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Urgent, passport validity for 24h transit (Air China)

Good morning all, my apologies if this has been asked, I'm a little short on time to check. I'll be flying to London to Tokyo with Air China this evening, and my passport will have exactly 3 months (I know, what a dodo) on the day I arrive in Beijing for layover. Might Air China allow this? I've read 3 months/6 Months, which is very conflicting. Thank you so much x

For a 24-hour transit in Beijing with Air China, the passport validity requirement generally depends on both the airline’s policy and Chinese immigration rules. In most cases, China requires that your passport be valid for at least six months from the date of entry, even for short transit stays. Some sources and airline staff may suggest three months can be sufficient for short transit, but this is less certain and can vary depending on the airline or airport staff discretion.

Since your passport will have exactly 3 months validity on the day of arrival, this could be risky:

  • Air China may allow boarding if they consider your passport valid for a 24-hour transit, but it is ultimately at their discretion.
  • Chinese immigration officers may still require 6 months validity, and you could be denied entry even for transit.
  • If there are any connecting flights or airline checks in between, other carriers or airport staff may also flag insufficient validity.

Practical advice:

  • Contact Air China directly and explain your exact situation, including flight details and passport expiry. Get written confirmation if possible.
  • If feasible, renew your passport before departure to avoid being denied boarding or entry.
  • Check with your travel agent or the Chinese embassy/consulate for the latest transit requirements for your nationality.

In short, while some travelers have reported being allowed for 24-hour transit with 3 months validity, it carries a significant risk. The safest approach is to ensure your passport meets the 6-month validity guideline before departure.

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