144 hour visa (UK)

Question

Hello, I wonder if anyone has experience of successfully obatining the 144 hour transit visa. We will be travelling as a family of 4. The journey would be London > Beijing > Taipei > London. Obviously if we are planning 5/6 days in China we need some reliability of the visa being granted - would value any experiences. Additionally any thoughts on whether its possible to Enter Beijing and exit Shanghai? or enter Shanghai exit HK? Any thoughts also welcome whether Taiwan is seen as an onwards 3rd party country (given China politics!). thanks

Answer

The 144-hour visa-free transit policy in China is designed for travelers transiting through certain Chinese cities without obtaining a traditional visa, provided their stay does not exceed 144 hours (6 days). This policy is available to nationals of many countries, including the UK. It applies when travelers are entering China from one country and departing to a third country, with both flights booked in advance and confirmed.

For your journey of London → Beijing → Taipei → London, the key considerations are:

You must enter a city covered by the 144-hour visa-free transit program, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, or others included in the policy.
Your onward flight must be to a third country or region. Officially, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau are generally considered third-party regions for the purpose of this visa. However, policies regarding Taiwan can be sensitive, so it’s recommended to check with the Chinese consulate or airline for the latest guidance.
You must have all hotel bookings and a confirmed onward flight within 144 hours. Immigration officers may request proof of accommodation and flight tickets.

Regarding city entry and exit options:

Entering Beijing and exiting Shanghai is generally allowed under the 144-hour transit visa, as long as both cities are included in the visa-free transit zones. You need to travel between the cities using domestic transportation (flights or high-speed trains).
Entering Shanghai and exiting via Hong Kong is usually acceptable, as Hong Kong is considered a third-party region. This means the transit visa can cover Shanghai for up to 144 hours before departing to Hong Kong.

For family travel, each traveler—including children—needs to meet the requirements, and all passports must be valid for at least six months. Make sure to carry printed hotel reservations, confirmed flight itineraries, and any supporting documents to show immigration officers.

Other practical tips for the 144-hour visa-free transit:

Check your airline’s experience with the transit program, as some airlines may require verification before boarding the flight to China.
Prepare for immigration questioning politely and provide clear proof of onward travel.
Plan intra-city transportation in advance if you intend to travel between cities under the transit visa.
Always verify the latest rules, as Chinese immigration policies can change quickly, especially regarding Taiwan as a destination.

In summary, your plan of 5-6 days in China with entry and exit via different cities is feasible under the 144-hour visa, but special attention should be given to Taiwan as your third-country destination. Consulting the airline or local consulate before departure can give you the most reliable guidance.

144 hour visa (UK)

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