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240 Hour Rule HK to Shenzen/Guangzhou

Hello!

My family and I are flying into HK and flying out of HK to Doha. In the interim we want to explore Guangzhou and Shenzen.

Can we do this with the 240 hour policy? So our itinerary would be

12/25 land in HK

12/28 ferry to Shenzen

Travel between Shenzen and Guangzhou in between

12/31 ferry back to HK

1/1 fly to Doha

Would this work for the visa-free policy?

The 240-hour visa-free transit (TWOV) policy in China allows travelers from certain countries to stay in specific regions without a visa for up to 10 days (240 hours) while in transit to a third country. However, it is important to understand the rules and limitations carefully.

Regarding your itinerary:

  • Landing in Hong Kong on 12/25 and then planning to enter mainland China via ferry to Shenzhen on 12/28 is generally possible under the 240-hour TWOV, provided your entry point and exit point are eligible cities for this policy. Shenzhen is an eligible city for 240-hour transit.
  • Traveling between Shenzhen and Guangzhou within mainland China is also allowed, as both cities are within Guangdong province, which participates in the 240-hour transit policy. You must remain within the approved region (Guangdong Province) during your stay.
  • Returning to Hong Kong on 12/31 before your flight on 1/1 is fine, but note that Hong Kong itself is separate from mainland China for immigration purposes. The 240-hour rule applies to your stay in mainland China, not in Hong Kong.

Key points to ensure compliance:

  • You must have confirmed onward tickets from Hong Kong to a third country (Doha) before arrival in mainland China.
  • You must enter China via a port that offers 240-hour visa-free transit (Shenzhen ferry terminals are included).
  • Do not leave the approved region (Guangdong Province) during your 240-hour stay.
  • Carry all necessary documents including passports, ferry tickets, hotel bookings, and your onward flight ticket to present to immigration officers if asked.

If all these conditions are met, your plan should work under the 240-hour visa-free policy. However, immigration officers have final discretion, and it is always recommended to double-check with official sources or consulates before travel.

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The attractions mentioned in this question

Guangzhou
Guangdong
Shenzhen
China
China
country
Doha

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