Query about 240hr Transit Without Visa (TWOV)

Question

Hi, I am British passport holder and will be visiting China en route to Japan. So flying from London Gatwick to Beijing, then 2 days later will be flying from Beijing to Shanghai. After 2 days in Shanghai, I am going to Japan. I am then returning to Shanghai after 9 days in Japan, and flying back to London from Shanghai the day after.

Now I am not sure if the 240 Transit Without Visa that I can obtain on arrival in Beijing would permit me to travel to Shanghai and depart to Japan from there?

Also, on my return from Japan, as the 240hr period has exhausted, can I apply for another 240 TWOV as my outbound flight to London is in 24 hours?

Thanks

Answer

The 240-hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program in China allows eligible foreign passport holders to enter certain Chinese cities without a visa for short stays, typically up to 10 days (240 hours), when in transit to a third country. Here’s how it applies to your itinerary.

1. Traveling from Beijing to Shanghai during the 240-hour TWOV:

The 240-hour TWOV is valid in multiple cities, including Beijing and Shanghai. You are allowed to travel within the approved cities during the 240-hour period. So if you enter Beijing on TWOV, you can take domestic flights or trains to Shanghai without any issues, provided your departure from Shanghai is to a third country (Japan in your case).
Ensure your onward flight from Shanghai is to Japan and that your arrival and departure flights are documented, as immigration officers may check your itinerary.

2. Returning to China after Japan:

The 240-hour TWOV is calculated per entry. Since your previous TWOV has expired after your first stay, you cannot extend it for your return from Japan.
You may be eligible to apply for another 240-hour TWOV on arrival in Shanghai, provided you meet the conditions (third country onward flight, eligible nationality, and intended stay within the approved cities). Some travelers successfully obtain a second TWOV, but approval is at the discretion of Chinese immigration.
For your return flight to London within 24 hours of arrival, a second 240-hour TWOV is generally possible, but confirm that your arrival city (Shanghai) is on the TWOV list and that immigration is aware you are entering solely for a short stay before your international departure.

3. Practical Advice:

Keep all flight tickets and travel documents handy, showing onward travel to a third country for each TWOV entry.
Confirm with your airline and Chinese consulate if there are any restrictions or required documentation for multiple TWOV entries within a short period.
Have a clear plan for transportation within China (Beijing to Shanghai) and ensure your itinerary is realistic given the 240-hour window.

In summary, your first segment (Beijing → Shanghai → Japan) is fully compatible with the 240-hour TWOV. On your return from Japan, a new TWOV may be issued for your 24-hour stay in Shanghai before your flight back to London, but final approval rests with immigration authorities.

Query about 240hr Transit Without Visa (TWOV)

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