Visa Free Transit

Question

Hi,

This is probably quite a common question asked on here, but I don't want to get it wrong.

If I am travelling from London > Seoul > Osaka > Beijing > Shanghai > London would the Osaka to > China > UK leg be valid under the 240 hr visa free transit? Total time planned for China 7 days.

Also would I be able to travel from Beijing to Shanghai by rail or would it have to be by air? Thank you so much!

Answer

The 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit (VFT) policy in China allows certain travelers to stay in specific cities or provinces without a visa when transiting to a third country. For your itinerary:

Eligibility: You are flying from London → Seoul → Osaka → Beijing → Shanghai → London. Since your entry into China is from Osaka and your final destination is London (a third country), this generally qualifies for the 240-hour VFT, as long as your passport is from a country eligible for this program and you enter one of the participating cities (Beijing and Shanghai are included).
Duration: The total planned time of 7 days in China is within the 240-hour limit.
City/Region Restriction: The 240-hour VFT in Beijing allows you to travel within the Beijing Municipality and nearby areas. Shanghai VFT covers Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces. So traveling from Beijing to Shanghai is allowed under the policy if you enter China under the Beijing port rule and exit through Shanghai (or vice versa, if properly processed).

Regarding transport between Beijing and Shanghai:

You do not need to fly. High-speed trains between Beijing and Shanghai are fully operational and a convenient option. Trains such as G or D-class high-speed trains take approximately 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on the service. Tickets can be booked online, at the station, or through travel agencies.
Air travel is optional and faster in terms of flight time, but when considering airport transfers, security checks, and waiting times, the high-speed train is often comparable and more convenient.

Tips:

Ensure your onward flight from Shanghai to London is confirmed, as border authorities may ask for proof of your onward journey.
Carry a printed copy of your itinerary and entry/exit flights to facilitate smooth immigration processing.
Check the latest rules with the Chinese consulate or official websites before traveling, as transit rules may change.

In summary, your itinerary is generally compatible with the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, and you can travel between Beijing and Shanghai by high-speed train without any visa issues.

Visa Free Transit

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