Question

Asked by SEBASTIEN GAGNON from canada | Mar. 27, 2017 17:42

About:72-Hour Visa-Free Transit FAQ

Are we eligible for the 72h visa exception?

We are flying from Canada to Beijing (direct flight) planning to stay less than 72h in Beijing. Then flying from Beijing to Bankok with a 2 hours stop-over in Shenzhen.
Are we eligible? And also, on return, flying back from Bankok to Beijing with 3,5hours stop-over in Shangsha. Planing to stay less than 24h before to fly back fron Beijing to Canada. Are we eligible for both?
Thanks in advance.
-Seb-

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Answers (7)

Answered by John Doe | Mar. 27, 2017 21:23

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You are eligible for neither, because to use the 72h free transit, one has to enter and depart from the same airport. Get a visa while you still can.

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Answered by Sebastien | Mar. 28, 2017 08:58

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Thanks John Doe! But we actually are arriving in Beijing airport first then leaving less than 72h from the same Beijing airport to Bankok but we have a stop-over to Shenzhen between Beijing & Bankok. On return we are leaving from Bankok airport to Beijing airport with a 3,5h Stop-over between a Changsha.

It's wierd that we arent eligible if we met the criteria. We are not staying more than couple of hours for stop-over between Beijing & Bankok .
Can you explain me?
Thanks!
-Seb-

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Answered by John Doe | Mar. 28, 2017 09:51

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Unlike Canada, immigration control is managed by individual provinces in China, and a Beijing-issued entry permit is only valid for Beijing while you are on Chinese soil. Stopping in Shenzhen, which is more than 1,500 miles away, is a violation of the condition of your permit. Same goes for Changsha. Luckily, visas for Canadians are only $100 and good for the life of the passport.

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Answered by John Doe | Mar. 28, 2017 19:26

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Problem is that you don't meet the criteria. The rules clearly state that you can only enter and depart China from one city for the 72-hour transit. In other words, you have to clear immigration at the same airport when arriving and departing, but in your case you won't be.

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Answered by Sebastien Gagnon | Mar. 28, 2017 20:32

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Thank you for your help John! It's really appreciated & we're in process to get our visa as fast as possible!

-Seb-

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Answered by Lee | Mar. 29, 2017 01:34

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You are able to use the 72 hour visa as long as you remain at the airport for the 2 hours at Shenzhen.

Stays of up to 24 hours are allowed at any Chinese airport providing you don't leave it.

If in doubt check with your countries foreign travel office or Chinese embassy.

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Answered by John Doe | Mar. 29, 2017 14:01

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Why don't you stop misleading people buddy. The 72-hour and 24-hour TWOV are two completely different things. You can not be eligible for both.

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