Beijing Travel Essentials: China 3-Day Visas: What? No Visa? Visa-free visiting enlivens transit times in a growing number of Chinese cities
Those who've visited China before will appreciate that the country's visa application process hasn't always been the most straightforward, hassle-free experience. Since January 1 this year 2013, however, things have been looking up, at least for transit passengers stopping by a growing list of Chinese cities.
These days travellers from 45 countries can break their journey in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu for up to three days without needing a visa (Kunming may also be about to join the list). Residents of most European countries, as well as those from the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Singapore, are among those lucky ones able to take advantage of the visa-free schemes.
While Shanghai has offered 48 hours of visa-free roaming to foreign visitors for years, the city hasn't seen much of a tourist windfall from its current policy. Less than 3,000 visitors took advantage of the offer in 2010, according to the state-run Shanghai Daily.
But with two world-class attractions in the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, Beijing is proving a much bigger draw for leisure tourists. The allotted three days is just about enough time to swing by the monumental must-sees, eat a helping or two of Beijing Duck, do a little shopping in the Chinese capital, and maybe sneak in a pedicab ride through the city’s charming hutongs. A growing number of travel agencies are offering tours especially tailored to the 72-hour window.
72 Hour Visa Free FAQ
Q: What documents do passengers from the 45 eligible countries need to apply for a permit to leave the airport?
A: Passengers are qualified to transit in the relevant Chinese cities without a visa only if they have valid passport or travel documents, as well as a confirmed flight ticket onward to a third country or region (and valid visa if required).
Q: How and where can passengers apply for the transit permit?
A: Passengers should put forward their request for transit to their airline in advance, so that the airline can declare this to immigration inspection prior to the visit. Passengers will be granted a transit permit at the airport if they meet all requirements.
Q: I plan to enter the relevant Chinese city first and then buy ticket to another country within 72 hours. Am I allowed entry and transit without visa?
A: No. Everything must be arranged in advance.
Q: I have a flight ticket from New York to Beijing, and a separate ticket back to Los Angles. Can I apply for the 72 hour free transit?
A: No. Your onward destination must be different to the original country of departure.
Extending Your China Visa
China visas including 30-day tourist visas can be extended at least once at the Foreign Affairs Branch of the Public Security Bureau (PSB). Extensions, as do visas, vary in price according to nationality.
Chinese Embassies Overseas
Japan
3-4-33 Moto-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan 106-0046
Tel: 03-3403-3388
Fax: 03-3403-3345
E-mail: info[at]china-embassy.or.jp
Website: www.china-embassy.or.jp
Hours: (Monday to Friday) 9.00am-12.00pm (except Chinese and Japanese Holidays)
USA
Chinese Embassy in Washington DC
2201 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C. 20007
Tel: (202) 338-6688, (202)5889760
Fax: (202) 588-9760
Chinese Consulate General in New York, NY
520 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036
Tel:(212) 244-9392
Fax: (212) 465-1708
Chinese Consulate General in Chicago, IL
100 West Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60610
Tel: (312) 803-0095
Fax: (312) 803-0110
Chinese Consulate General in Houston, TX
3417 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX 77006
Tel: (713) 520-1462
Fax: (713) 521-3064
Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles, CA
443 Shatto Place, Los Angeles, CA 90020
Tel: (213) 807-8088
Fax: (213) 807-8091
Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco, CA
1450 Laguna Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
Tel: (415) 674-2900
Fax: (415) 563-0494
UK
Chinese Embassy in the UK
31 Portland Place, London
Tel. 090 0188 0808
Website: www.chinese-embassy.org.uk
Hours: 9.00am-12.00 pm
Chinese Consulate General in Manchester
Tel: 0161-224-8672
Chinese Consulate General in Edinburgh
Tel: 0131-316-4789
China & Asian Visas
China visas can be obtained from Chinese embassies and consulates overseas or though reputable travel agencies
Hong Kong Visas - visas for Hong Kong
Japan Visas - types of available visas for entering Japan.
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