Visa free transit

Question

I'm planning to fly UK to Beijing, spend 48 hours in the city and then fly to Tokyo. To obtain visa-free transit entry I have read that you need to show both ticket and seat number for flight out of China. But I won't be able to check in for my flight out of China until 24 hours before departure- so how can I show a seat number to immigration staff? Thanks for any advice.

Answer

For travelers planning to enter China under the 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit policy, certain requirements must be met at immigration. One key requirement is showing proof of an onward flight, usually including the ticket and seat assignment.

In your case, flying from the UK to Beijing and then onward to Tokyo, you may encounter the issue of not being able to check in for your Tokyo flight until 24 hours prior, which means you won’t have a confirmed seat at the time of arrival in Beijing.

Here are some practical solutions and tips:

Use a confirmed flight booking: Immigration generally accepts a confirmed flight booking with a ticket number, even if you don’t yet have an assigned seat. You can book the flight through the airline or a travel agency and print the itinerary showing the confirmed flight and ticket number.
Electronic tickets: Most airlines issue electronic tickets (e-tickets) that include your PNR and flight details. Print this e-ticket and carry it with you; it is typically sufficient for visa-free transit.
Seat number not strictly required: While some guidance mentions showing a seat number, in practice, immigration officers usually accept a confirmed ticket without a seat. If your flight is fully booked, you may be asked for proof of booking or a boarding pass for the next flight, but the e-ticket or booking confirmation is normally sufficient.
Check with the airline: Some airlines can issue a boarding pass or seat assignment early upon request. Contact your airline to see if they can provide an early check-in document or seat assignment.

Additional tips:

Ensure your onward flight is confirmed and not just reserved. Cancelled or unconfirmed bookings may be rejected at immigration.
Carry a printed copy of your booking confirmation and any relevant correspondence from the airline.
Be prepared to show a hotel booking or travel plan in Beijing for the duration of your 48-hour stay if asked.

In summary, you do not need to have a seat number printed on a boarding pass; a confirmed flight booking with ticket number or e-ticket is generally sufficient to satisfy visa-free transit entry requirements in China.

Visa free transit

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