Ask Questions
Question
Asked by James from United Kingdom | Nov. 10, 2024 06:29
About:24-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Transit through 2 airports

We have been a bit confused as to whether we will require a visa or not for our outbound travel. We are travelling from London to Auckland with two layovers in China (Beijing and Guangzhou). We assumed we would need a G visa for this, but it seems from this guidance we might be able to use the 24 free transit visa, as we are in China for less than 24 hours.
Arrive in Beijing 15:30 on 29/12/24
2 hour layover in Beijing
Flight from Beijing to Guangzhou 17:30 on 29/12/24
3.5 hour layover in Guangzhou
Flight Guangzhou to Auckland 00:10 on 30/12/24

As you can see we are in China for less than 24 hours in total. However as our layovers are so short, is it wiser just to get a G Visa to avoid complications? And will the G Visa definitely allow us to transit internally within China?

Reply
Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Nov. 11, 2024 00:58
00Reply
Indeed, you do not need any kind of visa because your entire transit will be accomplished within 24 hours. So, you will be covered by 24 hours visa free transit. Please, just use correct terminology because this is not 24 free transit visa, but 24 hour visa free transit, so there is no any visa involved here.

Your layovers are short and it is not a problem with a layover in Guangzhou, but the one in Beijing could be a bit problematic. In any case, the first thing when you land in Beijing will be to approach 24/144 hour visa free transit where you will present your flight tickets. This application is free of any charge and the permit will be granted and you will head to the immigration because your next flight is a domestic one.

When you arrive at the 24/144 hour visa free transit counter, you will have to ask for a priority in order not to lose your flight to Guangzhou. Please, just be among the first when exiting the plane in Beijing and also just be open and ask at the counter.

I am more than confident that you will be able to accomplish all your formalities, but if you feel somewhat insecure, then a transit (G) visa might be of help because you will skip a visit to the 24/144 visa free transit counter. If you decide to obtain a transit (G) visa in advance, you will fill out the arrival card that will be dispensed on board the plane before your landing in Beijing and you will tick the box on it - transit. After your landing, you will head directly to the immigration to catch your connecting flight to Guangzhou.

If I were you, I would be going for a 24 hour visa free transit, because if you are agile and know how to ask for the priority that will be definitely given to you, you will manage to catch your flight to Guangzhou as well. In any case, I wish you a successful journey.
00Reply

Related Questions:

Questions
Ask a Question
Categories:
Question Summary (100 characters)
Details (optional) (2,000 characters)
Name
Country
Email