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Transit visa for Guangzhou

As a UK citizen, do I have to apply for a transit Visa if I have a layover in Guangzhou? The layovers are less than 6 hours

Hello,

If you are a UK citizen with a layover in Guangzhou of less than 6 hours, here’s what you need to know about transit visas:

Short Layover under 24 Hours:

  • If your layover is under 24 hours and you remain in the international transit area of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport without passing through immigration, you do not need a transit visa.
  • You can stay in the airport’s transit lounge and board your next flight without any visa requirements.
  • This is commonly referred to as “airside transit,” and is valid for passengers who do not intend to enter mainland China.

Entering Guangzhou / Exiting Airport:

  • If you plan to leave the airport for any reason during your layover, including sightseeing or going to a hotel, even for a few hours, you would normally need a visa unless you are eligible for one of the visa-free transit programs.
  • Guangzhou offers a 24-hour visa-free transit policy for certain nationalities. UK citizens are eligible for this program under specific conditions, allowing entry without a visa if your onward flight is confirmed within 24 hours.

Recommendation:

  • For a layover under 6 hours where you stay inside the airport, you do not need to apply for a transit visa. You can remain in the international transit area and catch your connecting flight.
  • If you want to leave the airport and explore Guangzhou, check that your flight connection meets the 24-hour visa-free transit criteria and have your onward flight ticket ready. If you exceed 24 hours or don’t meet the conditions, a transit visa or tourist visa is required.

In summary, for a short layover under 6 hours and no exit from the airport, you are fine without any visa. Only consider a transit visa if leaving the airport or if your layover exceeds 24 hours.

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