Will this qualify for a China 10 day transit visa?

Question

Hi, Hoping someone can help me.

Looking to book a trip to China but I want to make sure I qualify for the 240hr transit visa.

Does uk to Beijing then to hong kong then back to the uk via beijing qualify for transit visas under the new 240hr rule for UK citizen?

So the flights would be:

1. London- Beijing

Travel around for 7/8days ending in Shanghai

2. Shanghai - Hong Kong

1 night stopover in HK

3. Hong Kong - London (1 stop in Beijing 2hr layover)

Thanks,

Beth

Answer

The 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy in China allows certain nationals, including UK citizens, to transit through designated cities without a visa, provided specific conditions are met. Your planned itinerary involves entering China via Beijing, traveling within the mainland, then departing via Hong Kong and returning to the UK with a short layover in Beijing. Here’s how it applies:

Key eligibility points for the 240-hour transit visa:

You must be a national of an eligible country, which the UK is.
Your entry and exit must be via ports that participate in the 240-hour transit policy. Beijing and Shanghai are approved, but Hong Kong has a separate immigration system and is not part of mainland China’s 240-hour visa-free transit scheme.
The onward travel must be to a third country or region. In your case, traveling from Shanghai to Hong Kong satisfies the “third country/region” requirement for the first leg.
The total stay in the eligible area of China must not exceed 240 hours (10 days).

Specific considerations for your itinerary:

London → Beijing → Mainland China (up to 7–8 days): This is within the 240-hour limit and qualifies if you stay in approved regions.
Shanghai → Hong Kong: Departure to Hong Kong counts as exit to a third region, which aligns with the rules for using the transit visa.
Hong Kong → London with a 2-hour layover in Beijing: Short layovers under 24 hours for international transit typically do not require a visa if you remain in the transit area, but this depends on the airline and airport policies. You should confirm with your airline whether this layover requires a visa or qualifies for the 24-hour visa-free transit at Beijing airport.

Practical advice:

Carry proof of your onward tickets to Hong Kong and then to the UK.
Be prepared to show hotel bookings and travel itinerary within China.
Check with Beijing and Shanghai airport authorities or your airline regarding the short layover return flight, as regulations can vary.
Remember that immigration officers have discretion, and adherence to all documentation and timing is crucial.

In summary, your main travel within mainland China (Beijing to Shanghai) should qualify for the 240-hour visa-free transit as a UK citizen, provided you comply with entry/exit points and timing. The short Beijing layover on the return flight may not require a separate visa if handled as standard airport transit, but confirm with your airline to avoid issues.

Will this qualify for a China 10 day transit visa?

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