China Southern Airlines have no idea about the 240hr visa!

Question

I've just come from China Souther Airlines office in Hanoi. I'm a Brit, planning to travel Hanoi to Shenzhen 2.5hrs layover with self checkin for a connecting flight to Shanghai. I contacted them via chat on their website and they told be minimum 3.5hrs to make the connection.

I went to head office in Hanoi to change the ticket, I Was then assured 2.5hrs would be fine.

Then they informed me that I cannot enter China via Shenzhen and travel to Shanghai. I must stay in the port of entry. The 240hr visa free doesn't allow travel within China. They is clearly not the case. They have no idea of the rules.

Why is that a problem for me? Well, will they let me on the flight from Hanoi? Am I going to have a problem at immigration in Shenzhen? They also told me I cannot travel Shanghai to Xian. Travel within China is not allowed!! Unbelievable!!

Wish I'd gone to Maylasia now instead!! *&$£@£$ nightmare!! lol

Answer

It sounds like you’ve run into one of the common issues where airline staff are unfamiliar with the specifics of China’s visa-free transit policies. Let me clarify the situation and what it means for your trip.

1. Understanding the 240-hour visa-free transit (TVF) rule:

The 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit applies to citizens of certain countries, including the UK, when entering through specific ports of entry in China, including Shenzhen.
During this period, you are allowed to travel within certain regions, not just stay at the port of entry. For Shenzhen, this means you can take domestic flights or trains to other cities in the allowed region (usually Guangdong province and sometimes neighboring provinces, check official guidelines for your route).
The rule explicitly allows onward domestic travel within China for the duration of the visa-free period, as long as you do not overstay the 10-day limit.

2. Why China Southern Airlines might be confused:

Airline staff, especially at overseas offices, are often only familiar with standard visa and transit procedures. The 240-hour TVF is relatively new and not all agents are trained on it.
They may assume that visa-free entry is limited to the city of arrival, which is incorrect in your case.

3. Potential implications for you:

You are legally allowed to enter Shenzhen and travel to Shanghai (and beyond, within the permitted region) using the 240-hour TVF. Immigration in Shenzhen should not refuse you if you have your passport, onward travel tickets, and hotel bookings.
Airline staff may try to stop you from boarding the Hanoi-Shenzhen flight due to their misunderstanding. It is important to have documentation of your 240-hour visa-free eligibility, if possible.
Once in Shenzhen, ensure you present your documents clearly to immigration officers. They are the authorities who determine entry, not the airline.

4. Tips to avoid problems:

Check the official Chinese government website for the 240-hour visa-free transit for Shenzhen to have the latest confirmation.
Carry all necessary documents: passport, proof of UK citizenship, onward flight/train tickets within China, hotel reservations.
When boarding in Hanoi, be confident and politely explain that you qualify for the 240-hour visa-free transit and that domestic travel within the allowed region is permitted.
Consider having a screenshot or official reference of the 240-hour rule to show airline staff if needed.

Summary: The airline’s confusion is common, but you are legally allowed to travel from Shenzhen to Shanghai under the 240-hour visa-free transit. Your main challenge may be convincing airline staff in Hanoi. Immigration in Shenzhen should allow you to enter as long as your documents are in order. Being prepared and having references ready is the best way to avoid delays or stress.

China Southern Airlines have no idea about the 240hr visa!

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