thailand - hk - beijing - tokyo (usa passport holder)

Question

I am vacationing around Asia (with no definite plans for days/hotel locations) and was attempting to avoid having to get a tourist visa. 1. If I am in and back out of HK within 72 hours, that is exempt from a visa, correct? 2. Can I take the bullet train from HK to Beijing, if I do 72 hours in HK, then go straight to Beijing on the train from HK, coming out of the 72 hours?3. Do you have to have an exit ticket (flight or train) before you are allowed to be exempt with 72 hr rule?Thanks!

John Doe · Answer

1) US citizens are exempt for 90 days when entering HK regardless of whether you are in transit. However, immigration officers there do have the right to ask for proof of funds, onward tickets and accommodation although that's seldomly exercised. (HK is a separate immigration jurisdiction and hence NOT a participant of Mainland China's visa-free transit program).2) There's no bullet train service between HK and Beijing. However, traveling on the HK-BJ direct train (non-high speed) qualifies for 144-hour transit in Beijing as long as you are not returning to HK.3) HK is NOT a participant of Mainland China's visa-free transit program and there's no need to continue to a third country. For Mainland China's visa-free transit program, however, an onward ticket to a third country is mandatory.

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Thailand - HK - Beijing - Tokyo (USA passport holder)