240 Visa

Question

Hello, sorry for any silly questions. I am trying to find out exactly how the 240 hour visa free entry works. I am an American. I would like to first fly to Manila Philippines for a few days and then fly into Beijing for 9 days and then fry onto Cambodia or Vietnam or Thailand or back to the Philippines. Do I need to book all the travel at once from America. Or can I book the ticket to Beijing and then one of the other countries after I get to the Philippines? Thank you for any help.

Answer

The 240-hour visa-free transit (VFTF) for Beijing allows eligible travelers from certain countries, including the United States, to stay in certain areas of China for up to 10 days (240 hours) without obtaining a traditional visa, provided they meet specific requirements.

Here are the key points regarding your situation:

You do not need to book all your flights from the U.S. at once. The important requirement is that your inbound flight to Beijing and outbound flight from Beijing to a third country must be confirmed at the time of arrival in Beijing. The outbound flight must be to a country other than China.
You can fly from the U.S. to Manila first, spend a few days there, and then fly onward to Beijing. What matters is that you can show proof of your onward flight leaving Beijing within the 240-hour period.
Tickets can be booked in advance or after you arrive in the Philippines, as long as you have a confirmed onward flight when you enter Beijing. Many travelers book their outbound flight shortly before arriving in China to keep plans flexible.
The 240-hour visa-free stay only applies to specific regions in China, including Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, and some areas of nearby provinces. Make sure your travel plans stay within the allowed region.

Additional tips:

Carry a printed copy of your confirmed outbound ticket to show immigration upon arrival.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.
The 240-hour period starts from the time of arrival in Beijing.
If you plan to visit multiple cities within the eligible region, you are allowed to move freely within those areas.

In summary, you can book your Beijing inbound ticket independently, and your onward flight from Beijing can be arranged after your stay in Manila. Just make sure you have a confirmed outbound ticket before arriving in Beijing to qualify for the 240-hour visa-free entry.

240 Visa

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