Do I need a visa for Shanghai layover?

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.



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An airport transit visa is generally required if you travel internationally and if you need to transit through a country. Even if you do not intend to leave the airport, you may need an airport transit visa.

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The government has a TWOV 24-hour policy that grants passengers visa-free access for a day, and this rule applies to almost all ports of entry. However, if you plan to stay for more than 24 hours, you may need to apply for a 72 or 144 hour Transit visa.

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China's visa-free policies allow nationals of certain countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand to travel to China for stays ranging from 24 hours to 180 days without obtaining a visa if certain requirements are met.

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For example, you may be required to get a transit visa if: You are changing transport in a country to travel to another destination. You are leaving within a short time from your arrival. You are not eligible for an automatic visa or visa waiver based on your nationality.

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You'll need to clear customs and immigration. Next, you'll recheck your luggage for the domestic flight. Finally, you'll need to go through Transportation Security Administration screening. This may include a physical inspection of your luggage and personal items with a metal detector or a full-body scan.

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What Are the Requirements for a China Transit Visa?
  1. A valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months, and it must have two blank pages for the visa stamp.
  2. A visa application form. ...
  3. A photo. ...
  4. Air ticket. ...
  5. A copy of the visa for the destination country. ...
  6. Covid-19 vaccination certificate.


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Foreigners normally need to obtain a visa for a trip to China before departure, while in certain cases they are likely to get a China visa on arrival at entry ports. The validity counts from the day following your entry and only one entry is allowed. Once you exit from China, the VOA expires.

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Approved by the State Council, citizens with passports from 53 countries holding valid international travel documents and onward flight tickets with a confirmed seat to a third country (region) within 72 hours or 144 hours after arrival are allowed to transit via some Chinese airports without applying for Chinese visas ...

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If you have a layover and both flights are part of the same itinerary and booked on a single ticket, you typically do not need to check in again. Your checked baggage is usually tagged through to your final destination, and you would proceed directly to your connecting gate after going through security.

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