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Asked by Bishal from nepal | May. 10, 2026 12:36

About:24-Hour Visa-Free Transit

24 hour TWOV or transit visa

I am from Nepal and will be flying from Vancouver to Melbourne via Xiamen. I have a 16 hour layover there and I plan to go for sightseeing during that time. I thought of applying for a transit visa, but after reading 24 hour visa free transit rule, I wonder if it's worth applying for the visa.

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Answers (2)

Answered by Borut | May. 11, 2026 00:14

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Part 1:

Bishal, you do not need a visa because your itinerary/journey is eligible for 24 hour visa free transit scheme. Also, it would be quite a waste of time and resources to go after a visa for only 16 hours of layover. The following is much better option with the steps explained.

1. I strongly advise you to fill out arrival card online, ahead of your departure from Canada at National Immigration Administration website ( https://en.nia.gov.cn/ ).
2. Upon your landing in Xiamen you will head to 24/240 hour visa free transit counter where you will apply for a temporary entry permit. This application is free of any charge. Here you will also present your accommodation booking confirmation if you plan to have an overnight at one of Xiamen hotels. In case if you have not filled out arrival card online, you will do it also after your landing. Please, remember that in such a case, you will first fill out arrival card and then head to 24/240 hour visa free transit counter. There is also a fingerprinting at automatic fingerprinting machine before you approach 24/240 hour visa free transit counter, of course.
3. When you have been granted a temporary entry permit you will head to the immigration and then to the city to enjoy your time on your own.

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Answered by Borut | May. 11, 2026 00:17

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Part 2:

Here I have to warn you that the issuing of a temporary entry permit (a permit that allows you to exit the airport and to enter the country) is not a passenger right, but more like a bonus that is offered to those having a long transit times, having an overnight layovers and those traveling with small children or disabled persons. In your case, you will almost certainly be granted a temporary entry permit, but I wanted to inform you about its nature and the fact that the issuing is not a right, but a bonus offered to certain groups of passengers in transit on case by case basis. I wish you a wonderful journey.

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