What foreigners need to know about 72-hour visa rule(2)

And if you're wondering when the 72-hour countdown begins, the clock only starts ticking once you've been approved for the waiver and not as soon as the plane touches down as some people may mistakenly believe. 

How to apply for the visa waiver

1. Have valid identification and proof of onward flight to another country within 72 hours.

2. Travelers must declare their intent to take advantage of the 72-hour visa waiver rule to the airline. However, no clear instructions are yet provided on when or how travelers should contact the airline about this. The new rules are also not clear on whether to notify the airline prior to boarding the flight for Beijing or whether they can notify the airline on board or upon arrival. For this reason, we recommend contacting your airline about this well in advance.

3. At the customs gate, travelers must fill out the relevant entry forms.

What conditions must I satisfy to get the visa waiver?

1. Traveler must be a member of one of the 45 approved countries

2. Have valid identification

3. Is eligible for entry in the country of his/her destination

4. Holds proof of an onward flight to another destination within 72 hours. This proof should state the exact departure date and seat number. In addition, this onward flight must be bought in advance; travelers cannot purchase an onward flight upon arriving in Beijing

5. Travelers who take advantage of the 72-hour visa waiver must stay within the city.

Other things you have to know

Those who use the visa waiver must abide by a set of rules that include carrying valid ID at all times, registering at the local police station within 24 hours if not staying at a hotel or guesthouse and leaving the country from Beijing Capital Airport. In the case of unforeseen circumstances such as a sudden illness or flight cancellation, travellers must go to the Entry and Exit Administration immediately to apply for a valid visa. All travellers will have to pass through special X-ray equipment that checks body temperature to satisfy China's health and quarantine policies. And that's not all: travellers arriving with pets in tow are not permitted to take their pets with them when leaving the airport. However, blind people can take their guide dogs with them provided they have the proper paperwork.