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Asked by Digs A from united kingdom | Nov. 23, 2024 08:38
About:24-Hour Visa-Free Transit

24 hour temporary entry China permit whilst I transit through China.

Hi, I have a question about obtaining a 24 hour temporary entry China permit whilst I transit through China.

British passport holder.

I will arrive into Beijing from the UK at 0530 (Hainan airlines).

I then fly 4 hours later from Beijing (same airport) to Guangzhou (Hainan airlines).

I then plan to take a cross border train to Hong Kong West Kowloon (from Guangzhou) at 2000 the same day (so I have the afternoon in Guangzhou for sighseeing). I will prebook the train so I have evidence I intend to leave China by train the same day.

Transit time from arriving in Beijing to leaving Guangzhou into Hong Kong is approximately 17 hours, with 1 domestic flight from Beijing to Guangzhou and 1 cross border train to enter Hong Kong from Guangzhou within that time frame.

My questions are:

1 - are there any obvious problems with the above itenterary.
2 - has anyone any experience of doing the above journey, what was your experience?
3 - should I expect difficultly with Hainan airlines when I check in from the UK as I dont have a China visa in my passport at that time? Could they deny me boarding because of it? Is there any evidence I should bring to allow them to let me board the flight?
4 - am I likely to have difficulty obtaining the 24 hours temporary entry permit with my above itenerary?

Thank you.

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Answers (1)
Answered by Borut | Nov. 25, 2024 04:58
00Reply
1 - The only possible problem or better to say misunderstanding could arise at the check-in in UK where an inexperienced check-in staff member could find a train segment as a doubtful detail. In reality, taking a train is an eligible way to exit mainland China based on relevant NIA publicly available documents.
2 - There are passengers using a train as a transport mean of exit from mainland China to Hong Kong on a daily basis under 24 hour visa free transit scheme.
3 - You can expect that some of the check-in staff does not properly understand the 24 hour visa free transit scheme and its fine details. In any case, you should have with you a document published by NIA where it is clearly written that train transport is eligible. Also, you should insist to talk to the superior and also that they make a contact with their Chinese counterparts in Beijing/Guangzhou.
4 - This is not a problem at all because you will get one immediately as you land in Beijing. When you land, you will find 24/144 hour visa free transit desk and presented them your flight and train tickets. They will soon grant you a temporary entry permit that is essential because your next flight is a domestic one.

Everything will be fine, although I understand your anxiety. Have a nice journey.
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