Transit visa for 10 days

Question

Hi there,

Can someone kindly further explain to me about getting transit visa upon arrival?

I plan to fly into Beijing airport from Ho Chi Minh, stay for 4-5 days then fly to Hong Kong. Can I get a transit visa multiple entries at Beijing airport? I have US passport. I will have air ticket to leave Hong Kong to Taipei then back to US. I understand the requirement but a little confusing how to get that transit visa at the airport. I want a transit multiple entries because I plan to visit Shenzhen from Hong Kong for a day trip with a local friend.

Thank you

Answer

For US passport holders, China offers a 24, 72, or 144-hour transit visa exemption depending on the city and itinerary. However, this transit visa exemption is typically valid for a single entry and requires you to depart China for a third country or region (not back to your original departure point).

In your scenario—flying into Beijing from Ho Chi Minh, staying 4–5 days, then flying to Hong Kong, and planning a day trip to Shenzhen—there are a few important points to consider:

The standard transit visa exemption in Beijing (usually 144 hours) is a single-entry permit. It cannot be used multiple times without leaving China.
US citizens are not eligible for automatic multiple-entry transit visas upon arrival. If you want multiple entries, you would need to apply for a standard tourist visa (L visa) at a Chinese consulate before arrival.
Day trips from Hong Kong to Shenzhen are possible without a Chinese visa if you re-enter China via a special Shenzhen 24/72-hour visa-exempt area for certain passport holders, but this is limited and subject to specific conditions.

To clarify the process at Beijing airport for a transit visa:

If eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit, you present your onward flight ticket to a third country, your passport, and complete an arrival form. Immigration officers may issue a temporary entry permit valid for 144 hours.
This is only valid for that single entry; once you leave China (e.g., flying to Hong Kong), you cannot re-enter under the same transit exemption.
For multiple entries or longer stays, you must obtain a regular visa from a Chinese embassy or consulate in advance.

Recommendation:

If your main goal is to visit Beijing for 4–5 days and also have the flexibility to enter Shenzhen from Hong Kong, apply for a standard tourist (L) visa with multiple entries before traveling. This avoids confusion and ensures you will not be denied entry.
If you only plan to stay in Beijing and then leave for Hong Kong without re-entering mainland China, you can use the 144-hour transit visa exemption.

In short, there is no multiple-entry transit visa available on arrival in Beijing. Planning ahead with a standard multiple-entry visa is necessary for your itinerary involving Shenzhen.