Still Confused about 72 hour VISA Exemption

Q & A Categories

Question: Asked by Scott G from usa | Apr. 19, 2018 15:49

About:72-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Still Confused about 72 hour VISA Exemption

Spoke with China Eastern, my carrier, and they are saying we WILL need entry permit for a flight from NYC to Manila with a 22 hour layover in Shanghai (Pudong) if we want to leave the airport international area. Our plan is to transfer to a downtown (Bund area) hotel for the overnight, returning to the airport the following day for the continuing flight to Manila. The language on the China Consulate General is a bit ambiguous:

"Citizens with passport or other international travel document, confirmed interline ticket and valid entry permit to the third country or region (if required) of the following 51 countries, can apply to stay in the transit cities without visa for 72 hours on direct transit via the following airports: PEK, PVG, SHA, CAN, CTU,CKG, SHE, DLC, XIY,HGH,KWL,KMG."

The USA IS on the list of 51 countries, but the Philippines is not. Do both countries (departure and arrival) need to be on the 51 country approved list to qualify for the exemption?

Thanks much in advance.

Reply

Answers (3): Answered by Amy | Apr. 19, 2018 21:06

0 0 Reply

Hi, your trip NYC to Manila with a 22 hour layover in Shanghai is eligible for the Shanghai 24 hr direct transit. But since February, Shanghai no longer allows people with layovers for less than 24 hours to clear immigration regardless of nationality. Even you have hotel reservation, that can't guarantee entry which is up to the immigration officer.

0 0 Reply; Answered by Scott G | Apr. 20, 2018 08:53

0 0 Reply

Thanks for that clarity! I guess this is why the airline is pressing me to get a Visa. Seems like a risk I will likely have to take. I checked and my exact layover is 23 hrs and 30 min. Seems ridiculous that Chinese immigration would force my adult daughter and I to remain in the airport for that entire time.

And yes, the previous are "famous last words". The cost of 2 visas is about $240 which for us is quite expensive. I'll have to think this one over.

Very much appreciate the responses.

0 0 Reply; Answered by CDKING | Apr. 20, 2018 07:31

0 0 Reply

Shanghai does not allow the use of a 72/144 hour transit without visa if your stop is under 24 hours. I haven't seen any reports of people being denied 24 hour direct transit on a stop of 12+ hours with advance hotel reservation.

0 0 Reply

Related Questions: