Transit Procedures

Transit visa: 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit available at designated cities for eligible nationalities.

Condition: Must arrive and depart from specific airports. Cannot leave designated city in some cases.

⚠ China 144-hour TWOV covers 54 nationalities at major hubs (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc.).

Facilities: World-class facilities at major hubs (PVG, PEK, CAN): extensive shops, restaurants, and lounges.

Food & drink: Wide variety of Chinese and international dining.

Rest & showers: Transit hotels airside at PVG T2 and PEK T3. Lounges with showers.

Minimum connection time: 120 minutes at major hubs (PEK, PVG, CAN).

Terminal change: Beijing: free shuttle between T2/T3 (20 min). Shanghai Pudong: T1–T2 shuttle (15 min).

⚠ Chinese airports are large. Allow extra time for 144h TWOV processing if applicable.

Baggage transfer: Bags transferred on same booking. 24/72/144h TWOV travelers must collect bags.

Re-check required: Required if entering China under TWOV (transit without visa) program.

⚠ If using visa-free transit to leave the airport, you must collect and re-check bags.

Immigration: Not required for airside transit. 24/72/144h TWOV allows leaving airport without a visa.

Leaving the airport: 144-hour visa-free transit (54 nationalities) allows city exploration at designated ports.

⚠ Must enter/exit from designated cities. Cannot travel between regions.

Airport hotel: Transit hotels airside at PVG T2 and PEK T3.

Sleep options: Air China transit hotel (free for eligible passengers). Lounges with nap areas.

⚠ Free transit hotel for some airlines with long layovers (8+ hours).

• 144-hour TWOV: register at the transit counter before immigration.
• WeChat Pay/Alipay dominate payments — bring cash or international card.
• VPN may be needed for Google/social media if you leave the airport.
• Free WiFi requires Chinese phone number at some airports (ask lounge staff for help).