two layovers in china on the way to nepal - does the 72 hrs free transit apply?

Question

Hello, I've read the answered questions concerning the 72 hour Free transit, but I am still not 100% clear whether this applies to my situation. I am flying to Kathmandu, Nepal in November. I have a 2 hour 20 minute layover in Bejing. From there I fly into Chengdu, where I have a 12 hour layover. Flight time from Bejing to Chengdu is approx. 3 hours.I am coming from Washington DC, USA, but I am a German passport holder. I am planning on leaving the airport in Chengdu, to spend the night in a nearby hotel. Does the 72 hour free transit apply here? Does the time start in Bejing or in Chengdu? Do I have to mention it to the airline in Bejing or wait until I land in Chengdu?Also, I am planning on getting a tourist Visa for Nepal at the airport in Kathmandu. Will this matter? Thank you very much for all your help. This is my first trip to Asia.

Geoff · Answer

No, you don’t qualify for the 72 hour free transit because the 72 hour policy requires that travelers can only transit in one Chinese city. However, you are able to use the 24 hour direct transit in China if you travel like that. You just need to apply for a free temporary stay permit at the airport and then you can leave the airport to stay at a hotel.

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Two layovers in China on the way to Nepal - does the 72 hrs free transit apply?