek!
- Who's Eligible? Citizens of all countries (including Vietnam!), holding valid international travel documents and confirmed onward tickets, transiting through China (one or multiple stops) by international flight, ship, or train to a third country or region.
- The Catch? Your stay in China can't exceed 24 hours, and you must stay within the port of entry.
- Want to Explore? If you want to leave the port, you'll need to apply for a temporary entry permit at the immigration border inspection authorities at the port. Travel is limited to the city where the port of entry is located.
- Important! You'll need a valid passport (at least 3 months validity), your onward ticket, and a completed arrival card. Authorities can deny entry if your passport is close to expiring, has a Chinese visa refusal stamp, or if you have a history of immigration violations.
II - The 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit (Limited to 54 Countries): More Time to Roam!
Beyond the 24-hour policy, China offers a 240-hour visa-free transit for citizens of 54 countries (sadly, Vietnam isn't on the list). This applies at 60 ports of entry across 24 provinces, effective from Dec 17, 2024. Lucky travelers can even venture beyond provincial borders in designated areas. If you hold a passport from one of those 54 nations, get ready to explore!
III - ASEAN Group Tourist Visa-Free Entry to Guilin: Travel together, travel free!
Did you know that tour groups of two or more from any ASEAN country can enter and exit China via Guilin Airport without a visa?! The tour must be arranged and received by a local Chinese travel agency, and everyone must have a regular passport. Enjoy up to 144 hours in the Guilin administrative region of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Save those visa fees!
B - Score FREE Layover Tours in Beijing & Shanghai!
Trip.com is sponsoring free layover tours for international passengers with layovers of 8 hours or more at Beijing Capital Int'l Airport (PEK) from Dec 27, 2024 to June 27, 2025 (GMT+8) and Shanghai Pudong Int'l Airport (PVG) (started Apr 15, 2024, end date TBD). These tours are free and available on a "first come, first served" basis at designated counters. See Trip for tour itineraries!
If you're transiting through Beijing or Shanghai, don't miss this amazing opportunity!
Cheers! 🥳
```