overnight layover in guangzhou

Question

I'm a dual-American/Israeli citizen.  I have an overnight layover in Guangzhou, and am flying on my American passport.  I'm getting different answers about whether I need a transit visa as an American to stay in the airport overnight.  I'm told that they close the airport at a certain time, and that they make people leave officially.  But unofficially, they don't actually have people leave.Also, China Southern isn't willing to say whether they will check me in to my flight in Tokyo without a Chinese visa.  Given that check-in is in Japan, I'm expecting everything to be very strict.If I do need a visa, can I fly on my American, but use my Israeli passport for the transit visa in Guangzhou?  I've read that all non-Americans can get the transit at the airport.Thank you for your advice.

David · Answer

If you stay in the airport transit area for less than 24 hours for the transit, you won't need a visa. Otherwise, you need a transit visa. As I know, the airport won't close even at night. I have once stayed overnight at Shenzhen airport. Visa on arrival is not available for American passport holders. As you have mentioned,  all non-Americans can get the transit at the airport, this is not right. The chance to get a 24-hour stay permit while transting in China is small for those from undeveloped countries too. If you indeed need a visa, I recommend you obtain one in advance to avoid any trouble.

Eli · Answer

Thank you David for your answer. I have a follow-up question. China Southern says there's a chance they may deny boarding without a visa for China even though it's just an overnight layover. Do you know of any documents or official-type things that I can take with me to the airport to prove it's okay to transfer in Guangzhou? The Chinese Embassy here in Tokyo is not really interested in giving an answer on this.

Mr.JOHNNASH · Answer

Eli, according to your situation, to make sure that you have a good trip, please apply for a China transit visa through Chinese embassy in Tokyo by using your American passport. It is easy for you to get a China transit visa, please show your passport, filled visa application form V.2011A and V.2011B, one passport photo, the flight tickets to the embassy. Without a China transit visa, maybe you will be denied to board the flight in Japan.

Overnight Layover in Guangzhou

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