Shanghai Visa-Free Travel

Since November 30, 2024, the visa-free period for some eligible foreigners has been extended to 240 hours (10 days).

Shanghai visa-free tours offer the opportunity for eligible foreign visitors to discover Shanghai and other cities without a visa for a certain period.

24-Hour Visa-Free Transit-Shanghai Day Tour

With 24-hour visa-free transit in Shanghai, you can kick-start your day at The Bund, stroll through Yu Garden, shop on Nanjing Road, and savor local snacks like xiaolongbao...

• Operation hours: 9 am - 6 pm
• Tour duration: approximately 8 hours
• Transit time needed: minimum 13-14 hours
• Recommended itinerary: The Bund (1 hour), Yuyuan Garden (1 hour), Shanghai Tower (1 hour), Former French Concession (1.5 hours), lunch at a local restaurant

2-4 Days Visa-Free Transit - Travel around Shanghai and Watertown

Explore Shanghai within a 3-day window through our Transit Tours operating within 72 hours. Delight in key attractions such as The Bund and Yu Garden. Venture to neighboring Zhujiajiao Watertown, immersing yourself in vibrant cultures and mesmerizing landscapes.

• Operation Time: Daily
• Tour duration: 2-4 Days
• Transit time needed: 48-96 hours
• Recommended itinerary: Key sites in Shanghai, combine cultural relics， modern architecture, or a water town, and savour the local food

3-5 Days Visa-Free Transit - Travel Shanghai with Neighboring Suzhou, Hangzhou& Huangshan

Maximize your 240-hour visa-free transit by exploring Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Huangshan. Immerse yourself in the vibrant cityscape of Shanghai, then venture to the picturesque gardens of Suzhou, the serene West Lake in Hangzhou, and the awe-inspiring Huangshan mountain range.

• Operation Time: Daily
• Tour duration: 3-5 Days
• Transit time needed: 72-120 hours
• Recommended itinerary: 2 Days in Shanghai, 2 Days in Hangzhou, 1 Day in Suzhou, 2-3 Days in Huangshan

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit - Travel Shanghai with Other Popular Chinese Cities

Make the most of your visa-free transit by journeying through Shanghai and other popular Chinese cities. Explore modernity in Shanghai, cultural heritage in Beijing, historic wonders in Xi'an, picturesque landscapes in Guilin, stunning natural scenery in Zhangjiajie, and More...

• Operation Time: Daily
• Tour duration: 3-7 Days
• Transit time needed: 72-240 hours
• Recommended itinerary: 2 Days in Shanghai, 3 Days in Beijing, 2 Days in Xi'an, 3 Days in Guilin, 3 Days in Zhangjiajie...

Frequently Asked Questions about Shanghai 240 Visa-Free Transit

Explore frequently asked questions about Shanghai's 240-hour visa-free transit. Find out about eligibility, application procedures, approved travel areas, possible extensions, and required documentation. Simplify your travel plans and enjoy a hassle-free experience in vibrant Shanghai with this concise FAQ guide.

1. Which Countries are Visa-Free for China 240 Hours?

Citizens of 54 countries can apply for a 240-hour transit visa free of charge. The specific list is as follows:

• European countries (40): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway.
• American countries (6): USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile.
• Oceania countries (2): Australia, New Zealand.
• Asian countries (6): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar.

2. What Are the Specific Requirements for a 240-hour Visa-Free Transit in Shanghai?

• Nationality Requirement: Citizens from 54 countries, like Austria, Belgium, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea qualify.
• Documentation: You must hold a valid international travel document for 3 months and meet the entry requirements of the destination.
• Confirmed Connecting Ticket: Hold a confirmed date and seat - reserved connecting ticket to the third country (region) within 240 hours.
• Arrival Card: Complete the "Arrival card for temporary entry of foreigners."
• Ports: Entry and exit via 60 designated ports, including Shanghai Pudong International Airport and 23 other provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government).
• Activity Limit: Enjoy a maximum 240-hour stay for tourism, business, and family visits within Shanghai and 23 other regions. Work, study, and news interviews require a visa.

3. Which Ports in Shanghai are Eligible for a 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit?

The eligible ports in Shanghai for the 240-hour visa-free transit include Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, and Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal.

4. How to Apply Entry Travel Permit in Shanghai Upon Arrival?

• Upon arrival, proceed to the designated visa-free transit counter at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, or other approved ports.
• Submit your valid travel document, connecting flight ticket, and completed Arrival Card for temporary entry of foreigners.
• Fill out the necessary forms and provide any additional required information as per the immigration officer's instructions.
• Wait for processing and approval of your Entry Travel Permit, allowing you to stay in the designated area for up to 240 hours.
• Once approved, follow all regulations and enjoy your visa-free stay in Shanghai.

5. Can I Travel to Other Eligible Cities During a Layover? (Arrive in Shanghai. Leave from Another City )

Yes, the 240-hour visa-free transit programme allows you to travel to other eligible cities within the designated area in China as long as you arrive in Shanghai and depart from another city. Make sure you follow the programme guidelines and stay within the approved regions during your stay.

For example, you can travel to nearby cities such as Suzhou in Jiangsu and Hangzhou in Zhejiang, or other eligible cities in other provinces like Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Chengdu, Guilin, Kunming, and choose to depart from the ports of those cities. However, it should be noted that the specific scope of some provinces and autonomous regions is limited.

6. How to Calculate the Stay Time Under the 240-hour Visa-Free Policy?

The 240-hour visa-free transit period is calculated from 00:00 on the day following the date of entry. For example, if a passenger enters China on 1 January 2025, the period of stay will be calculated from 00:00 on 2 January 2025. The passenger can stay in the visa-free area for a maximum of 10 days and must depart through one of the approved ports before 24:00 on 11 January.