Questions about the 144 hour transit visa into China

Question

I am looking to travel to Shanghai from the UK and use the 144 hour transit visa scheme to enter. I was then looking to travel onto Seoul. I just had a couple of questions that I couldn’t find the answer to.

Can I book a separate ticket from Shanghai to Seoul or does it need to be on the same flight ticket as my London to Shanghai ticket?

Also I would be transitting via Qingdao on the way to Shanghai (7 hour wait) but not leaving the airport until I get to Shanghai. Is this okay?

And on the way home from Seoul I would be flying back via Beijing, is this okay too? As not planning to leave the airport??

Answer

The 144-hour transit visa (TWOV) in China allows travelers from certain countries, including the UK, to enter designated Chinese cities without a full visa if they are in transit to a third country. Here’s a detailed breakdown based on your questions:

1. Separate tickets from Shanghai to Seoul:

You do not need a single ticket from London to Seoul to qualify for the 144-hour transit visa. You can book a separate flight from Shanghai to Seoul. The key requirement is that your final destination after Shanghai must be a third country (in your case, South Korea) and your stay in China does not exceed 144 hours (6 days).

2. Transit via Qingdao:

If you have a layover in Qingdao of 7 hours but remain inside the airport and do not enter China, this is completely fine. Transit passengers who do not pass through immigration or leave the airport do not need the 144-hour visa. Essentially, the TWOV only applies when you physically enter China.

3. Return flight via Beijing:

On your return, if you are flying through Beijing but remain airside and do not go through immigration or leave the airport, there is no need for a visa. You are considered in transit, and the TWOV rules do not apply. As long as you stay in the international transit area, your connection is fine.

Additional notes:

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date into China.
You must have confirmed onward tickets to a third country within the 144-hour window.
Only certain Chinese cities participate in the 144-hour TWOV scheme, including Shanghai. Ensure your arrival is in one of these eligible cities.
Always check the most recent rules on the Chinese consulate or official immigration website, as policies can change.

In summary, your planned itinerary with separate tickets and transit stops in Qingdao and Beijing without leaving the airport is fully compatible with the 144-hour transit visa requirements. You just need to ensure that when entering Shanghai, you go through immigration and meet all TWOV conditions.

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