Transit visa 144 hours with separate bookings

Question

Hi,

Reading all replies, I am still wondering if as a British if I have two separate bookings with different airlines from country A to C via 2 days layover in mainland china (e.g. Beijing) , will I be allowed to travel and able to apply for 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit at aiport in China?

PNR: X, Airline Y: London to Beijing

and after 48 hours

PNR A, Airline B: Beijing to Tokyo

Answer

The 144-hour Visa-Free Transit (VFT) policy in China allows certain nationalities, including British passport holders, to stay in designated cities or regions (like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, etc.) without a visa for up to 144 hours, provided specific conditions are met.

Regarding your situation with two separate bookings and a 48-hour layover in Beijing:

The main requirement for the 144-hour VFT is that you have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country (not the same country you arrived from) within the 144-hour period. In your case, your onward flight from Beijing to Tokyo satisfies this.
It does not matter if your bookings are on different airlines or separate PNRs. What matters is that your arrival and departure meet the conditions of the policy, i.e., you enter China legally and have confirmed onward travel.
You must arrive at one of the designated ports of entry that accept 144-hour VFT. Beijing Capital International Airport is included.

Additional points to note:

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
You may be asked to show proof of onward travel (boarding pass or ticket) and hotel booking within the allowed cities during your stay.
The 144-hour period starts from the actual arrival time in China at the port of entry, not from the date of your flight departure.
It is recommended to check with the airline before boarding, as some carriers may require visa verification for entry into China, even for transit passengers.

In summary, even with two separate bookings, you are generally eligible to use the 144-hour Visa-Free Transit in Beijing as long as all the conditions are met and you stay within the allowed areas during your transit.