Question

Asked by James from philippines | Mar. 17, 2026 21:45

About:24-Hour Visa-Free Transit

24 hr Visa Free

We are Filipino citizens, flying in on March 27 to Beijing Capital via Air China, arriving at 10:20am. Our scheduled flight to Sweden is on March 28, 14:30. Are we eligible for the 24 hr visa free transit? The kids want to visit universal studios in the afternoon/ evening. From what i read here, landing and departure should be 24 hours, but according to Air China, our 24hrs start at 00:00 March 28, and not the arrival time of 10:20am. Care to clarify? Thank you

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Answers (2)

Answered by Borut | Mar. 18, 2026 03:51

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James, the best detail is that Beijing really offers that specific interpretation of 24 hour visa free transit that starts at the beginning of the day following the day of your arrival in Beijing and that is the detail that makes you eligible for 24+ hour visa free transit. In other words, you do not need a visa and can travel with absolute peace of mind. Here are the procedures you will perform upon landing in Beijing:

1. Fill out arrival card and tick the box on it where it is written - transit
2. Perform fingerprinting at automatic fingerprinting machine
3. Approach 24/240 hour visa free transit counter where you will present your passport, flight tickets, arrival card, fingerprinting receipt and your hotel accommodation confirmation (if you plan to sleep at the hotel). Here you will apply for a temporary entry permit to be allowed to exit the transit zone of Shanghai airport. This is free of any charge.
4. When you have obtained a temporary entry permit you will head to the immigration and cross it. Like this you will formally enter China and have some time to enjoy the sightseeing and/or a night rest in the hotel.

Have a nice layover in Beijing.

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Answered by James | Mar. 19, 2026 19:24

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Thank you very much for the reply Borut. Greatly appreciated!

I just hope it wont take long for the processing of all if these. So we will have more time at Universal. Haha.

Thank you again

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