why is the chinese embassy in london not aware of the 144 hour transit visa via beijing

Question

We are flying from the UK via Dubai to Beijing. We stop in Beijing for three nights for organised day trips and then go to Tianjin to go on Cruise which starts by going to Japan. I believe that the travel itinerary qualifies for the 144hour free transit? But I don't understand why the airline that we are flying with are not aware of the entry and exit rules, and even worse the Chinese Embassy in London are not aware! Any ideas what to do next, other than apply for entry permit.

Maria · Answer

I would like to know about it. Last Saturday the airline didn't allow me to fly Sydney to Beijing because I got a transit in Nanjing. Thanks xx

Analise · Answer

Hi, your trip qualifies for the free transit exemption in Beijing and Tianjin. If you are worried, you can check the information from Timatic, and your airline will follow this IATA database.

Chris · Answer

Hi Pat, It looks like we're doing the same itinerary as you, have you found out any concrete information as yet? Everyone I've spoken to just says its a grey areaChris

Rob · Answer

Pat, the reason is that there is no such thing as a “144 hour visa” that you asked about. The embassy deals with visas, and “144 hour transit WITHOUT visa” clearly doesn’t come under the remit of the visa section, because it’s not a visa. It’s your responsibility to check your route and passport are compliant. It’s also pointless calling your airline because it’s nothing to do with reservations or ticketing. Only the check-in agent at the airport will check your documents and confirm you’re ok to fly. They will check Timatic, which you can also do online for yourself. Anyway, Dubai-Beijing-Japan is clearly ok, but only if you have no other stops in China.

Why is the Chinese Embassy in London not aware of the 144 hour transit visa via Beijing and Tianjin?

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