Question

Asked by Kate from canada | Nov. 23, 2019 13:40

About:240-hour Visa-free Transit in Kunming

Require a visa to perform a self-transfer in Kunming?

Hi,
My partner and I (Canadian citizens) are flying China Eastern from YVR --> NKG -->KMG --> BKK leaving Dec 29 and arriving Dec 31 and it says we need to do a self-transfer. Since the flight number is the same for YVR --> NKG and NKG --> KMG but different for KMG --> BKK I imagine the only self-transfer we need to do is at KMG? On the skyscanner website it says we "must pass through security and passport control during each connection and [we] will need a visa if [our] connection is in a country that requires one". Will we need to / be able to get a free 24 hour visa to get our bags and go back through security? We only have a 3.5 hr layover in KMG so we will not be leaving the airport.
Thanks so much!

Reply

Answers (2)

Answered by ZUPAN | Nov. 24, 2019 04:39

0 0 Reply

Part one:

Kate, we need more information about the details of your itinerary, especially the portion that passes through China. The most important detail is your entire transit time, calculated from your first arrival in China, in your case in Nanjing, until your final departure from China, in your case from Kunming.

You will be obviously fly on China Eastern flight MU216 from Vancouver to Kunming with a short layover in Nanjing. After that, I assume that you will continue also on China Eastern flight MU757.

If I'm right, your first arrival will be at 14:45 (2:45pm) in Nanjing and your final departure will be at 14:30 (2:30pm) from Kunming. So, if this is the case, you are perfectly eligible for 24 hour visa free transit and you don't need any kind of visa because your entire transit time in China will be less than 24 hours.

As far as your luggage is concerned, this detail always depends on airline, in your case, China Eastern policy and you can expect the range from collecting and rechecking your luggage at every stop, until the possibility that your luggage is tagged all the way to Kathmandu. My experience tells me that this could be the most likely outcome. This detail you will know only during your check-in in Vancouver where you should not forget to ask for this very important detail.

0 0 Reply

Answered by ZUPAN | Nov. 24, 2019 04:39

0 0 Reply

Part two:

You will print out your flight tickets and have those printouts with you. Also, you will declare at check-in in Vancouver that you will travel to Kathmandu via China using 24 hour visa free transit. After a short inspection of your tickets, you will be allowed to board the plane. Again, you should not forget to ask about your luggage!

Upon your arrival in Nanjing, you will apply for a temporary entry permit at 24 hour visa free transit counter that will be definitely granted to you because the next portion, Nanjing to Kunming, although on the same plane and under the same flight number, is considered a domestic flight. You can also expect that those passengers that proceed to Kunming, will get a herd leader that will take care of the formalities. If this happen to be the case, youst follow him/her and listen to his/her instructions. The stamp that you will receive here will allow you to exit the airport in Kunming and to have a decent sleep after such a long journey.

Basically, this is it and I would suggest you to look at your flight itinerary, so that we can confirm everything above mentioned. In reality, this will be less stressful than you think about it right now. It is essential that you travel relaxed because this 24 hour visa free transit system is already used by literally millions.

OK, hear from you soon.

0 0 Reply

See more answers...

Related Questions: