240 hour visa free transit - does a short layover count?

Question

Hi all,

I cant find a clear answer on this so would appreciate any input -

I want to fly London > Beijing, travel to Shanghai by train > London. Total travel time will be under 6 days.

If I were to fly London > direct to Beijing, then Shanghai > London but with a stop in Germany or Amsterdam for 2 hours, change planes and continue to London - would this count for the 240 Hour Visa Free Transit?

I can't see any information on how long the layover in a third country needs to be to qualify for the visa free transit. Do I need to formally enter the country or is 2 hour transit in a third country fine?

Thank you

Answer

The 240-hour Visa-Free Transit (TWOV) in China allows travelers to transit through certain Chinese cities without a visa, provided they are continuing to a third country or region within the allowed timeframe. A key requirement is that your journey must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region beyond China.

Regarding short layovers in other countries before your final destination, here’s what you need to know:

The "third country" requirement does not specify a minimum duration of stay. Technically, even a short layover in a third country (like 2 hours in Germany or Amsterdam) can satisfy the requirement, as long as you have a confirmed ticket to that destination and can legally transit through it.
You do not need to formally enter or pass through immigration in the third country. Being in transit within the airport is generally sufficient for meeting the TWOV requirement.
It is crucial to have proof of your onward flight, such as a confirmed e-ticket or boarding pass. Immigration officers will ask for this to verify that your travel meets the TWOV conditions.
Ensure that your itinerary is logical and continuous. The TWOV scheme generally favors direct onward travel rather than fragmented journeys with multiple unrelated layovers.

In your specific case, flying London → Beijing → Shanghai → London with a 2-hour transit in Germany or Amsterdam is acceptable for TWOV, as long as you have confirmed tickets for all segments and can show them upon arrival in China. You do not need to enter Germany formally.

Additional tips:

Keep printed or digital copies of all your flight confirmations to show at Chinese immigration.
Check with your airline or travel agent to ensure your flights are all on one ticket or connected bookings, which reduces the risk of issues at immigration.
Be prepared for the possibility that the immigration officer may inquire about your short layover, so have a clear explanation of your itinerary ready.

In summary, a short layover in a third country is sufficient for the 240-hour visa-free transit as long as you have confirmed onward travel and meet all other standard requirements.

240 hour visa free transit - does a short layover count?

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