China 240 hour Transit Visa.

Question

Have I messed up?

I am travelling on a British passport. From Singapore to Hainan and then a week later flying from Hainan to Miri (Malaysia ) however the plane transits through Singapore (1 1/2hrs between flights) is this allowed?

Answer

For a British passport holder traveling from Singapore to Hainan, and then onward to Miri (Malaysia) with a transit through Singapore for 1½ hours, here’s what you need to know regarding the 240-hour (10-day) China transit visa-free policy:

The 240-hour transit visa exemption is only applicable if you are transiting through certain Chinese cities (like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, etc.) and are continuing to a third country within 10 days. Since you are entering Hainan directly, this is not part of the 240-hour policy. Hainan has its own visa-free policies for certain nationalities, including British passport holders, but these are separate from the 240-hour rule.

Regarding your Singapore transit:

A 1½-hour transit in Singapore is generally allowed without needing a Singapore visa for British passport holders, as long as you remain in the transit area and do not pass through immigration.
Ensure your onward boarding passes are already issued; otherwise, you may need to collect luggage and pass through immigration, which could require a visa (but for 1½ hours, this should not be necessary).

For Hainan entry:

British citizens are allowed visa-free entry to Hainan for up to 30 days when arriving directly from a foreign country (not from mainland China), as long as the trip is for tourism purposes.
Since you are coming from Singapore, you are eligible for this visa-free policy.

Practical advice:

Double-check your airline tickets to ensure they are linked and allow smooth transit in Singapore.
Carry proof of onward travel from Hainan to Malaysia, as immigration may request it.
Do not plan any exit from the Singapore airport during your short transit, as 1½ hours is very tight.

In summary, you have not “messed up.” Your transit through Singapore is permissible, and your entry into Hainan should be covered under Hainan’s independent visa-free policy for British citizens. The 240-hour transit visa does not apply in this scenario, but that is not a problem for your trip.

China 240 hour Transit Visa.

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