Domestic transit otw to port of entry in my visa?

Question

Hey guys!

I have a valid tourist visa, 30 days. My question is: in my visa application, I used Shanghai as my port of entry, but found a much cheaper flight with a stopover in Beijing. So, in theory, my port of entry would be Beijing as I'd need to catch a domestic flight.

There's nothing written about port of entry on the issued visa itself but China is very strict.

Is this OK?

Thanks!

Answer

In China, the port of entry you declare in your visa application is generally used by the authorities to track your first arrival point. However, in practice, many travelers enter via a different airport as long as they comply with the visa type and duration. Since your visa itself does not explicitly list the port of entry, you are not automatically denied entry if you land at a different airport.

Here are some key points to consider:

China typically allows domestic connections before reaching your intended first city of stay, but the first airport where you clear immigration is important. You must clear immigration at the airport where you physically arrive from abroad.
If you fly from abroad into Beijing, you will clear immigration there. This becomes your actual first port of entry, even if your visa application listed Shanghai.
Immigration officers generally check that you have a valid visa and your passport is in order. They rarely deny entry solely for using a different first arrival airport, especially if your stay duration and purpose match your visa type.

Practical recommendations:

Have your onward domestic flight ticket handy to show that you will travel to your intended destination within China.
Keep hotel or travel confirmations for Shanghai available if asked, so you can demonstrate your itinerary.
Ensure your visa type allows entry at any airport (most standard tourist visas do, except special or regional visas).

Summary:

It is generally fine to enter China through Beijing even if your visa application listed Shanghai, as long as you comply with the visa conditions. Chinese immigration mainly checks visa validity, passport, and entry duration rather than the declared port of entry on the application form.

Domestic transit otw to port of entry in my visa?

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