transit visa for us-hong kong-beijing-korea-us

Question

Hello,I am a US Citizen and I have a two day trip to Hong Kong, a one day trip to Beijing, a three day trip to South Korea, and a four day trip to Japan scheduled next week.I heard that a transit type can be issued since my stay in Beijing is less than 72 hours.But I stay in Hong Kong for two days before Beijing, and if I calculate the time from arrival at Hong Kong to departure from Beijing, it becomes longer than 72 hours.  Do I need to apply for a visitor type or can I go to Beijing without applying in advance?My itinerary is as follows, and I have booked plane tickets.1. November 18:  San Francisco to Hong Kong, arriving Hong Kong at 22:00 on November 19.2. November 22:  Hong Kong to Beijing arriving Beijing at 11:45 on November 22.3. November 23: Beijing to Seoul, Korea departing Beijing at 21:00 on November 23.4. November 27: Seoul to Tokyo, Japan5. December 1: Tokyo to San Francisco.Thank you.Ben

Thomas · Answer

Hong Kong is regarded as a 3rd region. So you just stay 1 day in China (Beijing) and it´s fine for the 72h twov.

Ben · Answer

I went to Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco and they said that I would need a visa because Hong Kong is considered part of China and because my stay in China would exceed 72 hours.

Jane · Answer

I think the consulate told you the wrong thing. Trust me, you don't need to apply for the visa. You are eligible for the 72hrs visa-free transit policy.

Ben · Answer

I also asked Chinese embassy the same question by email and they said I needed a visa.  So both sf consulate and DC embassy interpret entry to Hong Kong as entry to china, therefore I am ineligible for a transit visa in Beijing.  I am not sure what is your interpretation of their law but I applied for a 10 year visa so that I don't have to worry about these things for 10 years.  Thx.

Transit Visa for US-Hong Kong-Beijing-Korea-US

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