240 hour China transit Visa - UK Citizen - Third Country?

Question

Hi All,

I was looking to go to Shanghai for 5days. As a UK citizen I see that I am eligible for the 240hr transit Visa - "When visiting a third country or region, foreign nationals from 54 countries can apply for a 240-hour visa-free stay at 60 airports "

My question is what classifies as a Third Country? If I book a single ticket from London to Shanghai and then a separate single ticket from Shanghai to Dubai, and then my return ticket from Dubai to London a few days later. Will Dubai be acceptable as the THIRD COUNTRY?

Also, my bookings will be separate single legged tickets...I wouldn't have thought this would be an issue - as they will be all confirmed flight tickets.

Google AI tells me yes that any other country other than the origin country would be ok, but I would appreciate if someone has done similar and can confirm if acceptable by the Chinese Authorities?

Thank you!

Answer

Hi,

The 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy in China allows certain foreign nationals, including UK citizens, to stay in designated cities for up to 10 days without a visa, provided they are transiting to a third country or region.

Regarding your specific question about what counts as a “third country”:

A “third country” means any country or region other than the country of departure (in your case, the UK) and the transit country (China itself does not count).
Dubai (United Arab Emirates) qualifies as a third country because it is neither your origin (UK) nor China.
It does not matter that your tickets are separate single-leg bookings; as long as you have confirmed flight tickets showing your onward travel to the third country, this generally satisfies the requirement.

Additional considerations:

You must enter China via one of the eligible airports/cities designated for the 240-hour transit program (e.g., Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao airports).
Immigration authorities may ask to see proof of onward travel, including flight tickets, hotel bookings, or itinerary in the third country.
It is advisable to carry printed copies of all tickets and hotel reservations to avoid any issues at the airport.
The rule allows multiple separate tickets; there is no requirement for a single through-ticket as long as all flights are confirmed.

In summary, flying from London to Shanghai on one ticket and then Shanghai to Dubai on another, before returning to London later, fits the 240-hour visa-free transit requirements. Dubai is considered a valid third country.

Always double-check the latest Chinese immigration guidance before travel, as policies can change, and carry documentation for both your entry and exit flights from China.

240 hour China transit Visa - UK Citizen - Third Country?

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