24/240-hour China Visa-free Transit Rules
| Criteria | 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit | 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit |
| Travel Limitations | Limited to the transit area | Limited to a region |
| Eligible Nationalities | Almost all nationalities | 54 countries |
| Means of Transport | Plane, ship, or train | By air, ship, or train |
| Arrival and Departure Place | By different ports | Different ports |
| Time Calculation | Calculated from the time of arrival | Calculated from 00:00 the next day of arrival |
| Ports of Entry | Remain in corresponding ports | Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao, Dalian, Shenyang, Xiamen, Qingdao, Wuhan, Chengdu, Kunming, Xi'an, Chongqing, Guangdong, Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hainan, Guizhou Province |
Eligible Countries | All countries visitors by holding international travel documents and connecting tickets with confirmed seats | Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States |
*All information is from Chinese Visa Application Service Center which updated the newest change in November 2024. Please check here if want to explore more detail.
How to Apply Shanghai 24-Hour Visa Free Transit
【Documents Required】
| Required Document | Description |
| A valid passport or travel document | Must be valid for at least 3 months from the entry date into China. |
| A completed arrival and departure card | Includes personal information such as name, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport number, visa number, issuance place, flight number, and purpose of travel. |
| An onward ticket with confirmed flight details to the third country | The ticket must have confirmed flight details to the third country or region. |
| A visa for the third country or region (if applicable) | If required by the third country or region, a valid visa must be obtained before applying for the 24-hour visa-free transit. |
【Process of 24-Hour Visa Free Transit】
| Process Step | Description |
| Inform airline | Notify airline during check-in for 24-hour transit visa exemption. |
| Complete arrival/departure card | Fill out arrival and departure card at border inspection center. |
| Get transit visa exemption | Locate designated area, receive temporary stamp or sticker on passport. |
| Go through customs | Retrieve luggage and proceed through customs as usual. |
【Eligible Nations】
For the 24-hour transit visa exemption, most nationals are eligible, with some exceptions at specific airports for certain countries.
For instance, citizens from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Yemen transiting through Xiamen must apply for a visa beforehand.
Similarly, Syrian citizens transiting through Guangzhou are not eligible for the visa exemption and need to apply for a visa in advance.
【Valid Route for Shanghai 24-Hour Transit】
Eligible routes for a 24-hour visa-free transit in China follow a specific pattern: passengers must transit to a third country or region.
For example, a route from Country or Region A to Mainland China to Country or Region C qualifies, such as the US to China to Japan.
Conversely, routes like USA to China to USA do not meet the eligibility criteria.
【Benefits of Shanghai 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit】
- No need for visa application before flights
- Saves time and money
- Opportunity for a visa-free visit to the city during layovers
How to Apply Shanghai 240-Hour Visa Free Transit
【Process of 240-Hour Visa Free Transit】
| Process Step | Description |
| Notify airline | Inform the airline during boarding that you intend to apply for the visa-free transit in Shanghai. |
| Fill out Arrival Card | Upon arrival at airports or cruise terminals in Shanghai, proceed to the waiting area and complete an Arrival Card (blue version). |
| Submit Arrival Card | Present the completed Arrival Card at the specialized 240-Hour Visa-free desk. 🎉Additionally, Shanghai offers an Online Application System for 240-Hour Transit Visa Exemption, which allows applicants to submit their application abroad before departure or fill it in on a self-service machine upon arrival at airports and other ports of entry. |
| Obtain Temporary Entry Permit | Receive a Temporary Entry Permit stamped on your passport. Inform the officer if you do not wish to use the China Visa you already possess. |
| Claim luggage and go through customs | Retrieve your luggage and proceed through customs and immigration inspections as required. |
| Start layover tour | Exit the port of entry to commence your layover tour in Shanghai, as well as other cities in Zhejiang, Jiangsu or other provinces. |
【Document Required】
- A valid passport or another international travel document that is valid for more than three months from the arrival date.
- An interline ticket (connecting ticket) with the confirmed departure date and seat number leaving for a third country or region within 240 hours.
- The landing card for foreigners in transit that is filled out upon arrival in China.
【Eligible Nations】
| Area | Countries |
| European Schengen Visa Agreement Countries | Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland |
| Other European Countries | Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, Belarus |
| American Countries | United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile |
| Oceania Countries | Australia, New Zealand |
| Asian Countries | South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar |
* All information is from official website and may be changed by newest policy. So please check the official website before you go.
【Designated 240-Hour Transit Ports】
Designated Ports of Entry & Exit (13):
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
Shanghai Port (Passenger)
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
Ningbo Lishe International Airport
Wenzhou Longwan International Airport
Yiwu Airport
Wenzhou Port (Passenger)
Zhoushan Port (Passenger)
Nanjing Lukou International Airport
Su'nan Shoufang International Airport
Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport
Lianyungang Port (Passenger)【Valid Transit Route】
| Valid or Not | Route |
| Valid | USA > Singapore > Shanghai > USA |
| Valid | Singapore > Shanghai > Hong Kong or Macau |
| Valid | Australia > Shanghai > Hangzhou > Suzhou > Japan |
| Not Valid | USA > Shanghai > USA |
Shanghai Express: Free Shanghai Layover Tour
What Benefits You Can Get?
As proud sponsors, Trip.com Group is delighted to provide this shanghai layover tour for free. Don't worry about transportation, tickets, or internet access - we've got these covered so you can just focus on enjoying your time in Shanghai. Here are what we offer for free:
| Benefits | Description |
| Free Tour Guide | Experienced bilingual guides accompany participants, providing insightful commentary during the tour. |
| Free Transportation | Hassle-free transportation is provided to and from the airport and between attractions. |
| Free eSIM Card | Participants receive a complimentary eSIM card, ensuring access to mobile data throughout their exploration. |
| Free Attraction Tickets | Entrance tickets to top attractions like Yu Garden, The Bund, and the Huangpu River night tour are included. |
How to Join Shanghai Free Layover Tour
【Who Can Join】
Currently, Shanghai Pudong International Airport allows visa-free entry for international travelers from certain countries and regions for up to 240 hours. For travelers from other countries and regions, if your country has signed a reciprocal visa waiver agreement with China or if you hold a 24-hour temporary entry permit issued by the airport border inspection, you're more than welcome to join us on this exciting adventure! Passengers eligible for the Shanghai Express must have a layover of at least 8 hours at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
【How to Join】
| Procedure | Details |
| Check Your Schedule | Choose a tour route based on your schedule and interests. |
| Meeting Point | Upon arrival at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, head to the designated meeting point for registration. |
| Begin Your Hassle-free Tour | After registration, professional guides will pick you up to start your tour. |
【Meeting Point】
Please head to Shanghai Tourist Information & Service Store at 1F International Arrival Hall of Terminal 1 in Shanghai Pudong International Airport (between Gate 6 and Gate 7).
If you cannot locate the counter, please inquire with airport staff at the following address:
浦东国际机场T1航站楼1楼国际到达层, 上海旅游咨询服务小店（6、7号门之间）
Our guide will be available at the counter one hour before the tour.
Meeting Point
Shanghai Free Layover Tour Routes
| Shanghai Free Layover Tour | Travel Period | Travel Routes |
| Shanghai Highlights City Tour | 9:00-14:00 | Shanghai Pudong Airport-Yu Garden-The Bund-Shanghai Pudong Airport |
| Strolling Under the Trees Citywalk Tour | 16:00-22:00 | Shanghai Pudong Airport- Wukang Road- Yu Garden-The Bund-Shanghai Pudong Airport |
| Huangpu River Cruise Sightseeing Night Tour | 18:00-23:00 | Shanghai Pudong Airport-Huangpu River-Yu Garden-Shanghai Pudong Airport |
Top Attractions to Visit During Free Layover Tour
- The Bund 🌆 Enjoy a relaxing walk along The Bund, a famous waterfront area in Shanghai. Marvel at the beautiful skyline and historic buildings that blend Western and Chinese styles.
- Yu Garden 🏯 Experience the tranquility of Yu Garden, a traditional Chinese garden 🌳. Explore classical pavilions, rockeries, and ponds in this serene oasis away from the bustling city streets.
- Huangpu River Cruise 🚢 Hop on a cruise along the Huangpu River and witness Shanghai's vibrant nightlife 🌃. Admire iconic landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center as they light up the night sky. Get a unique view of Shanghai's stunning architecture from the river.