What Is the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit?
Shanghai participates in China's expanded visa-free transit policy: citizens of 54 countries can stay in Shanghai (and the surrounding Yangtze River Delta region) for up to 240 hours — 10 days — without a visitor visa, provided they are transiting to a third country or region.
Key Eligibility Rules
- Hold a passport from one of the 54 eligible countries (including most of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea)
- Hold an onward ticket to a third country or region (not a return to your origin) with a confirmed date and itinerary
- Enter and exit through an eligible port (see below)
⚠️ Important
The 240 hours is counted from your arrival at midnight, not from the moment you clear immigration. You may move within the Shanghai port area and the applicable Yangtze River Delta cities during this period.
Eligible Ports in Shanghai
- Air: Pudong International Airport (PVG), Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
- Sea: Shanghai Port cruise terminals
- Exit can be through the same or a different eligible port
How to Use It — Step by Step
- Arrive at PVG or SHA holding a valid passport from an eligible country
- Have your onward international ticket ready (printed or digital)
- Follow the "240-hour visa-free transit" signs at immigration
- Receive a visa-free entry stamp valid for up to 10 days
- Enjoy Shanghai — then depart to your third-country destination before the window expires
10 Days Is Plenty to Explore
With up to 10 days, you can go beyond Shanghai and explore nearby gems: Suzhou's classical gardens, Hangzhou's West Lake, or the water towns. Build your trip around our popular itineraries like the 3-Day Classic Shanghai and the 4-Day Shanghai & Suzhou.
Need Help Planning?
Contact us on WhatsApp or email and we'll help you design a visa-friendly itinerary that fits your 10-day window.