Can I leave Shanghai airport during transit?

If your layover in Shanghai is less than 6 hours or totally at night, it would be better stay at the airport. Otherwise, after getting the 144-hour visa free transit, you may leave Shanghai airport to visit the city.



Yes, in 2026, citizens from over 50 countries (including the US, UK, and Canada) can leave Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA) airports under the 144-hour visa-free transit policy. To do this, you must have a confirmed ticket to a third country (you cannot go from the US to Shanghai and back to the US). Upon arrival, look for the dedicated "24/144-hour Transit" counter before going through immigration. You will fill out a blue arrival card and receive a temporary entry permit in your passport. This allows you to explore the Shanghai municipality and neighboring provinces like Jiangsu and Zhejiang for up to six days. In 2026, this is a popular way to see the Bund or take the Maglev train into the city during a long layover. Always check the latest requirements on the official China Immigration website, as these "transit zones" are strictly enforced.

People Also Ask

You're allowed to have a 24 hours transit visa for free to get out of the airport during your layover in Shanghai. You will just need to show them that you have another plane booked to get a visa for Shanghai layover, otherwise they won't let you out.

MORE DETAILS

Some airlines provide hotels for layovers longer than 8 hours, while others only provide accommodation for layovers longer than 12 hours. Some airlines only provide accommodation for layovers caused by airline delay or mechanical issues, while others provide accommodation for any layover longer than a certain duration.

MORE DETAILS

Another thing to note is that travellers in transit must remain in the transit area until their ship or plane arrives in Mainland China. If they wish to leave the airport or terminal, they must apply for a temporary Stay Permit.

MORE DETAILS

All international travelers (except those exempted due to special circumstances) that are transiting through China are permitted to apply for a 24-hour visa-free entry permit upon arrival. As with the other two visa-free transit policies, travelers must provide a connecting ticket to a third country.

MORE DETAILS

While skiplagging isn't illegal, American Airlines filed a civil lawsuit earlier this month against Skiplagged.com, accusing the company of unauthorized and deceptive ticketing practices and tricking customers into believing they've gained access to a secret loophole.

MORE DETAILS

If your layover is short, it's generally not recommended to leave the airport. Leaving the airport during a short layover can be risky, as you may not have enough time to return to the airport before your next flight. This could result in missing your connecting flight and potentially having to purchase a new ticket.

MORE DETAILS

For domestic to domestic layovers, you normally won't have to go through security again during your layover. However, for all international layovers, you will normally have to go through security again, but this will depend on individual airport policy.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, as a US citizen you need a visa to enter China for tourism purposes. Remember that if your main goal is to perform commercial and business activities, you might want to apply for a business visa instead.

MORE DETAILS

As long as you have a connecting ticket to a third country or region within 144 hours, you can enjoy the visa-free transit, regardless of whether you enter China by plane, train or ferry via the airports, railway stations or cruise terminals in Shanghai, Nanjing Lukou Airport in Jiangsu or Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport in ...

MORE DETAILS

As of November 2023, Chinese passport holders can travel visa free to 46 countries and territories:
  • Albania.
  • Angola.
  • Antigua and Barbuda.
  • Armenia.
  • Bahamas.
  • Barbados.
  • Belarus.
  • Benin.


MORE DETAILS

How long does a layover need to be to leave the airport? Because layovers are your choice, you can leave whenever you like, but seasoned travelers, including McGee, seldom leave airports for less than six hours. After all, airports themselves aren't usually in bustling, interesting areas.

MORE DETAILS