Question

Asked by JL from finland | Aug. 31, 2019 00:26

About:24-Hour Visa-Free Transit

24 h visa-free transit in Beijing with the Trans-Siberian

I understand the 72 h option in Beijing is only open for train travel from Hong Kong and flight passengers. But how about the 24 h option?

Are the 24 hours counted from when the train crosses the border (9 PM, then arrival at 2 PM next day in Beijing=an hour or so of sightseeing, then to the airport), or when it arrives in Beijing (full 24 h available)?

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Answers (2)

Answered by ZUPAN | Aug. 31, 2019 01:43

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I will immediately tell you that the Trans-Siberian train is not eligible for any kind of visa free transit scheme.

The only train that is eligible for visa free transit option is Hong Kong - Beijing conventional train that arrives at Beijing West railway station. Also, the time when 24 hour TWOV begins is the scheduled arrival time when the train arrives in Beijing West railway station. The reason for that is in the fact that during the entire travel from Hong Kong to Beijing, the passengers are de jure not yet entered mainland China since the immigration checks are performed at Beijing West railway station.

Quite the contrary, the Trans-Siberian train clears the immigration already after it crosses the Mongolian - Chinese border and enters China in Erenhot (Erlian).

You will have to obtain a visa for your intended trip or fly from Mongolia to Beijing.

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Answered by ZUPAN | Aug. 31, 2019 01:45

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By the way, there is no 72 hour TWOV any more because it was replaced with 144 hour TWOV a couple of years ago when we talk about Beijing area.

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