This one should be easy or as blurry as they come.

 

I am travel on the 1st of December flying out on ThaiLion Air with a stop over of about 4 hrs in China (TNA) Jinan Airport China. As an American citizen do I need a VISA prior to the airport or can I get a transit VISA when I am there. I really think this is one I can blame on Trump! I have been in many airports and never thought to look or ask about a transit visa when entering an international airport on my ticketed way to anotherr destination. But here I am. KIWI.com is no help, ThaiLion Air is no help. American Embassy is no help.  And I get 3 different answers from the Chinese embassy.

 

I have a valid passport, I am an american citizen, and I will only be in China's International Airport 4 hours... Do I require a VISA to use their concourses? or am I reading to far into KIWI.com's vague and misleading advice.

Your definitive answer will probably come from Lion Air, who will either let you on the plane or not. 

 

I don't think you will need one if you're not going through immigration, but post 9/11 America requires a visa even if you're hopping a plane and just transiting through a USA airport- for Homeland Security reasons. 

 

And China is pretty reciprocal about things like that, so...

I have to collect and recheck my bags. Change Airlines also. I hope I can buy the Transit Visa in China. What a mess.

Yes, you do need a transit visa and what a stupid Trump comment.

 

You just go through immigration, show them your printed out itinerary and they will issue you a 24hr thansit visa.

 

Poor you! 

 

 

10 hours ago, ThaiEddie said:

I have to collect and recheck my bags. Change Airlines also. I hope I can buy the Transit Visa in China. What a mess.

And who picked this routing ?

Always nice to ask questions here... Thanks for the assistance.

Stupid Trump comment? I didnt comment on his intelligence. I will vote for him again... Everyone blames him for everything... or blames America at least... Thank God for Trump. I do.

 

I would highly suggest not criticizing and offer assistance when someone asks for it. My state of mind is not know. Your words could hurt a lesser man.

 

555 dollars picked this route. I never tried to pass off my responsibility. I asked for help.

I dont need snide comments. You dont teach Sir... And If you do... I know why you left your country. Angry men are often found here for a good reason. Stop teaching... you are now hurting those you come in contact with.

Hi, I am about to take almost this exact same flight and am also a US citizen. I have had the same questions and can not get a straight answer from anyone. Can you please update how this flight went for you and how the airport handled it? Did you need a visa? I would really appreciate your answer. Thank you

Are you on one, single ticket, or two separate tickets? What is your follow-on segment? TNA-???. Which airline.

 

Assuming the worst situation, four hours may not be enough time. And the absolute worst situation, you're denied boarding at DMK.

 

Maybe ask on flyertalk, destinations, asia, china. Always provide more detail rather than less.

 

 

jinan site:flyertalk.com

 

Very generally speaking, with bags checked through, even on separate tickets, you should be able to stay in the international transit area - with no visa requirement, just clear security, maybe a passport/BP check. However, my experiences are in PEK (USA-PEK-BKK) only.

 

 

 

Edited December 3, 20187 yr by mtls2005

He seems to indicate bags will not be checked through and that he has to collect them and then recheck in. If so he has to pass immigration.

Sent from my SM-J701F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 

24-hour TWOV.

 

https://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/visa/free-transit-24hour.htm

 

But if claiming bags then...24-hour visa-free entry permit  

 

 

Can I get out of the airport during layover?

Passengers wishing to get out of the restricted transit area to claim luggage, take a connecting flight, or do some sightseeing in the city can apply for the 24-hour visa-free entry permit, which is a stamp or sticker on passport showing the permitted stay length.
 

Apply for 24-hour visa-free entry permit in 4 steps
 Fill an Arrival/Departure Card at the border inspection counter
 Get the temporary entry permit stamp or sticker
 Claim the luggage (if needed)
 Go through the customs

 

 

 

Not sure if fours hours is sufficient, maybe if everything is perfect?

 

 

Maybe consider getting a real visa from the Chinese consulate/embassy here? 

 

 

 

 

 

Found this FT Master Thread/WiKi

 

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/china/708095-china-24-72-144-hour-transit-without-visa-twov-rules-master-thread.html

 

updated last week, maybe a good spot to search for detail on TNA specifically, or ask your question(s).