Question

Asked by Artur from uk | Oct. 08, 2019 17:11

About:24-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Travel from UK to Thailand via WUH&SZX total of 22.33h under single (through) ticket

I take that I am eligible for 24 TWOV as total time between scheduled arrival to Wuhan (16:20) and scheduled departure in Shenzen (14:40) is 22h 20min. I intend to apply for visa-free entry permit as long stayover in Wuhan (16h) which may or may not be granted but with accommodation booked that would hopefully minimise chance for refusal. I take that if this is granted it will work for Wuhan municipal area (so include airport & city) or could that vary?

As the margin is relatively narrow I wonder what would happen in event of flight delay or cancellation. In point 5 of procedure note for 72 TWOV there was advice to apply for visa from Municipal Public Security Bureau (PSB) which I take are usually located in the cities. Is that the only way or perhaps that can be
immigration authorities at the airport? I am considering a very unfortunate scenario of visa-free entry permit refusal where according to notes I won't be able to leave restricted transition area to sort out visa.

Lastly, as per notes obtaining visa-free entry permit give access to check-in luggage. Out of curiosity if permit is not granted is the luggage going to be simply transferred to connecting flight or would that depend on prior instructions given to airline and/or airline policy so best to check with them? Sorry, in case this is obvious - it's first time I am transiting through country with visa requirement on connecting flights with check-in luggage.

I would normally get visa in advance but getting visa for one day for approx £320 (2 people) is a little bit step so keen to explore alternative to that.

Thank you for all your help.

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Answers (3)

Answered by Artur | Oct. 22, 2019 12:17

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Hi Zupan,

I really appriciate the time you take to provide detailed explanation and advise what I should be doing. That really put my mind at piece and hopefully that would be useful for other travellers.

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Answered by ZUPAN | Oct. 09, 2019 23:26

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Part one:

Artur, the first thing you have to do is to be more relaxed regarding this flight :)

I understand that some of the rules, terminology or even more than that is not what you have usually encountered. Anyway, again, just take all this staff as one experience that costs you nothing and if you are relaxed, you will also enjoy your time, especially during your short exploration of Wuhan city.

You will print out your flight tickets and have those printouts with you. Also, you will declare in UK at check-in that you will travel to Thailand via China using 24 hour visa free transit. After a short inspection, you will be allowed to board the plane. During check-in, you will ask whether your luggage will be tagged all the way to Thailand, just for a case. It is in most of the cases, but as I say, you will ask, just for a case.

Upon arrival in Wuhan, you will approach 24 hour visa free transit counter where you will present your tickets and after a short inspection you will be granted a temporary entry permit. Please, just don't worry because it will be granted to you because your next flight is a domestic one, so you simply have to exit the transit area and enter China. Now, you are free to explore the city and to enjoy your accommodation that you will book in advance and bring a confirmation in hard copy with you. The best option for you is an accommodation along Line 2 of Wuhan metro because this is the line that connects the airport with the city center.

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Answered by ZUPAN | Oct. 09, 2019 23:26

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Part two:

The day after, you will arrive at the airport and just take a flight to Shenzhen. In case of delay in both Wuhan or Shenzhen, you really don't have to do anything but to wait for your flight. It is the scheduled time that is taken into account and a delay is not your fault. You will have to react only in case of the cancellation, but in that case you will contact China Southern at the airport and they will direct you where and what you should do. It is really a straightforward procedure. Anyway, you will not need it.

A temporary entry permit does not allow you to access your luggage, of course. Your luggage will be in totally other part of the airport. You can consider your transit in China as a transit in any other country as far as luggage is concerned. If it is tagged all the way to Thailand, then there is no way how could you access it. You are advised to take some necessary items in your hand luggage that will be useful during your night layover in Wuhan. You are advised not to bring any kind of batteries or power banks because they are not allowed in hand or checked luggage and if you put one of those things in your luggage, they will be confiscated.

You really do not need a visa because your flight is perfectly eligible for 24 hour visa free transit on your transit through China.

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