240 Hour Exemption

Question

Hello,

We are planning to go:

Leg 1: Seoul to Beijing

Leg 2: Beijing to Hong Kong

Leg 3: Hong Kong to Shanghai

Leg 4: Shanghai back home to LA

We are US citizens.

Will Hong Kong be ok as a separate country. Any issues doubling back to Shanghai with the 240 day visa? Thanks!

Answer

The 240-hour visa-free transit (TWOV) policy in China allows eligible travelers, including U.S. citizens, to stay in certain Chinese cities for up to 10 days (240 hours) without a visa when transiting to a third country. Your itinerary includes multiple legs within China, so here’s how it applies:

1. Leg 1: Seoul to Beijing – This is your entry point into China. If you plan to stay in Beijing less than 240 hours and are transiting onward to Hong Kong, you can use the 240-hour TWOV in Beijing. Your entry should be straightforward, and you will not need a traditional visa for this short stay.

2. Leg 2: Beijing to Hong Kong – Hong Kong is considered a separate jurisdiction from mainland China. When you travel from Beijing to Hong Kong, you exit mainland China and enter Hong Kong. TWOV does not cover Hong Kong, but as U.S. citizens, you do not need a visa to enter Hong Kong for short stays (typically up to 90 days).

3. Leg 3: Hong Kong to Shanghai – When returning to mainland China from Hong Kong, this is treated as a new entry. You may use TWOV again in Shanghai, provided that you meet the requirements (flying or taking a direct international connection to a third country within 240 hours). Your third country in this case is the U.S. (returning home).

4. Leg 4: Shanghai back home to LA – This completes your transit journey and fulfills the TWOV conditions.

Key considerations:

Each TWOV entry is independent; traveling to Hong Kong in between does not invalidate the TWOV for your next entry into Shanghai.
You must show proof of onward travel from the second Chinese city (Shanghai) to a third country, i.e., your return flight to the U.S.
Ensure your flights align with the 240-hour limit and that you enter only through cities designated for the TWOV program.
Carry all travel documents, including tickets and passport, to show immigration officers on arrival.

In conclusion, Hong Kong is considered separate, so your TWOV in Beijing and Shanghai is unaffected. You can “double back” to Shanghai after visiting Hong Kong, as long as your travel from Shanghai qualifies as a transit to a third country and stays within the 240-hour window.

240 Hour Exemption

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