Shanghai Visa Free Transit: 240-Hour & 24-Hour Layover Visa 2025
Do I need a visa to visit Shanghai?
For a trip to Shanghai, there are two different situations: visa-required and visa-exempted. If your visit meeting related visa-free transit or visa waiver regulations, you can enter and stay in Shanghai within limited duration. Otherwise, you have to apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) ahead of depature to tour Shanghai. Check who enjoy Chinese Visa Exemption and who can apply for TWOV (Transit Without Visa) below.
Do I need a visa for Shanghai layover?
If you are eligible for 24-Hour or 240-Hour Visa-free Transit Policy, a visa is not required for transiting though Shanghai. (But, A Temporary Entry Permit is needed for leaving the port of entry.) If not, you must apply for and obtain a Chinese Transit Visa - G Visa prior to arrival. How to Apply for a Chinese Transit Visa >>
Transit at Shanghai Pudong Airport
Shanghai Visa Free Policies
Citizens of 54 countries who hold an ordinary passport with at least 3 months of validity and an onward flight, train, or cruise ticket to a third country (or region) within 240 hours can transit in designated areas of 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China’s Mainland, including Shanghai, for up to 240 hours without a visa.
1. Transit visitors must be nationals from appointed 54 countries
2. Transit Passengers Must Hold Valid International Travel Document
The passport or international travel document should have a validity of at least for 3 months. A valid visa for a third country is needed if requires.
3. Transit Passengers Must Hold Connecting Tickets to A Third Country (Region)
You must provide proof of a confirmed onward ticket to a third country (region), with a departure date within 240 hours. All countries and regions outside China’s Mainland are considered third-party countries or regions, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau,and others.
Valid Routes:
A. US > Beijing > Xian > Shanghai > Hong Kong or Macau
B. Australia > Shanghai > Hangzhou > Suzhou > Japan
C. US > Shanghai > Chongqing > Chengdu >Singapore
3. Choose Your Ports of Entry - 60 Ports Eligible
There are now 60 open ports of entry for the 240-hour visa-free policy across 24 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, including major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu,Chongqing, Guangzhou, Xi’an, Kunming, etc. You can enter China via any of these ports without a visa, as long as you meet the requirements.
Eligible Ports of Entry & Exit in Shanghai: Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal
How to Apply for 240-Hour Visa-free Transit in Shanghai?
①. Inform the air company that you will apply for the visa-free transit in Shanghai when boarding.
②. Go to waiting area and fill in an Arrival Card (blue version), after landing at airports or cruise terminals in Shanghai.
③. Submit completed Arrival Card at the specialized 240-Hour Visa-free desk.
④. Obtain a Temporary Entry Permit stamped on your passport. (Don’t forget to tell the officer you don’t want to use the China Visa you already got.)
⑤. Claim your luggage and go through customs and immigration inspections.
⑥. Leave the port of entry to start your layover tour in Shanghai & other cities in Zhejiang and Jiangsu Provinces.
Note: All foreign visitors should make temporary accommodation registration at the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours upon arrival. For who stay in the hotel, the hotel staff will make the registration for you, others need to go to the Exit-Entry Administration Office personally to get registered.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (上海浦东国际机场, IATA： PVG，ICAO： ZSPD), one of the two major ports of entry valid for 240-Hour Visa-free Transit Policy in Shanghai, has facilitated over 130,000 foreigner passengers during the past 3 year, about 90% of the total applicants. It is one of the busiest international hubs in China, handling airlines between nearly 300 cities in 47 foreign countries. Please read the following guide to help your layover go smoothly.
Location and Transportation
Address: No.6000, Yingbin Avenue, Pudong New Area, Eastern Shanghai (上海市浦东新区迎宾大道6000号), about 30 km (18.6 mi) to downtown, about 1 hour’s drive to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, Shanghai Railway Station.
Upon arrival, tourists can take Maglev Train, taxi, airport shuttle bus, metro, public bus to transfer to city center, or take long-distance bus (coach) to get to Hangzhou, Suzhou, Wuxi (无锡), Yiwu (义乌), and other cities in surrounding area.
Transportation from Pudong Airport to Downtown City:
Shanghai Disneyland is the nearest attraction from Pudong Airport, while other sites are mainly located far away in the downtown area or west of Shanghai.
◆ Pudong Airport to the Bund: about 1 hour & 20 minutes by Metro Line 2; about 50 minutes ~ 1 hour by taxi.
◆ Pudong Airport to Shanghai Museum: about 1 hour’s driving/45 km.
◆ Pudong Airport to Yu Garden: about 1hour’s driving /42 km; about 1.5 hours by Airport Bus Line 5.
◆ Pudong Airport to Zhujiajiao Water Town: about 1.5 hours’ driving.
◆ Pudong Airport to Disney Resort : about 1.5 hours’ driving.
◆ Pudong Airport to People's Square: about 1 hour & 20 minutes by Metro Line 2 (passing through Shanghai East Pearl Tower); about 1 hour (48km) by taxi.
Useful Link: ▶ Shanghai Pudong Airport Transfer Guide
Shanghai Pudong Airport Transportation Map (click to enlarge)
Stunning Night View of The Bund
Getting Transit Visa Exemption in Shanghai brings real convenience of enjoying at most 10 days to tour Shanghai and major cities around. It’s highly suggested visiting top famous landmarks (the Bund, etc) to witness the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, if the layover period is less than 3 days. For a longer layover, you may have a classic Shanghai tour with major scenic spots, towers and cultural sites, or travel to Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo with Shanghai together to experience different scenery, culture and history of Jiangnan (Southern China) in theYangtze River Delta. Best Shanghai Layover Tours >>
◆ 24 Hours in Shanghai - Shanghai One Day Tour
Top Recommended Attractions: Maglev Train, The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum
What to see in Shanghai when having a day or less? Skycrapers, culture sites of traditional eastern style or mixed feautures, urban life scenes, Shanghai gets more than that for your discovery.
You can start from taking a Maglev Train from Pudong International Airport to downtown area. For a daytime layover, you can visit Shanghai Museum in the morning to enjoy the great cultural and historic development of China, then transfer to 600-year-old Yu Garden to view beautiful Chinese garden, later see exotic architectures complex along the Bund and view modern skyscrapers across the Huangpu River.
Tips: We advise you to use Left Luggage Service at the airport and just bring backpack to travel light.
Useful Links: Shanghai Travel Guide / Top Things to Do in Shanghai / Get to & around Shanghai
◆ 3 Days in Shanghai - Shanghai Transit Tours within 72 Hours
- 2 Days Classic Shanghai City Tour
- 3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour
- 3 Days Shanghai Highlights & Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour
Top Recommended Attractions: Magleva Train, The Bund, Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Shanghai World Financial Center, Tianzifang, Shanghai Disney Resort.
For 3 days, you’re highly recommended visiting the iconic and highest buildings in Shanghai, experience “old Shanghai” in ancient sites, experience interesting local life and join in feature activities for leisure. You can touch the megacity in traditional and modern style both.
Travelers can spend one day visiting the most notable skycrapers in Shanghai, like Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, or World Financial Center. Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, Zhujiajiao Water Town are best cultural spots to find the old Shanghai. The Huangpu River Night Cruise are the best way to enjoy the international architectures of the Bund. Besides, you can relax by watching a performance in the Circus World, stroll in Xintiandi or Tianzifang, having family fun in Shanghai Disney Resort.
Most Popualr Shanghai City Tours:
◆ 240 Hours in Shanghai - Travel Shanghai with Suzhou & Hangzhou
- 5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour
- 4 Days Shanghai In-depth Tour with Sidetrip to Suzhou
- 5 Days Essence of Shanghai & Hangzhou Tour
- 5 Days Essence of Shanghai & Hangzhou Tour
Top Recommended Attractions: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Longjing Tea Fileds, Zhouzhuang/Tongli Ancient Town, Humble Administrator’s Garden, Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory.
6 days are far enough for a trip to Shanghai with nearby Suzhou and Hangzhou. So you can experience diverse culture and history in southern China, like watertownships, classic gardens, West Lake, etc.
It’s suitable to use 2 days for Shanghai. Then you may drive or take high speed train to picturesque Hangzhou touring 2 days, ramble around the scenic West Lake, learn the Longji Tea culture in the plantation or museum. After arrival in Suzhou, slow down and take 1 to 2 days to enjoy those exquistive gradens, well-designed ancient watertowns, marvellous design building of Suzhou Museum (masterpiece of world famous architect - Ieoh Ming Pei), and fasinating Suzhou silk and Kunqu Opera. Itinerary depends on your taste and free time.
Most Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tours:
Shanghai 24 Hour Visa Free Transit
From March 15th, 2012, Shanghai Pudong International Airport in Shanghai was firstly approved to implement 24-Hour Visa-free Transit in China. Travelers of any foreign countries can get 24 visa free transit with connecting (air, ship, train) tickets to a third country (region). It allows travelers to transit in Shanghai without going through any immigration inspections. You can stay inside the airport or leave the airport to visit Shanghai within 24 hours.
Advantage: Before taking flights, there is no visa application work to do, which saves both your time and money. Meanwhile, you may get a visa-free chance to quickly tour the city during layover.
Where to Sleep during layover in Shanghai？
Airport Transit Hotel
Except regular services like consultance, business loung, baggage storage, currency exchange, there are also (time-charge) hourly hotel with Wi-Fi provided inside the airport. The temporary accommodation service is valid for 24 hours, and located in the dining floor near the entrance of International Departures Hall, Terminal 2. The hourly hotel opends 24 hours, which is most suited for who arrive at late night, or will catch early morning flights.
Accommodation in Downtown
With a longer duration of stay, you could visit downtown, book a hotel in a good location with perfect facilities. The best accommodation area is near the Bund.
Useful Link: Best Places to Stay in Shanghai
Shanghai Airport Visa on Arrival
On the basis of related laws and rules, foreigners can submit Port Visa ( Visa on Arrival) at the visa office of the Exit-Entry Administration of Shanghai Public Security Bureau at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, if he/she meets one of the following situations:
1. For emergency (being invited at short notice for attending a trade fair, signing economic contract, trade activity, installing equipment or make repairs, settling claims,)
2. For scenitific or technological meeting.
3. For visiting a patient in critical condition or making a funeral.
4. For tourist groups organized by travel agencies in China, Hong Kong or Macau.
Required Documents includes: valid passport, completed Visa Application Form, recently-taken photos, and other supporting documents for urgent visit. Check detailed guide onhttps://english.shanghai.gov.cn/ (official website of Shanghai International Service).
Useful Links: How to Apply for a Visa for China / China Visa Application Required Documents / How to Apply China Visa on Arrival
Online Visa Guide of Shanghai PSB
Official website of online Shanghai visa guide for foreigners
Check different kinds of visa requirements, application procedures in https://gaj.sh.gov.cn/crj/ka240/default.jsp online platform of Exit-entry Administrative of Public Security Bureau of Shanghai.
Visa Renewal and Extension in Shanghai
Aliens already holding ordinary China Tourist Visa can get visa renewal and extension service conveniently at the related visa office of Public Security Bureau. How to Extend and Renew China Visa >>
China Discovery is a professional and experienced travel companion who offers high-value and worry-free tours for you. Except Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xiamen, Kunming, Wuhan, Nanjing, Qingdao, etc, are also eligible for 240-Hour Visa-free Transit. Without visa, you can fulfill your dream tour to China, visiting the great cultural, historical, natural landscape will. If you are interested in China visa-free tour, we could also customize a China visa-free tour in more available destinations if you meet relevant visa requirements.
We have helped many global travelers enjoy their memorable trips to Shanghai for the past few years. Among them, Lawson's Family from UK enjoyed their 19 days China family vacation with Shanghai with our customized tour package and shared us their memorable travel stories! Travel with China Discovery to create your wonderful Shanghai trip memories!
Shanghai Travel Guide
Recommended Tours
Top 3 tours chosen by most customers to explore in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.
5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour
Shanghai / Hangzhou / Suzhou / Shanghai
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Questions & Discussions
Following are latest questions and answers from our webusers and customers. You can learn many useful information from the discussion and cases. You can also join in the discussions or ask your own question. Our experts will help you ASAP.
. Can I apply for 244h transit?
Yes, you can apply for 240-hour visa free transit if your passport is one of the 54 countries permitted.
It depends on whether Japan is the final destination of the first trip, and the starting destination of your second trip. For instance, when you're landing in Shanghai, they will grant you visa free if your cruise ticket is to Japan not backing to Shanghai.
But can you take a ferry HKG-> Guangzhou Nansha stay couple days ->ferry Macao stay or possible transit back to HKG via Macao.
Yes, you can take a ferry HKG-> Guangzhou Nansha stay couple days ->ferry Macao stay, then transit back to HKG via Macao, which is qualified for the visa free transit policy.
China is 30-day visa free to Australian passport holders. No need of visa.
Hkg -> Beijing -> train to Shanghai -> fly back to Hkg is not qualified. You can try Hkg -> Beijing -> train to Shanghai -> fly to Macao or Taipei -> Hkg.
Many thanks
Regards
Nicola
Your trip is a bit complicated, not like other cases. Shanghai's international cruise port is also eligible for 240-hour visa free transit, but it has to be a cruise to/from a third country or region, while your cruise is from Shanghai to other place then back to Shanghai. Maybe you can consult your cruise company.
Yes, Shanghai - Beijing - 3rd country or region is eligible. Don't have to go back to Shanghai.
We also tried to do the online application for the 144 hour transit visa with the link you have above but that site has said it is down for maintenance for weeks now.
A layover in Hong Kong also means you enter China's Mainland from Hong Kong not Bostono. Apparently, Hong Kong - Shanghai - Hong Kong is not eligible for the 240 Hour Visa Free Transit. After Shanghai, if you fly to other countries or regions, your trip will be eligible for visa free transit, such as Soul, Tokyo, Singapore, etc.
Yes, currently Shanghai 240 Visa Free Transit cannot be registered online.
