TWOV - recognised by ETIHAD?

Question

Hi - we are flying to China , staying 10 days and going to Japan. We plan to use the TWOV allowance. Do we need to fill in a form on the flight in? We are flying with Etihad - thank you

Answer

The 24-hour or 144/240-hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policies are generally recognized by major international airlines, including Etihad, but it is always important to confirm before your trip. For your situation—flying to China for 10 days and then continuing to Japan—TWOV can be used only if you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific city or region you are entering. Make sure your arrival city in China is one of the TWOV-designated areas.

Regarding forms on the flight:

Yes, you typically need to fill out an arrival card (entry card) on the flight or upon arrival. This includes your personal details, passport information, flight details, and intended duration of stay.
Some airlines may provide guidance on TWOV procedures during check-in, but the standard entry card must still be completed for immigration purposes.
It is not necessary to fill out a separate TWOV-specific form beyond the standard arrival card, but you should have:

Confirmed onward ticket showing exit from China within the TWOV period
Hotel booking or accommodation details for your stay
Valid passport with enough remaining validity (usually at least 6 months)

Additional tips for using TWOV with Etihad:

Inform the airline staff at check-in that you plan to use the TWOV facility, so they can ensure your boarding pass and documentation reflect this correctly.
Keep all supporting documents handy when passing through immigration in China.
Double-check the exact city-specific rules for TWOV, as they vary (for example, Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, etc., may have different allowed durations or conditions).

In summary, Etihad does recognize TWOV, you will need to fill out the usual arrival card, and no separate TWOV form is usually required. Make sure you have onward tickets and hotel details ready to present at immigration.