Dear Michael,

Thank you for your message and for reading my article on arriving at Beijing Airport.

Based on the current Chinese immigration policy, for a 5-hour layover at Beijing Capital International Airport, the requirements depend on whether you plan to stay inside the airport or enter the city:

1. If you are staying inside the airport (not passing through immigration):
You do not need to complete any additional immigration procedures, as long as you:

Hold a valid international travel document (passport valid for more than 3 months),

Have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region within 24 hours,

Remain within the designated international transit area of the airport.

2. If you plan to leave the airport and enter Beijing temporarily:
You must apply on the spot for a Temporary Entry Permit from border inspection authorities. No prior reservation is needed. To apply, you’ll need:

Your valid passport (with over 3 months’ validity),

A confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region within 24 hours,

Filling up the “Temporary Entry Card for Foreign Nationals.”

Important Note:
Your itinerary must be a true transit route, meaning your arrival and departure countries should be different (e.g., flying from Germany → Beijing → Japan is valid, but Germany → Beijing → Germany is not).

For final confirmation, it’s always best to check with your airline or consult the Chinese embassy or consulate in your area.

Safe travels!

Best regards,
Daniel Li