Shanghai 144-Hour Visa Exemption Transit Policy

In January 2016, Shanghai and neighboring provinces of Zhejiang and Jiangsu began offering the 144-hour visa-free transit service for citizens from 54 countries and region, allowing them to transit in these three places for no more than 6 days.


 

What Countries are Eligible for the 144-hour visa exemption transit?

As of April 2024, 54 countries citizens can enjoy this transit visa-free stay right including

What Are the Eligible Transit Ports?

According to the rules, all ports in Shanghai, Nanjing Lukou Airport, Ningbo Lishe Airport and Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport are the eligible ports for the 144-hour visa-free transit scheme.

What Materials Do You Need to Prepare

To apply for this policy, you first need to verify that your nationality is on the list of 144-hour transit visa-free countries mentioned above. You also need to book a ticket to a third country (region) within 144 hours with a confirmed date and seat, and enter/exit from the applicable port mentioned above. In particular, it is important to note that your travel itinerary must follow the "third country transit" principle, that is, you depart from country A, transit Shanghai/Jiangsu/Zhejiang (Country B), and travel to country C (or region). 

For example, US (A) → Shanghai (B) → Japan (C) → US (A), or US (A) → Shanghai (B) → Hong Kong or Macau (C).

• Valid Passport (Valid for at least 3 months)
• Confirmed Ticket to the third country (or region)
• Completed Entry/Exit Card (can be applied at the arrival)

How to Apply for 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit?

If you are qualified for this policy, you can apply for the 144-hour visa-free stay permit upon arrival.

1. Prepare your passport (valid for not less than three months), visa (if applicable) and air ticket to a third country or region.
2. Fill the form “Arrival Card for Temporary Entry Foreigners” and apply for 144-hour stay permit
3. Apply for Leaving Airport at the “24/144-hour International Transfer”
4. Claim the luggage if you are needed and then
5. Pass through the Custom and leave the airport

How is the duration of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy calculated?

The duration of stay as referred to in the 144-hour visa-free transit policy will begin from 00:00 o'clock the following day, after entry in any port at Pudong Airport, Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai Railway Station, Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, Nanjing Lukou Airport, Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport and Ningbo Lishe Airport. Passengers will be allowed to stay for six days in Shanghai, Jiangsu or Zhejiang without an entry visa.


 

If citizens from any of the 53 designated countries eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy do not hold a valid connecting travel ticket to a third country; can he/she apply for 144-hour visa exemption transit?

 

According to the regulations pertaining to the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, any applicant must hold a valid connecting passenger ticket for travel, with confirmed seats, and a departure time within 144 hours of arrival in Shanghai, or he/ she must possess relevant supporting documents. The applicant must have these documentations before applying for the144-hour visa-free transit.
 

What should foreigners do if they need to leave Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang for other cities in China due to special reasons after the 144-hour transit visa-free procedures?

Foreigners eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit can stay in the three administrative regions of Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Foreigners who have gone through the 144-hour transit visa exemption procedure should leave the country in time during the period of stay.


 

If you need to stay in the above three administrative areas for more than 144 hours due to force majeure or other reasons, or you are outside the scope of the administrative area that is allowed to stay, you should go to the relevant provincial and municipal public security immigration management department to apply for the corresponding stay certificate.
 

What kind of punishment will be imposed on those who have successfully applied for the 144-hour visa-free transit but have stayed in China for more than 144 hours when leaving?

According to the relevant regulations of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, individuals who do not hold a valid Chinese passport and are suspected of illegal residence in China will be warned. In case of gross violation, the offender will be fined RMB500 per day for illegal residence, not exceeding RMB10,000 in total, or he/she will be detained for 5-10 days. Anyone who violates the relevant laws and regulations for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy may not be accepted for future applications for visa-free transit.
 

How to spend a 144-hour layover in Shanghai?

Due to the development of the high-speed railway, tourists from Shanghai to Zhejiang or Jiangsu are quite convenient. Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Nanjing are top travel cities in these three areas. 5 to 6 days are good enough to see most of the “must-visit sites” in Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou. Here, Top China Travel cutomize a great itinerary for your reference:

Day 1: Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden, the Bund, Nanjing Road

Day 2: High speed train to Hangzhou, Six Harmonious Pagoda, Lingyin Temple, West Lake

Day 3: Qinghefang Street , Meijiawu Tea Village, High speed train to Suzhou

Day 4: Humble Administrator Garden, New Suzhou Museum, Silk Factory, Pingjiang Road

Day 5: Tongli Water Town, Drive back to Shanghai

Day 6: Transfer service to airport

Or you can tell us the itinerary in the website you are interested in and also your modification ideas regarding to the itinerary, by filling an online inquiry form, by email or by phone. We are available 24 hours every day.
 

Best Tours Recommended to you

5 Days Shanghai and Hangzhou Tour

Shanghai, Hangzhou

View Details >

Best Tours Recommended to you

5 Days Shanghai and Suzhou Tour

Shanghai, Suzhou, Tongli Water Town

View Details >

Best Tours Recommended to you

6 Days Tour from Nanjing to Suzhou & Shanghai

Nanjing, Suzhou, Shanghai

View Details >