144hr Chinese Exemption - Cruising Tianjin to Shanghai?
I'm going on a cruise in January next year starting in the UK. I'll attached the part of my itinerary where we go into China, will the exemption be valid as we enter china twice. I've tried to contact the embassy however they are unreachable here in the UK. The cruise company keeps advising a Tourist Visa will be needed however is this just a scam for more money for the visa travel company they are recommending? Please help an explain why?
14/03/19 - Kagoshima (Japan) 0800-2000
15/03/19 - At Sea
16/03/19 - At Sea
17/03/19 - Tianjiin for Beijing (China) 0600-2200
18/03/19 - At Sea
19/03/19 - At Sea
20/03/19 - Shanghai (China) 0800-2030
21/03/19 - At Sea
22/03/19 - At Sea
23/03/19 - Hong Kong (Hong Kong) 0700-2000
Best Answer
There’s a good explanation of the 144 hour exemption here http://www.sh-immigration.gov.cn/listPageEn.aspx?lx=40 This guide https://www.travelchinaguide.com/tour/visa/free-transit-144-hours.htm indicates that the exemption is limited to one of the three areas covered by the policy, meaning that to visit both Shanghai and Beijing you do need a visa.
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Do I need transit visa for Shanghai?
Under the 24-hour visa-free transit rule, no visa is required for international flight, ship, or train passengers who transit directly through mainland China and will stay for less than 24 hours. Passengers should hold tickets to a third country or region and have a confirmed seat.Does China allow transit?
24 hour visa-free transitForeign citizens travelling to a third country or region through China by plane, ship or train may stay up to 24 hours in China without a visa. The application for a preliminary entry permit at the Chinese border is a requirement for the visa-free entry.Do you need a visa for China if you are on a cruise?
If you plan to fly to China and then board a cruise ship you will need a single entry tourist visa which will enable you to enter China and travel within China before departing for home.Is there free travel in China?
China's visa-free policies allow nationals of certain countries, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, to travel to China for stays ranging from 24 hours to 180 days without obtaining a visa if certain requirements are met.A European getaway to..... Tianjin?
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