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Question: Asked by Phil from united kingdom | Jun. 17, 2023 13:57

About:72-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Visa status for Guangzhou Airport and City.

Hello,

Myself and my mum will be arriving at Guangzhou at approximately 17:05hrs and departing at 09:00hrs the following morning.
Having read the posts above, am I correct in assuming I need to do nothing at all except go through the appropriate lanes and visit the 24 hour free visa counter?

We will be staying in the NOVOTEL on-site, however, should we both feel up to it, we may take the Metro into the city for some food and photos.

Total stay time is well under 24-hours.

Flying in from the UK going to Japan.

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Answers (2): Answered by Phil | Jun. 17, 2023 14:01

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Just to add...

Do we still need to request an 'Arrival/Departure Card' form the airline upon boarding?
(China Southern)

0 0 Reply; Answered by Borut | Jun. 18, 2023 03:16

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Phil, there is no doubt that you will be definitely covered by 24 hour visa free transit. So, you do not need any kind of visa at all.

However, when you arrive in Guangzhou, you are not automatically allowed to exit the airport, but you will approach 24/144 hour visa free counter and apply for a temporary entry permit. This permit is a detail that many confuse with 24 hour visa free transit. In reality, visa free transit allows you to transit through China visa free, but does not automatically imply that you are allowed to leave airside. Having in mind that your transit time is quite long, you will be granted a permit, so you will be able to have an opportunity for normal sleep and also to visit the city.

You will fill out your arrival/departure card on board the plane or upon arrival, although as a transit passengers you might not be asked to present one. Please, have in mind that you will have to produce DIY antigen test and have a photo of it with you along with filled out Chinese health declaration form. Again, the chances are that nobody will ask to see these details, but you never know, so it is the best to do the homework than to be sorry.

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Visa status for Guangzhou Airport and City.