By Sandeep Chaudhary
China 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit Explained
For Nepali travelers transiting through China on their way to a third country, the 24-hour visa-free transit policyoffers an easy and convenient way to connect flights without needing a visa. This system allows passengers from most nationalities, including Nepal, to stay in China for up to 24 hours without applying for a visa — as long as they meet certain specific conditions.
Under this policy, a transit visa (G-type) is not required if the traveler:
Holds a valid Nepali passport with at least six months of remaining validity,
Has a confirmed onward flight ticket to a third country (not returning to Nepal), and
Will stay in China for less than 24 hours from the time of arrival to departure.
The 24-hour visa-free transit is available at most major Chinese airports, including Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Chengdu (CTU), Shenzhen (SZX), and Kunming (KMG). This allows Nepali passengers traveling from Kathmandu to destinations like Seoul, Tokyo, or Bangkok via China to transit without needing a visa — provided they stay inside the airport’s international transit area.
During the layover, travelers must not exit the airport’s restricted zone unless immigration officers grant special permission under emergency or unavoidable circumstances. For those who have layovers exceeding 24 hours or who want to leave the airport to explore the city, a G-type Transit Visa must be obtained in advance from the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Kathmandu.
It’s important to note that the 24-hour transit exemption does not apply to all airports in China. Smaller airports such as Fuzhou, Mudanjiang, Yanji, and Huangshan may require a transit visa even for short layovers. Hence, travelers should confirm eligibility with their airline before departure. Additionally, baggage should be checked through to the final destination to avoid re-entry into the immigration area.
If the traveler is transiting through multiple Chinese cities (for example, Kathmandu → Kunming → Beijing → Seoul), the total transit time — across all cities — must not exceed 24 hours. Otherwise, a transit visa will be required.
For professional assistance with transit route planning, visa processing, and document verification, Yatra for Fun Pvt. Ltd., located at Koteshwor-32, Kathmandu, provides expert visa services and travel consultation for Nepali passengers traveling through China and other Asian hubs.
Contact Details — Yatra for Fun Pvt. Ltd.
Office Address: Koteshwor-32, Kathmandu, Nepal
Call / WhatsApp / Viber: +977 9802348957 or +977 9708072951
Website: www.yatraforfun.com
Email: [email protected]
