lax-pek-hkg-pek-lax

Question

Does the following itinerary qualify for a 144-hour TWOV in PEK? LAX-PEK-HKG-PEK-LAXBased on my research, HKG does qualify as a third country for purposes of the TWOV facility (even though it's technically a part of China, though not on the Chinese mainland), but I am confused/concerned about the interpretation of round-trip travel. Am I ineligible for TWOV because I hold a round-trip ticket pursuant to which I ultimately head back to LAX where my journey initially started.If the above itinerary does qualify, may I use the TWOV facility both ways or just one way?

Paul · Answer

LAX-PEK-HKG is one transit without visa.HKG-PEK-LAX is another transit without visa.China looks at country immediately before and after Shanghai for entry eligibility. If it was say Hong Kong > Shanghai > Hong Kong that would not be allowed but the other way around is ok since you have officially left China before your return again