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China visa?

Hi

Looking at flights. Would be Uk to Hong Kong, via pkx, then return Hong Kong to UK via Pkx with a 23 hour stop over, at this point I’d be wanting to spend time in Beijing. Would I need any visa? I have a full uk passport.

Thanks guys.

For a UK passport holder planning to fly into Beijing (PKX – Beijing Daxing International Airport) with a 23-hour stopover and then continue via Hong Kong, you will need to understand China’s visa rules for transit.

Since you intend to leave the airport and spend time in Beijing during your stopover, this is considered entering mainland China. Therefore, the regular visa rules apply:

  • UK passport holders cannot rely on Hong Kong visa-free entry for visiting Beijing.
  • Normally, a Chinese visa is required to enter Beijing, even for a short stopover, unless you qualify for a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program.
  • The 144-hour (6-day) TWOV is available in certain cities including Beijing for UK passport holders, but it only applies if you are transiting to a third country. In your case, since you are returning to the UK, technically your onward flight is considered a third country, so you might qualify for the 144-hour TWOV.

Key points to consider:

  • You must arrive via an eligible port (Daxing Airport PKX or Beijing Capital PEK is eligible).
  • You must have confirmed onward tickets to a third country (the UK) within 144 hours.
  • You must remain within the allowed area for the TWOV (Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei province). For Beijing city-only visits, this is acceptable.
  • You will need to apply at the airport upon arrival and provide all documentation including passport and onward tickets.

If for any reason you do not meet the TWOV conditions (for example, airline route issues or paperwork), you will need a regular Chinese visa to leave the airport and explore Beijing.

Recommendation:

  • Check with your airline to confirm eligibility for the 144-hour TWOV before booking or entering China.
  • If you prefer certainty and convenience, you can apply for a single-entry Chinese tourist visa in advance. This will allow you to freely enter Beijing during your stopover without worrying about TWOV eligibility.

Summary: With a UK passport and a 23-hour stopover at PKX, you may qualify for the 144-hour TWOV to visit Beijing without a visa, but confirming eligibility with the airline or Chinese consulate is recommended. Otherwise, obtaining a standard Chinese visa in advance is the safest option.

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