2 layovers - need visa?

2 layovers - need visa?
May 27, 2012 09:55
guest57452	I would like to book tickets on China Eastern from Los Angeles to Kathmandu. The routing includes 2 layovers - one in Shanghai of 3 hours and one in Kunming of 9 hours. I do not plan to leave the airport. I have looked all over the web for a definitive answer to this question: can I transit without a visa or must I have a visa? The language on the Chinese consulate site is ambiguous in regards to a double layover. Does anyone know for sure how this works? Thank you.

May 27, 2012 09:55

guest57452

I would like to book tickets on China Eastern from Los Angeles to Kathmandu. The routing includes 2 layovers - one in Shanghai of 3 hours and one in Kunming of 9 hours. I do not plan to leave the airport. I have looked all over the web for a definitive answer to this question: can I transit without a visa or must I have a visa? The language on the Chinese consulate site is ambiguous in regards to a double layover. Does anyone know for sure how this works? Thank you.

May 29, 2012 22:19	#1
GUESTFIONA	if you have 2 layovers in China, you are suggested to apply for a double entry China visa. I have heard from my Australian friends that they are required to get visa in advance by the officer in Chinese embassy if they transit in 2 or more cities in China. It is newly release policy concerning transit. I am not quite sure if this is the same in US.

Oct 27, 2015 17:22

GUESTCHRIS

According to this website, it seems that the Direct Transit exemption applies with a multi-city stopover:

" (Exemption #) 2. For Direct Transit
No visa is required for foreigners who hold tickets to the final destination and have booked seats on international airlines, ships, trains transiting directly through China, and will stay for less than 24 hours and do not leave the specified transit area. Foreigners are able to apply for a Temporary Entry Permit to leave the port for city sightseeing or going to a dock or a railway station. Those who transfer in two cities of China within 24 hours are also available to enjoy this policy. For instance, if one’s trip is Los Angeles – Beijing – Kunming – Chiengmai and the time in China is less than 24 hours, the passenger can enjoy the direct transit."

That sounds good, however, I just read an article in the NZ Herald (that I can no longer find) that said a couple of travelers got stuck in China because their stopover included two Chinese cities and they didn't have a visa. I'm in the same boat, and cannot figure out if I need a visa or not. I just sent an email to the Chinese embassy in the US. I'm also going to email my airline (China Southern Airlines). Kind of doubt I'll hear back from either, but I'll update this post if I do.

Oct 27, 2015 21:42

GUEST5783

Chris, they were refused because they are qualified for 72 hours free transit. This policy just allow passengers to transit in one Chinese city where this policy is implemented. Even the flight just technically or temporarily stop by another city, the passengers are disqualified.

For 24 hours transit, it doesn't require that passengers can only transit in one city. If they transit in two or more cities within 24 hours, then they should apply for a stay permit when they land at the first airport. With this stay permit, they can still transit in other cities in 24 hours.

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