240-hour Visa-free Transit in Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu

 From Dec. 17, 2024, the duration of 144h visa-free transit policy has been extended to 240h for tourism, family visits, exchange visits and business. More importantly, travelers can now cross provincial boundaries to travel between the permitted 24 provinces, regions and municipalities which cover most tourist cities across Mainland China through 60 ports.  See the province and port list on 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang has adopted the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit, which targets citizens from 54 countries and regions and allows them to transit in 24 provinces and regions of Mainland China including Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang for a stay length not more than 240 hours, ie., 10 days.
 

 25 Schengen 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

 15 Other European Countries: Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia (FYROM), Albania, Belarus, Monaco

 6 American Countries: the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile

 2 Oceania Countries: Australia, New Zealand

 6 Asian Countries: Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar
 

 No. 1: Transit Route: Country A → 24 Provinces of China → Country B
Visitors applying for the 240-hour visa-free transit need to hold a ticket to a third country or region. Notably, passengers can have multiple stopovers in all the 24 provinces no exceeding 240 hours in total. In this context, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan are considered as third regions, which is a great help for planning a transiting route. For example, if a visitor coming from the UK wants to use the visa-free transit but actually have no plan to another country after visiting Shanghai, he or she can leave for Hong Kong, and then go back home.
 Eg: √  UK – Shanghai - Guangzhou- Hong Kong
 see the 24 provinces and eligible port list on China 240-Hour Visa-Free Policy

 No. 2: The actual allowed stay length is calculated from 00:00 after the date of your entry, therefore you can maximize your stay by taking an early flight on the date of entry and a late flight on the date of exit.

 No. 3: Some passengers may try to cancel the ticket to the third country or region after arrival and book a ticket back to the departure country instead, while this is not allowed within the visa-free policy. Don't risk doing this for you may face serious results.
 

Passengers eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit can travel within 24 provinces and regions housing most tourist cities in China. 
 

Prepare the required documents, including a passport valid for at least three months from the date of entry, a valid visa to the third country or region if required, and a ticket to the third country or region. Visitors had better also prepare hotel bookings in case of immigration check. Then follow the steps in the chart.

According to the rules, all ports in Shanghai, Nanjing Lukou Airport, Ningbo Lishe Airport and Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport are the eligible ports for the 240-hour visa-free transit scheme.

Shanghai, as an open port city, is where the east and west meet. Spending one or two days in the city, you can visit Shikumen, a unique residence style, to find the traces of old Shanghai in the narrow alleys. In Lujiazui, dense high rises present the thriving and energetic side of Shanghai. Choose one from Shanghai Tower, the World Financial Center, and the Oriental Pearl Tower to overlook the city and you will never regret. If travelling with your kids, set aside one more day for Shanghai Disneyland Park to enrich your trip.
 

2 Days Shanghai Classical Tour from $299

3 Days Shanghai & Water Town from $399

Shanghai Day Tours 

 

During the 240-hour visa-free period, no matter you are transiting in Nanjing, Hangzhou, or Shanghai, you can include nearby cities in your itinerary by high speed train. Usually, it takes less than two hours to travel between. Different from Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang are more classical and characterized by the water towns. A side trip to water towns like Wuzhen, Xitang near Hangzhou and Tongli, Zhouzhuang near Suzhou can highlight your trip.
 

Night activities in Shanghai are colorful. You can take a cruise on the Huangpu River to enjoy the night scene along the banks or wander around the Nanjing Road to experience the local life. When travelling in Suzhou, the unique story-telling ballad and Kun Opera performed in classical gardens at night are a feast for your ears.

Read More:
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How to Spend 3 to 12-Hour Layover in Shanghai
What to Do on an Overnight Layover in Shanghai: 12 to 24 Hours
Long Layover in Shanghai: How to plan 1 to 6 days in Shanghai
Shanghai 15-Day Visa-free Policy for Cruise Tour Groups