240 Hour Transit Visa Help

Question

240 Hour Transit Visa Help Please - Please can anyone advise? I am flying to Hong Kong from the UK, and then flying on to Guangzhou. I then return to Hong Kong from Guangzhou, before flying back to the UK. Where on my journey do I apply for a transit visa? And can I fly from Hong Kong to mainland China without a formal visa on my passport. Feeling very confused, so some clarity would be appreciated. Thank you in advance! And yes, I am fully aware that it would have been better to have received a normal Chinese visa, however I hadn't realised the application process had recently changed so is now too late to receive one ahead of my upcoming trip. Yay!

Answer

The 240-hour (10-day) transit visa exemption is a special policy allowing travelers from certain countries to transit through specific Chinese cities without a full visa, provided they meet all requirements. Here’s a detailed breakdown for your situation:

Eligibility & Conditions:

You must be a citizen of a country eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit (UK citizens are eligible).
The exemption is valid only if you enter and exit through designated airports or ports, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen.
You must have confirmed onward tickets to a third country or region (Hong Kong, Macau, or another foreign destination) within the 240-hour window.
You cannot leave the approved area of the city/region. For Guangzhou, the exemption typically allows travel within Guangdong Province.

Application Process:

You do not need to apply for this transit visa in advance; it is granted on arrival at the port of entry in mainland China.
Upon arrival in Guangzhou (or the first Chinese mainland airport you land at), go to the special counter for 24/72/144/240-hour visa-free transit.
Present your passport, confirmed onward tickets from Guangzhou to Hong Kong, and hotel details or travel plan within the city.
The immigration officer will stamp your passport with a 240-hour stay permit, allowing travel within the approved area.

Flying from Hong Kong to Mainland China:

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region and has separate immigration rules. You cannot use the 240-hour transit visa from Hong Kong to enter mainland China.
You must enter mainland China at a designated port (like Guangzhou Baiyun Airport) to activate the 240-hour transit period.
If you fly directly from Hong Kong to Guangzhou without a visa or exemption, you will need either a regular Chinese visa or a port-of-entry visa-free transit (which can sometimes be issued for certain cities but requires checking with authorities in advance).

Summary for Your Itinerary:

UK → Hong Kong: No visa required for Hong Kong.
Hong Kong → Guangzhou: You need the 240-hour visa-free transit to enter mainland China. This is obtained upon arrival at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport. Do not try to fly from Hong Kong to Guangzhou without this.
Guangzhou → Hong Kong: You can leave China and enter Hong Kong without a visa (for UK passport holders).
Hong Kong → UK: Standard departure.

Important tip: Always carry onward tickets, hotel bookings, and a clear travel plan. Immigration officers may ask for proof of plans within the allowed region. If you have any doubts, contacting the Chinese embassy or consulate before travel can provide additional confirmation for your specific transit route.

240 Hour Transit Visa Help

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