Any experience departing Aust. on Qantas based on China 72-Hour Transit Without Visa?

[kh01]

I'm heading to Shanghai next weekend, and then continuing on to Europe after 2 days, and so I am planning on using the 72-hour visa free transit in China. My trip and flights satisfy the requirements that can be checked on TIMATIC.

Can anyone share their experiences departing Australia on Qantas and convincing the check-in agents to let you travel to China without a visa, based on getting a 72-hour TWOV on the other end?

I am unconcerned about the China end of things. My concern is that the Qantas check-in agent may not understand the 72-hour TWOV rule and could deny me boarding. I have a printout of the rules from TIMATIC in case, and I'm hoping this is enough to smooth any issues.

 

[cmon0005]

Re: Any experience departing Aust. on Qantas based on China 72-Hour Transit Without V

Generally the check-in system prompts them if they need to check for a VISA, though some agents may be on autopilot and ask to see it anyway. If you are on separate tickets from Shanghai to Europe you may have to show your onward ticket as well to prove you are only on transit.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Re: Any experience departing Aust. on Qantas based on China 72-Hour Transit Without V

I'm heading to Shanghai next weekend, and then continuing on to Europe after 2 days, and so I am planning on using the 72-hour visa free transit in China. My trip and flights satisfy the requirements that can be checked on TIMATIC.

Can anyone share their experiences departing Australia on Qantas and convincing the check-in agents to let you travel to China without a visa, based on getting a 72-hour TWOV on the other end?

I am unconcerned about the China end of things. My concern is that the Qantas check-in agent may not understand the 72-hour TWOV rule and could deny me boarding. I have a printout of the rules from TIMATIC in case, and I'm hoping this is enough to smooth any issues.

The check-in staff will almost certainly ask you for a visa and you will advise them you will be doing 'transit without visa'.

If the onward flight is a separate ticket they will have to have a look at that.

Friend of mine flew out QF last year and there were no problems at the airport. Telephone reservations initially thought a visa was required (until prompted to check the rules), and QF's own visa information pages on their website also completely leaves off any mention of TWOV and says you must have one (unless they have updated it recently).

However, at the airport there wasn't even a hint of any issue.

Two things can happen. Either airport staff in Australia will correctly enter all the details and chinese immigration will be aware of your arrival on TWOV. Or alternatively, the airline won't correctly enter everything and there will be a short delay on arrival in China as you fill out a second form with your accommodation, contact details and onward flight information (it's a separate form to your arrival form). Takes about 30 seconds to complete the second form.

 

[Mattg]

Re: Any experience departing Aust. on Qantas based on China 72-Hour Transit Without V

I flew to China last year using the 72 hour visa free transit thing. The first leg was on QF and was asked for a visa when checking in at BNE. I explained that I was going to take advantage of the visa-free transit and the lady spent a good 5-10 minutes checking I met the criteria.. after which time she was satisfied and I was on my way.

Before I got to China I had an overnight stop in KUL... when checking in with MH the next day for the flight to PEK the lady was convinced I did not qualify and refused for some time to check me in. The information she was reading was out of date though and after I directed her to the up to date information it was okay.

I suspect Qantas is aware of the rules and as long as you satisfy the criteria (it sounds like you do) you should be fine.

 

[moa999]

Re: Any experience departing Aust. on Qantas based on China 72-Hour Transit Without V

Always useful to have the TIMATIC rules, but the QF agents should know what they are doing.

Given you are actually transiting (ie continuing onto a different country) you should have no issues.
I have heard of people trying to claim the 72-hr visa when arriving/departing from the same country having issues (as they are not transiting)

 

[kh01]

Re: Any experience departing Aust. on Qantas based on China 72-Hour Transit Without V

Thanks for the various responses. It seems all should go OK.