Shanghai 144-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
Since January 30, 2016, the visa-free transit time for staying in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang has been extended from 72 hours to 144 hours. This means you can explore popular places like Zhouzhuang, Tongli, Xitang, Suzhou, and Hangzhou without a China visa for up to 6 days.
Which Countries Are on the Visa-Free Policy List?
Tourists holding passports from the following 54 countries are eligible for visa-free transit:
- Europe (40 countries): 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, Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, Belarus, Norway
- Americas (6 countries): USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile
- Asia (6 countries): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar
- Oceania (2 countries): Australia and New Zealand
Where to Apply for Visa-Free Transit?
Five designated ports in Shanghai are authorized for the application of the 144-hour visa-free transit.
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
- Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal
- Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal
- Shanghai Railway Station
In addition to Shanghai, you can also apply for 144-hour visa-free transit at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, Ningbo Lishe International Airport, and Nanjing Lukou International Airport.
When transiting from any of these listed ports, you can explore Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang Province for up to 144 hours without needing a China visa.
How to Apply for Visa-Free Transit?
1. You must present a passport from at least one of the 54 countries above.
2. You enter and leave from one of the eligible ports listed above. Your arrival port and departure port can be different. For example, you can arrive in Shanghai and leave from Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
3. Show the official at your point of entry your train, plane, or ship ticket departing to another country and the official will apply for visa-free transit for you. Please note that the visa-free transit policy does not apply to those who make round trips. For example, the US to China to the UK is ok. The US to China to the US is not.
4. You still need to fill in an immigration card and undergo a security inspection.
Please be aware that the visa-free transit policy applies exclusively to Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. If you intend to travel to other regions of China, such as Beijing, you will need to apply for a visa.
Shanghai 144-hour Visa Online Application
If you are not sure if you are eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit or if you would like to apply for this transit visa in advance, please visit the Shanghai 144-hour visa-exemption Online Platform at https://gaj.sh.gov.cn/crj/144zy.jsp.
How to Calculate the 144 Hours?
Once you've successfully applied for the visa-free transit, you'll get an entry permit.
Your 144-hour adventure begins at midnight the day after you receive the permit. For example, if you get it on June 1st, your 144 hours start at midnight on June 2nd. During this time, you can explore Shanghai, Jiangsu, or Zhejiang without needing a visa.
Tours for 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit
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