240 Hour twov

Question

Hi all,

I have a question about the 240 TWOV.

I am thinking of travelling London - Doha - Chongqing. Then Chongqing - Hong Kong.

I then want to travel Hong Kong - Shenzhen - Shanghai. And finally Shanghai - London.

Would this work? I think I'd need to apply for two 240 TWOV - one in Chongqing and one in Shenzhen? Can you apply so close together? Can I exit and enter by the same port (Hong Kong)?

Thanks!

Answer

The 240-hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy in China allows eligible travelers to stay in certain regions for up to 10 days without a visa, provided they are in transit to a third country. Your proposed itinerary involves multiple entries and exits, so careful planning is required.

Regarding your route:

London → Doha → Chongqing (first entry)
Chongqing → Hong Kong (exit mainland China to Hong Kong SAR)
Hong Kong → Shenzhen → Shanghai (second entry to mainland China)
Shanghai → London (final departure)

Key points to consider:

240-hour TWOV eligibility: The TWOV scheme is only applicable in certain cities/regions. Chongqing and Shanghai are eligible cities, and Shenzhen is also eligible, but Hong Kong is considered a separate SAR and not part of mainland China for TWOV purposes.
Separate applications: Each entry to mainland China under TWOV requires meeting the entry conditions for that specific city/region. Since you exit to Hong Kong and re-enter at Shenzhen, you are technically applying for a second TWOV for the Shenzhen/Shanghai portion. There is no strict rule preventing consecutive TWOV entries, but immigration officers may scrutinize very short intervals between entries.
Entry and exit ports: You cannot use Hong Kong as a TWOV entry or exit for mainland China. TWOV rules require arrival and departure via eligible mainland Chinese ports. So, your first TWOV would be used in Chongqing, and the second TWOV would be valid for Shenzhen/Shanghai. Hong Kong is treated as an independent entry/exit point.
Documentation: You need confirmed onward tickets to a third country from each TWOV city and meet all other eligibility requirements (nationality, passport validity, etc.).

Recommendations:

Plan for two separate TWOV periods: one starting in Chongqing, and a second starting at Shenzhen or Shanghai after returning from Hong Kong.
Ensure sufficient time between your Hong Kong visit and re-entry to mainland China; even if you apply for TWOV shortly after, be prepared for immigration questioning.
Check airline and border requirements for each segment, as some carriers may require proof of visa or TWOV eligibility for boarding.
Keep all travel documents, flight confirmations, and hotel bookings handy to present to immigration authorities.

In summary, your plan can work, but it involves two separate TWOV entries: first at Chongqing, then after your Hong Kong visit at Shenzhen/Shanghai. You cannot use Hong Kong itself as a TWOV entry or exit point, and consecutive TWOV applications are possible but may be subject to immigration discretion.

240 Hour twov

More China Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions