Entry requirements china

Question

I wonder if anyone can help

We are from UK and are traveling to Beijing for 3 days in October before we fly on to Tokyo. I don’t think we need a visa to enter China but I have read somewhere about contacting a travel agency, I’m not quite sure what this means

Can anyone help?

Answer

As UK citizens traveling to Beijing for a short stay before onward travel to Tokyo, you may be eligible to use China’s visa-free transit policies rather than a standard visa, depending on your travel plans.

China offers a 144-hour (6-day) and a 24/72/144/240-hour visa-free transit policy at certain ports for travelers transiting to a third country. Since your stay in Beijing is only 3 days and you are flying onward to Japan, you may qualify for the 144-hour or 24-hour visa-free transit, depending on your exact entry point and arrangements.

Key points to consider:

You must arrive via an approved airport, which in your case is Beijing Capital International Airport or Beijing Daxing International Airport.
Your onward flight to Tokyo qualifies as traveling to a third country.
The visa-free transit requires proof of onward travel (flight ticket to Tokyo) and may require you to stay within certain regions if using the 144-hour transit rule (Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei province, etc.).

The reference to contacting a travel agency usually relates to the fact that travelers who do not meet the standard visa-free transit criteria (or who prefer a traditional visa for peace of mind) can obtain a short-term tourist visa through a licensed Chinese travel agency. These agencies can assist in applying for a single-entry visa or arranging group tours that meet Chinese visa requirements.

Practical advice:

Check the official Chinese embassy or consulate website for the most up-to-date visa-free transit eligibility for UK citizens.
Have printed copies of your onward flight tickets to Japan.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your entry date.
If you prefer certainty, you can contact a registered travel agency in the UK to help apply for a tourist visa, which is straightforward for short stays.

In summary, for a 3-day visit to Beijing with onward travel to Tokyo, you likely do not need a traditional visa if using the visa-free transit scheme, but using a travel agency can provide a standard visa option if you want added security and clarity.