144-hour visa-free transit policy

Question

Hello,

I am writing this in the hope someone can shed some light on this topic for me.

I plan on visiting Japan and would like to stop in Beijing on the way, benefiting from the 144-hour visa-free transit policy.

I intend to fly from UK to Beijing on a KLM flight, with the return leg being Tokyo to UK, again flying with KLM.

Prior to travel I will book a direct flight from China to Japan so it is confirmed before leaving the UK. This would be with China Eastern or Hainan Airlines, for example. Does anyone know if this is ok or the connecting ticket has to be with the same airline?

Does anyone have any experience of this visa free benefit?? The UK visa centre advised me to contact KLM to inform them prior to boarding, however when doing so KLM didn’t fill me with much confidence that all would be ok on arrival in China. They didn’t know much about it.

Apologies if this has already been asked. Just sceptical of booking the flights and being denied entry on arrival.

Thanks

Answer

The 144-hour visa-free transit (VFTF) policy in China allows eligible travelers to transit through certain Chinese cities, including Beijing, for up to 144 hours (6 days) without a visa, provided they meet the entry requirements. This is particularly useful if you want to stop in Beijing on your way to another country like Japan.

Key points to note for your situation:

Eligibility: You must hold a passport from a country eligible for the 144-hour transit policy. UK passport holders are eligible.
Transit Requirement: You must have confirmed onward travel to a third country (in your case, Japan) within 144 hours. The ticket must be confirmed before arrival.
Airline Flexibility: The connecting ticket to the third country does not need to be with the same airline that brought you to China. You can arrive on KLM and depart on China Eastern or Hainan Airlines, as long as the flight is confirmed and the onward destination is outside China.
Port of Entry: You must enter China through a port authorized for 144-hour visa-free transit. Beijing Capital International Airport is one of these ports.

Practical experience from travelers using this policy:

Immigration officers at the airport will check your passport and your confirmed onward ticket. They may ask about your plans during the transit period. Having your hotel booking or itinerary ready can help.
Many travelers have successfully transited on different airlines without any issues. The main concern is that the onward flight is confirmed and you leave China within the 144-hour window.
Airlines may not be fully aware of all transit rules. Usually, as long as you meet the requirements and have the onward ticket, immigration in Beijing will allow entry. It's advisable to carry a printout of your confirmed onward flight and hotel reservation.

Summary:

You can fly UK → Beijing on KLM, and then Beijing → Japan on China Eastern or Hainan Airlines. You do not need to have both flights on the same airline. Ensure your onward flight is confirmed, keep your itinerary and hotel booking ready, and plan to leave China within 144 hours. While airlines might not always provide complete guidance, Chinese immigration officers at the authorized port are responsible for applying the VFTF policy.