Transit visa, China, for UK citizens

Question

We are due to travel to Thailand on the 3rd on May, and whilst I applied for the visa in the UK on the 9th of April. Due to the issue with the new online system there appears to be a back log at the Manchester center, so I fear that I will not get my visa/passport back in time. Therefore we are looking at other options such as a transit visa, even though we have return flights (to Thailand) and accommodation booked.

I am looking for some advice on the transit visa for China. I am a UK passport holder, and want to travel to shanghai with my wife (Thai and UK passport holder) and Daughter (Thai and UK passport holder) for her to have some cosmetic surgery and visit Disney land at Shanghai. In effect we will only be in the country for 5 days/4 nights. So well under the 240hrs that is allowed for the transit visa.

But my question would be, is that we are looking to fly into China as family from Bangkok, then on the way out I would look to flight back to Thailand via Hong Kong. So I am looking to confirm that Hong Kong would be consider a 3rd country or would I need to travel to say Vietnam instead.

Also as for the transit visa, is this something that is appeal on arrival in China (i.e before passing though immigration) I also believe that you need to have hotel booking confirmed along with a return ticket and seat number pre booked?

Thanks for your help

Answer

Hello! Here’s a detailed explanation regarding the transit visa (24/72/144/240-hour TWOV) for China and how it applies to your situation as a UK passport holder.

Transit visa basics:

China allows certain nationalities, including UK citizens, to enter for short stays under the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy.
The standard periods are 24, 72, 144, or 240 hours, depending on the city. Shanghai currently allows up to 144 hours (6 days), and this covers your 5-day/4-night stay.
To qualify, your transit must be to a third country. “Third country” means a country other than China and the country you arrived from.

Your planned route:

Arriving in Shanghai from Bangkok (Thailand) — Thailand is your first foreign country.
Leaving China via Hong Kong — note that Hong Kong is considered a Special Administrative Region of China, not a separate country for TWOV purposes. Therefore, Hong Kong does not count as a third country for the 240-hour transit visa.
To use TWOV properly, your exit would need to be to a true third country, such as Vietnam, Singapore, or another non-China/Thailand destination.

Applying for the 240-hour transit visa:

Transit visas are typically pre-approved and not automatically granted on arrival. You cannot just “appeal” at immigration; you need documentation ready.
Requirements generally include:

Confirmed onward flight to a third country with date and seat number.
Confirmed hotel bookings in China for your stay.
Passport valid for at least 6 months and blank visa pages.

Immigration may ask for these documents, so have printed copies ready.

Alternatives:

If you wish to fly out via Hong Kong, the 240-hour TWOV will not be applicable. In that case, you would need to obtain a regular tourist visa (L visa) in advance.
Another option is to book your exit flight to a true third country, for example, flying from Shanghai to Vietnam, Singapore, or Japan, before continuing your journey to Thailand or Hong Kong.

In summary, for your family’s 5-day stay in Shanghai with departure via Hong Kong, the 240-hour transit visa is not applicable. To enter legally, you should either:

Obtain a standard Chinese tourist visa (L visa) in advance for yourself, while your wife and daughter can use the 30-day visa-free entry if eligible.
Or adjust your exit route to a true third country to qualify for the 240-hour transit visa.

Ensure all hotel bookings and onward flight confirmations are prepared in advance, as immigration officers will require proof at entry.