lhr-pek-hkg-lhr

Question

Hi, I'm airline staff looking at doing a mini trip with my friend. Intended trip is from U.K. to Hong Kong to Beijing to U.K. 15-20 November 2017.Hong Kong 2 night stayBeijing 2 night stay U.K. to Hong Kong (standby)Hong Kong to Beijing (full fare)Beijing to U.K.Do we qualify for the 72 hour free programme?If so, how do we go about obtaining the 72 hour free transit?Many thanks.

Vicente · Answer

Hi, if your total layover time in Beijing is less than 72 hr and have confirmed tickets, you qualify for the 72 hour free transit in Beijing. On arrival in China you need to show your passport, confirmed onward ticket,and ideally your accommodation in China. Then apply for the 72 hr policy.

Iain Fraser · Answer

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I forgot to add the PEK-LHR sector is standby. Does that make me ineligible?

John Doe · Answer

That will make you ineligible because all flight segments involving Mainland China must be on confirmed tickets, not standby.

Iain Fraser · Answer

What if I go UK-PEK-HKG-LHR?UK-PEK (wouldn't be standby if I eventually got a seat) 2 nights stay PEKPEK-HKG confirmed HKG-UK standby. 2 nights stay HKGWould I be eligible for 72hr visa then?

John Doe · Answer

That depends on whether you can board your LHR flight since Timatic clearly states that TWOV does not apply to standby ticket holders, however you'll normally not face any problems at immigration other than the hour-long wait.

LHR-PEK-HKG-LHR