Transit visa

Question

Hi, I am planning a trip to Japan and want to fly via Beijing. I want to take advantage of the 144 hr transit visa and hoping someone can answer these questions.

The flights will be separate bookings , BA london to Beijing and Japan air Beijing to Tokyo. So my understanding is I get the visa in beijing on entry?? Then return to the airport in 6 days to get my flight to Tokyo?

On my return my flight from Tokyo Will arrive late in the evening and my flight back to Uk the next morning. This question is will I be allowed a 24 visa, which will only be 2 weeks after the 144 visa as I want to stay in the hotel near the airport before my flight the next morning. Many thanks

Answer

China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy allows eligible travelers to enter certain Chinese cities, including Beijing, without a visa for short stays if they meet specific conditions. Since your flights are on separate bookings, there are a few important points to consider.

Regarding your first transit from London to Japan via Beijing:

You are eligible for the 144-hour transit if you hold passports from a qualifying country, have confirmed onward tickets to a third country (Japan in this case), and enter via one of the eligible ports, such as Beijing Capital or Beijing Daxing airports.
The 144-hour visa-free stay is counted from the moment you clear immigration in Beijing. You do not need a separate visa before arrival; you will apply at the airport upon entry.
During this 144-hour period, you can leave the airport and explore Beijing or stay in the city. After six days, you can return to the airport to catch your flight to Tokyo.

Regarding your return from Tokyo to London with an overnight stay near the airport:

The 144-hour visa cannot be reused immediately after a prior transit. For your late evening arrival, you may qualify for a standard 24- or 72-hour transit visa if your airline and route meet the eligibility requirements, but this is not guaranteed and may be subject to local immigration officer discretion.
It is generally safer to confirm with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country or in Japan whether a short-term airport hotel stay will be allowed without a standard visa, especially since it is only two weeks after your previous 144-hour transit.
If in doubt, applying for a standard short-term visa (24- or 72-hour) before travel is recommended to avoid complications at Beijing airport on your return.

In summary, your first 144-hour transit is valid for your Beijing to Tokyo leg. For the return, plan ahead and confirm whether a short-term visa is required for the overnight stay, as the 144-hour policy cannot be reused immediately.

Transit visa

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