Question

Asked by Minh from vietnam | Mar. 21, 2026 22:42

About:24-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Transit twice in China

Hello, I would like to ask about my specific transit case.

I am a Vietnamese passport holder and do not have a China visa.

My itinerary is on one ticket:

1. 13 Apr 2026: Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) → Shenzhen (SZX), Air China CA7988, operated by Shenzhen Airlines ZH118, Departure 02:50, arrival 06:30
2. 13 Apr 2026: Shenzhen (SZX) → Beijing (PEK), Air China CA3403, operated by Shenzhen Airlines ZH9103, Departure 10:00, arrival 13:25
3. 14 Apr 2026: Beijing (PEK) → Geneva (GVA), Air China CA861, Departure 02:50, arrival 07:40

So my total transit time in China is about 20 hours 20 minutes.

My questions are:

1. Can I use 24-hour visa-free transit for this itinerary?
2. Since Shenzhen to Beijing is a domestic flight inside China, do I need to enter China through immigration in Shenzhen?
3. If yes, can I get a temporary entry permit at Shenzhen with no China visa?
4. Has anyone with a Vietnamese passport done a similar international → domestic → international transit in China successfully?
5. Is there any risk that the airline may refuse boarding at Ho Chi Minh City even if the transit is under 24 hours and the final destination is Geneva?

Thank you very much for any help.

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Answers (2)

Answered by Borut | Mar. 23, 2026 09:34

1 0 Reply

Part 1:

Minh, your transit through China is not at all specific. It is definitely usual and normal transit with two stops in mainland China. Also, your itinerary is definitely eligible for 24 hour visa free transit. Here are the answers to your questions:

1. Yes, with an itinerary you have presented, you are definitely eligible for 24 hour visa free transit. There is no doubt at all!
2. Yes, you will enter China through immigration in Shenzhen. Chinese rules require that the immigration procedures are always performed at the first point of landing into China. Here is what will you do in Shenzhen:

- Fill out arrival card and tick the box on it where it is written - transit
- Perform fingerprinting at automatic fingerprinting machine
- Approach 24/240 hour visa free transit counter where you will present your passport, flight tickets, arrival card and fingerprinting receipt. Here you will apply for a temporary entry permit to be allowed to exit the transit zone of Shenzhen airport. This is free of any charge and also it is necessary because your next flight will be a purely domestic one.
- When you have obtained a temporary entry permit you will head to the immigration and cross it. Like this you will formally enter China.
- You will then head to the gate for your flight to Beijing.

In Beijing you will do the following:

- After landing, you will exit the plane and head to the exit immigration or shortly visit Beijing if you like.
- When the time comes, you will head to the gate for your flight to Geneva.

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Answered by Borut | Mar. 23, 2026 09:40

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Part 2:

3. Yes, you will get a temporary entry permit without any doubt because it is needed for your connecting flights. Also, you do not need a Chinese visa in order to obtain a temporary entry permit since your itinerary is eligible for 24 hour visa free transit.
4. Many Vietnamese passport holders have successfully used this option with a domestic flight within China as a part of their international itinerary.
5. There is no risk because all the details of your itinerary are definitely eligible for 24 hour visa free transit. You should just arrive early at HCMC airport, at least 3 (4 better) hours ahead of your departure and just take your time and have in mind that this transit is your right.

Have a nice journey.

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