China 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Foreigners eligible for the 24-hour visa-free transit can be exempt from border inspection procedures at the following 9 airports: Beijing Capital Airport, Beijing Daxing Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport, Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport, Xiamen Gaoqi Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an Airport, Chengdu Tianfu Airport, and Xi’an Xianyang Airport.24-hour visa-free transit in China, also called the 24-hour transit without visa (24-hour TWOV for short), regulates that visa is not required for air, train, and cruise ship passengers transiting in mainland China for a stay of no more than 24 hours before heading for a third country or region.
Who are eligible for the 24-hour TWOV of China?
National of most countries are eligible for the 24-hour visa-free transit, while there are exceptions in certain airports for some nationalities.
1. Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Yemen passport holders transiting in Xiamen require a visa.
2. Syrian citizens transiting in Guangzhou are not eligible for the 24-hour visa-free transit.
What are the port restrictions?
Citizens from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Turkey and Yemen are not eligible for 24-hour visa-free transit in Urumqi Diwopu International Airport.
If transiting in Guangzhou for less than 24 hours, you are able to apply for the 24-hour TWOV from Guangzhou Baiyun airport instead of its railway stations or other ports of entry. That is, only entering Guangzhou by air, you would be issued the 24h visa-free transit under qualified travel itinerary.
What is an eligible transit route?
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| 24-hour Direct Transit Rules |
An eligible transit route goes like Country A → China → Country C.
A and C are different countries. Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan can be regarded as A or C in this respect. For instance, if a passenger travels like USA – Beijing – Hong Kong, there is no doubt that this route qualifies for China 24 hour TWOV.
Generally speaking, the 24-hour visa-free transit allows aliens to have multiple stops in China as long as they leave the country within 24 hours, therefore the route USA - Beijing - Shanghai - South Korea also counts as eligible.
What are the requirements for TWOV?
Passport valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry Onward air, cruise or train ticket with confirmed seat and date Visa for a third country or region (if needed)
Can I get out of the airport during layover?
Passengers wishing to get out of the restricted transit area to claim luggage, take a connecting flight, or do some sightseeing in the city can apply for the 24-hour visa-free entry permit, which is a stamp or sticker on passport showing the permitted stay length.
Apply for 24-hour visa-free entry permit in 4 steps
Fill an Arrival/Departure Card at the border inspection counter Get the temporary entry permit stamp or sticker Claim the luggage (if needed) Go through the customs
How to count the stopover time?
Ending: scheduled departure time
Recommended Tours for Transit Passengers
Differences among 24/72/144-hour free transit
| 24-Hour TWOV | 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit | 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit |
|---|---|---|
| For almost all countries | For 54 countries | For 54 countries |
| Available in most Chinese cities | Available in major Chinese cities | Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Dalian, Shenyang, Chengdu, Wuhan, Qingdao, Kunming, Xiamen, Xi'an, Chongqing |
| By air, cruise, train | By air | By air, cruise, train |
| Counted from the landing time | Counted from 0:00 the day following the entry date (Scheduled landing time in Beijing) | Counted from 0:00 the day following the entry date |
| Multiple stops | Single stop | Multiple stops |
Note:Note that if 1) you lack any of the required documents listed above, 2) or your route does not qualify, 3) or you have the record of overstaying in a country or getting visa refusal before, your application for the 24-hour visa-free transit may be turned down. For fear of inconvenience caused by such case, please make sure that you are eligible or apply for a regular transit visa in advance.
- Last updated on Sep. 07, 2024 by Brenda Lian -
Questions & Answers on 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Asked by Anthony from UNITED KINGDOM | Dec. 03, 2024 22:01
Reply
ReplyCan I leave the airport in Beijing without a Visa
I will be travelling back from Tokyo to London stopping in Beijing for 18 hours between the connecting flights, I would like to leave the airport to stay the night in a hotel at the airport. Would I need a visa for this or would I be eligible for the 24 hour visa free transit.
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Dec. 03, 2024 23:26
0
0Reply
00ReplyAnthony, your itinerary is definitely eligible for 24 hour visa free transit and you do not need any kind of visa. However, if you plan to exit the airport, you have to be aware that you will need to apply for a temporary entry permit upon your landing in Beijing. The issuing of the temporary entry permit is not a passenger's right, but it should be treated more as a bonus that is offered to those with long layovers, especially an overnight ones, those traveling with small children and disabled passengers. In any case, since your layover is a long one, your chances to be granted a temporary entry permit are very good.
Upon your landing in Beijing the first thing that you will do is to approach 24/144 hour visa free transit counter where you will apply for a temporary entry permit by presenting your flight tickets and your hotel booking confirmation. This application is free of any charge. After a short check, your permit will be granted and after that you will head to the immigration and then to the city/hotel to enjoy your time on your own. Have a nice journey.
Upon your landing in Beijing the first thing that you will do is to approach 24/144 hour visa free transit counter where you will apply for a temporary entry permit by presenting your flight tickets and your hotel booking confirmation. This application is free of any charge. After a short check, your permit will be granted and after that you will head to the immigration and then to the city/hotel to enjoy your time on your own. Have a nice journey.
Asked by Emily Cripps from ENGLAND | Dec. 03, 2024 05:21Reply
ReplyDo I need a visa to leave the airport in Beijing?
I am a UK citizen travelling from London to Bangkok. I have an 8hr layover in Beijing and would like to leave the airport during that time. Do I need to apply for a visa to do so?
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Dec. 03, 2024 23:2300Reply
00ReplyEmily, your itinerary is definitely eligible for 24 hour visa free transit and you do not need any kind of visa. However, if you plan to exit the airport, you have to be aware that you will need to apply for a temporary entry permit upon your landing in Beijing. The issuing of the temporary entry permit is not a passenger's right, but it should be treated more as a bonus that is offered to those with long layovers, especially an overnight ones, those traveling with small children and disabled passengers. In any case, since your layover is of medium length in the eyes of the Chinese officials, your chances to be granted a temporary entry permit are fifty - fifty.
Upon your landing in Beijing the first thing that you will do is to approach 24/144 hour visa free transit counter where you will apply for a temporary entry permit by presenting your flight tickets. This application is free of any charge. After a short check, your permit will be hopefully granted and after that you will head to the immigration and then to the city to enjoy your time on your own. Have a nice journey.
Upon your landing in Beijing the first thing that you will do is to approach 24/144 hour visa free transit counter where you will apply for a temporary entry permit by presenting your flight tickets. This application is free of any charge. After a short check, your permit will be hopefully granted and after that you will head to the immigration and then to the city to enjoy your time on your own. Have a nice journey.
Asked by S from UNITED KINGDOM | Dec. 03, 2024 02:59Reply
ReplyBritish can apply 24 hours free transit visa?
Hello, Im going to Hong Kong from London transiting in Beijing Daxing for around 17.5 hours.
May I get the 24 hours free transit visa (British passport) to temporary exit to sitesee for the day but with no hotel as I plan to return to sleep at the Airport. Many Thx.
May I get the 24 hours free transit visa (British passport) to temporary exit to sitesee for the day but with no hotel as I plan to return to sleep at the Airport. Many Thx.
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Dec. 03, 2024 23:2100Reply
00ReplyS, your itinerary is definitely eligible for 24 hour visa free transit and you do not need any kind of visa. However, if you plan to exit the airport, you have to be aware that you will need to apply for a temporary entry permit upon your landing in Beijing. The issuing of the temporary entry permit is not a passenger's right, but it should be treated more as a bonus that is offered to those with long layovers, especially an overnight ones, those traveling with small children and disabled passengers. In any case, since your layover is a long one, your chances to be granted a temporary entry permit are very good.
Upon your landing in Beijing the first thing that you will do is to approach 24/144 hour visa free transit counter where you will apply for a temporary entry permit by presenting your flight tickets. This application is free of any charge. After a short check, your permit will be granted and after that you will head to the immigration and then to the city to enjoy your time on your own. Have a nice journey.
Upon your landing in Beijing the first thing that you will do is to approach 24/144 hour visa free transit counter where you will apply for a temporary entry permit by presenting your flight tickets. This application is free of any charge. After a short check, your permit will be granted and after that you will head to the immigration and then to the city to enjoy your time on your own. Have a nice journey.
Asked by Marie from PHILIPPINES | Dec. 03, 2024 00:10Reply
ReplyTraveling from Ho Chi Minh to Manila with 16hr layover in Guangzhou
I booked a one-way flight from Ho Chi Minh to Manila with a 16hr layover in Guangzhou.
I plan to leave the airport and go around Guangzhou - what is the process i need to go through?
Am i eligible for the 24-hour transit TWOV?
Thank you
I plan to leave the airport and go around Guangzhou - what is the process i need to go through?
Am i eligible for the 24-hour transit TWOV?
Thank you
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Dec. 03, 2024 23:1800Reply
00ReplyMarie, your itinerary is definitely eligible for 24 hour visa free transit and you do not need any kind of visa. However, if you plan to exit the airport, you have to be aware that you will need to apply for a temporary entry permit upon your landing in Guangzhou. The issuing of the temporary entry permit is not a passenger's right, but it should be treated more as a bonus that is offered to those with long layovers, especially an overnight ones, those traveling with small children and disabled passengers. In any case, since your layover is a long one, your chances to be granted a temporary entry permit are very good.
Upon your landing in Guangzhou the first thing that you will do is to approach 24/144 hour visa free transit where you will apply for a temporary entry permit by presenting your flight tickets and your hotel booking if you plan to stay at the hotel. This application is free of any charge. After a short check, your permit will be granted and after that you will head to the immigration and then to the city to enjoy your time on your own. Have a nice journey.
Upon your landing in Guangzhou the first thing that you will do is to approach 24/144 hour visa free transit where you will apply for a temporary entry permit by presenting your flight tickets and your hotel booking if you plan to stay at the hotel. This application is free of any charge. After a short check, your permit will be granted and after that you will head to the immigration and then to the city to enjoy your time on your own. Have a nice journey.
Asked by Tam Do from VIETNAM | Dec. 02, 2024 06:59Reply
Reply24hour visa For Transit not direct checked through
Hi,
I’m Vietnamese and I have flights from London to HoChiMinh city with the 4hrs transit in Chengdu. It is not direct transfer, I need to claim the baggage and check in for the flight Chengdu to HCM.
Am I eligible for 24 HR visa?
And is it enough time for me to apply for 24hr visa with the total transit time is 4hrs only.
My detail flights are:
- Air China CA424: London - Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, T1 (arrive 16:25)
- Sichuan Airline: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, T1 (depart 20:35 same day)
Thanks so much for your advise,
Wish you all the best,
Tam
I’m Vietnamese and I have flights from London to HoChiMinh city with the 4hrs transit in Chengdu. It is not direct transfer, I need to claim the baggage and check in for the flight Chengdu to HCM.
Am I eligible for 24 HR visa?
And is it enough time for me to apply for 24hr visa with the total transit time is 4hrs only.
My detail flights are:
- Air China CA424: London - Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, T1 (arrive 16:25)
- Sichuan Airline: Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, T1 (depart 20:35 same day)
Thanks so much for your advise,
Wish you all the best,
Tam
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Dec. 02, 2024 23:3200Reply
00ReplyTam, your itinerary is definitely eligible for 24 hour visa free transit and you do not need any kind of visa. It is important to emphasize that you are definitely allowed to travel on separate tickets and on unrelated airlines and also to perform a self-transfer in Chengdu.
So, during your check-in in London, you will just declare that you are traveling to HCMC via Chengdu (China) using 24 hour visa free transit and you will present your ticket from Chengdu to HCMC. Shortly after you will be allowed to board the plane.
Upon landing in Chengdu, the first thing you will do is to approach 24/144 hour visa free transit counter where you will apply for a temporary entry permit because you will have to enter China formally in order to perform new check-in. Just be relaxed because 4 hours are enough to perform all the formalities. At the moment of application you will present your flight ticket to HCMC. This application is free of charge and your permit will be granted to you. When the permit is granted, you will head to the immigration and then to perform the formalities for your check-in for a flight to HCMC.
Basically, this is all and there will be no problems for you whatsoever. Have a nice journey.
So, during your check-in in London, you will just declare that you are traveling to HCMC via Chengdu (China) using 24 hour visa free transit and you will present your ticket from Chengdu to HCMC. Shortly after you will be allowed to board the plane.
Upon landing in Chengdu, the first thing you will do is to approach 24/144 hour visa free transit counter where you will apply for a temporary entry permit because you will have to enter China formally in order to perform new check-in. Just be relaxed because 4 hours are enough to perform all the formalities. At the moment of application you will present your flight ticket to HCMC. This application is free of charge and your permit will be granted to you. When the permit is granted, you will head to the immigration and then to perform the formalities for your check-in for a flight to HCMC.
Basically, this is all and there will be no problems for you whatsoever. Have a nice journey.