China 72 hour visa exemption

4 replies

Cal8

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 28 Jul 2014

Total posts 3

Would I be eligible for China 72 hour visa exemption if I travel from Sydney to Shanghai and return to Sydney via Hong Kong, but not clear customs in Hong Kong, just transit and change flights?

TheFreqFlyer

Member since 05 Oct 2017

Total posts 89

Pretty sure the answer is yes. But you might want to clarify with the carrier.

henrus

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 23 Oct 2013

Total posts 765

The answer is yes as the current transit visa does not care what comes after the third country just as long as it's not the same as the original country of origin.


By the way the visa is now 144 hours from Shanghai and here is what the airline will see when running your details through timatic or travel doc.

"Transit visa is not required for passengers arriving and departing from either Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG), Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH), Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), provided the passenger holds a confirmed onward ticket to travel directly to a third country. Passengers may exit the transit area but must remain within the Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province and Zhejiang Province. Maximum stay of 144 hours."

(From the Travel Doc visa checker)

sdtravel

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 18 Jun 2015

Total posts 81

I have a similar question but am going on a cruise boat.

Arriving in Shanghai by air. Staying for 3 days, then getting on a cruise that goes to Japan and then returns to Shanghai 5 days later. Overnight again in Shanghai and then flying to Hong Hong.
Do you think i can use the 144 hour exemption for this?

henrus

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 23 Oct 2013

Total posts 765

I have a similar question but am going on a cruise boat.
Arriving in Shanghai by air. Staying for 3 days, then getting on a cruise that goes to Japan and then returns to Shanghai 5 days later. Overnight again in Shanghai and then flying to Hong Hong.
Do you think i can use the 144 hour exemption for this?


No you'll need a visa. The 144 hour or 72 hour exemptions only apply if you're flying in/out of the same airport in a single trip (exceptions apply for regions with multiple airports).


If you're only staying for less than 24 hours on the 2nd time in Shanghai then you won't need a visa as you can use the "24 hours direct transit" option but otherwise you'll need a visa thats valid for both your trips into China.

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