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20 hour stopover

We are 4 UK citizens travelling Bangkok - Beijing - Edinburgh. We have a 20 stopover at PEK (arriving 6:40am).

Will it be possible to leave the airport without visas?

With a 20-hour stopover at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), it is generally possible for UK citizens to leave the airport without obtaining a traditional visa by using China’s 24-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policies. However, there are some details to be aware of.

Key considerations:

  • Visa-free transit: Beijing participates in the 144-hour (6-day) visa-free transit for certain nationalities, including UK citizens, if your entry and exit are via Beijing and you are traveling to a third country (in your case, Edinburgh, which qualifies as a third country since your origin is Bangkok).
  • Eligibility: You must have a confirmed onward ticket departing Beijing within 144 hours, and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Your Bangkok–Beijing–Edinburgh itinerary qualifies for this transit.
  • Entry procedure: On arrival at PEK, follow signs for the “144-hour visa-free transit” counter. Immigration officials will verify your onward ticket and passport, and issue a temporary entry permit. You can then leave the airport and explore Beijing.

Practical tips for a 20-hour stopover:

  • Travel time to city: Beijing Capital Airport is around 45–60 minutes from downtown by taxi or express train, so you have roughly 15–16 hours available to explore after accounting for immigration, security, and return to the airport.
  • Luggage storage: Use airport luggage storage or inquire with your airline about holding checked luggage so you can move around freely.
  • City highlights: For a short visit, consider Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, or a quick walk in the hutongs. Plan your route to avoid being rushed.
  • Return to airport: Arrive at least 2–3 hours before your onward international flight to Edinburgh to allow for security and boarding.

In summary, you do not need a standard visa to leave PEK for your 20-hour stopover. Use the 144-hour visa-free transit permit, ensure your onward flight and passport are eligible, and plan your short visit to make the most of your time in Beijing.

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The attractions mentioned in this question

Beijing
Forbidden City
Edinburgh
Bangkok
China
China
country
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square

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