According to the regulations of Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China, foreign visitors who meet ALL the following requirements could apply for the visa-free transit:<\/p>\n
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- Holding passports issued by the following listed 45 countries,<\/li>\n
- Holding valid international travel documents,<\/li>\n
- Qualified for the entry requirements of their third destination country,<\/li>\n
- Holding valid airline tickets with 72-hour validation and making transit through Beijing Capital International Airport to the third country, and Reported to Chinese immigration inspection authority by their airline companies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What does this mean? \u00a0If you have have a passport from an eligible country, and Beijing is a stop over city (i.e., you’re going New York – Beijing – Bangkok), you can apply at the airport for a 72 hour visa free stay. \u00a0It’s very important that you have your flight itinerary printed out (not on your phone or ipad, but actually printed)<\/p>\n
Who is eligible:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar<\/p>\n
What you need to know:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Transit visitors are not permitted to bring animals, plants and products on the Catalog of Animal and Plants, and Animal and Plant Products Prohibited from being Carried or Posted into the People’s Republic of China, and must comply with the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine.<\/p>\n
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- (1) Foreign visitors who stay at places other than hotels must register at the local police station within 24 hours of their arrival.\u00a0(If you’re staying at a hotel, most will do this for you upon check-in)\u00a0<\/em><\/li>\n
- (2) 72-hour visa-free transit foreign visitors are not permitted to leave Beijing to other Chinese cities during the 72 hours, and have to depart from Beijing.<\/li>\n
- (3) Foreign visitors must carry valid passports and certifications during their stay.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
The Airport:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
You will arrive and depart from Terminal 3 in Beijing Capital Airport. \u00a0It’s a very large terminal, so make sure you give yourself enough time. \u00a0In addition, you’ll have to go through security and customs checks and lines can be long. \u00a0Even if you’re not on a 72-hour visa free stay, and just in transit, be prepared for customs and security. \u00a0Don’t buy any liquids until after you pass through security – you can have your 3 oz or less liquid in a clear plastic bag.<\/p>\n
There’s nothing really great about Terminal 3 and depending on when you’re there, the stores & restaurants may not be open. \u00a0I’ve found the Starbucks to be very reliable. \u00a0I have ice in my drinks there and have never had any problems. \u00a0Remember, you can’t drink the water in China, so make sure you get purified drinking water (there are special places labeled in the airport with free drinking water) Once you get past the central area past customs and head to the gate areas, you’ll find many fewer options. \u00a0So grab before you go. \u00a0The Air China lounge is also in the center just past customs and duty free (towards the right if your back is to customs\/security). I find the lounge to be a zoo and haven’t ever stayed in there for more than a few minutes to use the restroom and grab a soda water (club soda.)<\/p>\n
Another thing I’ve found about the airport is that no matter what time of year you’re there, it’s hot in the airport. The airport has very large ceilings and I just don’t think it circulates well or that they really have cool air blowing. \u00a0So I always recommend you layer!<\/p>\n
![\"beijing](\"http:\/\/first2board.com\/verygoodpoints\/files\/2013\/08\/beijing-airport.png\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
- (1) Foreign visitors who stay at places other than hotels must register at the local police station within 24 hours of their arrival.\u00a0(If you’re staying at a hotel, most will do this for you upon check-in)\u00a0<\/em><\/li>\n