connecting flights with layovers.

Question

I understand the basics that you can't arrive to china and depart back to the same destination for this to work. However, what if that city is not your home destination, nor your country of your passport? For example, I'm planning to fly JFK-HEL-PVG (there is a short layover in HEL, but I don't plan to leave the airport). On my return, I have PVG-HEL-JFK however there is a 24 hour layover in Helsinki where I plan to visit the country and leave the airport. Does this trip qualify since I will spending time in Finland on the return? Or since the itineraries are the same, it won't work? If that won't work, can I go spend a day in Hong Kong or Taiwan and then fly back through Shanghai on my way home? Thanks for the help!

Rob · Answer

Only the flights immediately before and after China are relevant. It's irrelevant if you leave the airport or not (or even leave the aircraft). HEL-PVG-HEL isn't a transit and doesn't qualify. HEL-PVG-HKG-PVG-HEL (for example) works for transit without visa twice.

I am flying from ny to Shanghai and into Singapore but the airline hub is T... Asked by dwl from USA \| Jan. 24, 2017 03:34	1 answer
Transit or tourist visa for a 30-hr layover to visit some tourist spots-Bei... Asked by Cherry \| Aug. 07, 2013 01:17	1 answer
do I have to pick up my luggage when connecting from UA835 to TG665 Asked by sue from USA \| Dec. 18, 2016 02:18	1 answer
Multi-city layover eligible for 72 hour visa-free transit? Asked by Jacob from USA \| Oct. 17, 2017 18:16	1 answer
I am flying from Shanghai to USA with connecting flight in Beijing. Asked by Linda from United States \| Jan. 14, 2016 00:15	1 answer
How do I transfer flights arrive t1 pudong for connecting flight to xian Asked by dianne from Australia \| Oct. 06, 2013 20:36	1 answer

Connecting Flights with Layovers.