24H Visa-Free Transit in China: My Real-World Experience!
I recently shared the basic legal framework for China's 24-hour visa-free transit policy. Today, March 5, 2025, I'm thrilled to share my firsthand experience putting this policy to the test!
Traveling from Irkutsk to Ho Chi Minh City, my journey involved three flights:
- Hainan Airlines: (1) Irkutsk - Beijing
- Sichuan Airlines: (2) Beijing - Tianfu (Chengdu - T2) AND (3) Tianfu (Chengdu - T1) - HCMC
Both in Beijing and Tianfu, I needed to collect my luggage, switch terminals, and check in again.
During check-in at Irkutsk, the airport staff seemed a bit confused by my itinerary, especially with the two stops in China, including a domestic flight segment. While processing my check-in, they checked internal information and suggested I might need a visa because I was technically entering China. I stood my ground, explaining that despite the two stops, it was still a 24-hour transit, complying with the visa-free transit policy published on the National Immigration Administration website. Language was a challenge (Russian vs. English!), but Google Translate helped bridge the gap. After a brief discussion, they finally allowed me to proceed. Phew!
Even with the theory down, I was still nervous as this was my first real-world test. I had a backup plan ready just in case I wasn't allowed to fly from Beijing to Tianfu. Luckily, everything went smoothly. Arriving in Beijing late at night, the Temporary Entry Permit Application counter (conveniently located next to the immigration counters) was open. I filled out a simple entry/exit card, presented it with my passport and onward flight ticket (electronic version), and the officer checked everything, took a photo, and pasted a small temporary entry permit sticker in my passport. Then, I went through immigration. The whole process took about 5 minutes (excluding the queue time!). Bingo!
So, here's the deal: the theory is solid, and I've now confirmed it in practice. You CAN consider China for 24-hour transit flights, regardless of the airline, the number of layovers, or even domestic flight segments if it suits your needs or budget!
However, I'd recommend choosing flights to ports or areas already known to participate in the 72/144-hour visa-free transit program. It'll help ensure a smoother process and avoid unnecessary complications!
Free Beijing Tour!
Trip.com offers a fantastic free tour of Beijing, complete with an English-speaking guide! It's available to all transit passengers, not just Trip.com customers. But, act fast! The tour bus only has about 20 seats. When I went, there were a couple of spots still available. During registration, only one person from your group needs to register the number of participants. Trip.com staff checked our passports and flight tickets, sent a QR code linking to a simple information form, and that was it!
I joined the morning tour to the Great Wall (Badaling section). Pick-up and drop-off were at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport. We departed around 7:30 AM and returned around 12:30 PM. If you have the time, I highly recommend this experience! It's an exciting way to spend your layover instead of just waiting around at the airport.
The free inter-terminal shuttle bus at Beijing airport runs all day, from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, every 10 minutes (about every 15 minutes at night). It's very convenient, so don't worry too much about transferring terminals. However, security screening at Beijing airport is particularly strict, so make sure to allocate plenty of time to complete this process and avoid missing your flight.
Cheers! 🥳
Visa-Free Transit Policies in China - Legal Basis & Free Tours!
A - VISA-FREE TRANSIT POLICIES IN CHINA - THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK
I'm flying from Russia to HCMC with two stops in China next month, so I've been digging deep into China's visa-free transit policies.
Based on legal documents published on the website of China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) and summaries from various international law firms, I've compiled some key legal regulations worth noting:
I - 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy:
- Foreign nationals from all countries (including Vietnam) holding valid international travel documents and confirmed onward tickets with reserved seats, intending to transit through China (including one or more stops) via international flights, ships, or trains to a third country or region, are exempt from visa requirements, provided that their stay in China does not exceed 24 hours and they remain within the respective ports.
- Those planning to leave the port must apply for a temporary entry permit at the immigration border inspection authorities of the respective ports. The permitted scope of travel is within the city where the port of entry is located.
- Foreigners applying for a temporary entry permit must submit their valid passport or other international travel documents, onward tickets, and other supporting documents, complete a foreigner transit entry card, and accept inquiries from the immigration border checkpoint. The immigration border checkpoint will NOT issue a temporary entry permit to foreigners in cases such as: the applicant's passport or other international travel documents are valid for less than 3 months or bear a refusal stamp from a Chinese visa-issuing authority; the applicant has a prior record of illegal entry or exit, illegal residence or illegal employment within 5 years; or the applicant has violated regulations on registration of residence within 2 years and the circumstances are serious, etc.
II - 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy:
Besides the 24-hour visa-free transit policy applicable to foreign nationals from all countries, China also has a 240-hour visa-free transit policy for foreign nationals from 54 countries (Vietnam is not on this list), applicable at 60 ports of entry and exit in 24 provinces and cities, effective from December 17, 2024. Under this policy, visitors are allowed to cross provincial boundaries in 24 eligible areas. If you are a passport holder of one of the 54 eligible countries, then you can enjoy the flexibility!
III - Visa-Free Entry Policy for ASEAN Tour Groups to Guilin:
Any tour group consisting of two or more people from any member country of ASEAN may enter and exit China through the airport in Guilin without a visa, provided that the tour group is organized and received by a local travel company in China and all members of the tour group hold ordinary passports. The relevant tourists will enter and exit China together with their tour group and may stay in the administrative area of Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region for a maximum of 144 hours.
If you're planning a trip to this area, don't miss the opportunity to save some money and skip the visa fees!
B - FREE LAYOVER TOURS in Beijing and Shanghai!
Trip.com sponsors free layover tours for all international transit passengers with layovers of 8 hours or more at Beijing Capital International Airport (valid from December 27, 2024, to June 27, 2025, GMT+8) and at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (from April 15, 2024, with no confirmed end date). Tours are open to everyone on a "first come, first serve" basis. Register at the tour counter. Check Trip.com for detailed itineraries.
If you're transiting through these two airports, grab this opportunity before it's gone!
Have fun! 🥳
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