Visa

Part of Before you go, a sourced pre-trip guide for a first visit to Shanghai. Checked 2026-10-05; rules change, so each step links to its source. Data version 7aa0fecd1904.

Visa-free: 30 days · 50 + 29 countries — Passports from 50 countries on China's list, plus 29 with mutual agreements, can stay 30 days without a visa.

50 countries, including most of Europe, Japan, Australia and Canada, plus 29 by agreement, get 30 days visa-free. Not on either list, like the US? The 57-country transit list allows 10 days en route to a third country; otherwise, a tourist (L) visa. For reference only; check with your embassy.

In short

Which route is yours?

For reference only. Entry rules change often; confirm with the Chinese embassy or consulate, or the National Immigration Administration, before you book.

1. 30 days visa-free

Ordinary passports from the 50 countries on China's list. Stay: 30 days.

Sources: National Immigration Administration, Embassy of the PRC in Sweden, Embassy of the PRC in Norway, Embassy of the PRC in the Russian Federation

2. 30 days visa-free (mutual agreement)

Ordinary passports from 29 countries with a mutual visa-exemption agreement. Stay: 30 days per stay.

Sources: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Consular Affairs, National Immigration Administration, Embassy of the PRC in Norway

3. 10-day visa-free transit

Ordinary passports from 57 countries, including the US, flying on to a third country or region. Stay: 10 days (240 hours).

Sources: National Immigration Administration, National Immigration Administration, National Immigration Administration, National Immigration Administration, Shanghai Municipal People's Government, Shanghai Municipal People's Government, Shanghai Municipal People's Government, Shanghai Municipal People's Government, Shanghai Municipal People's Government, Consulate General of the PRC in Montreal, Shenzhen Municipal Government (port office)

4. Tourist visa (L)

Everyone else, or for a longer stay or a return trip home. Stay: As granted on the visa.

Sources: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Embassy of the PRC in the United States, Consulate General of the PRC in San Francisco, Embassy of the PRC in the United States, Chinese Visa Application Service Center (operated by 北京千代福信息技术有限公司; linked from embassy pages)

Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan

Different rules apply. These routes are for foreign passports. Chinese citizens, and residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, travel on their own documents; check with the official source.

Sources: National Immigration Administration, National Immigration Administration

Passport: 6 months' validity is safest

1. The 10-day transit needs at least 3 months.

2. A visa application needs more than 6 months and 2 blank pages.

3. The 30-day route only says the passport must cover your trip.

4. UK FCDO advises 6 months and 2 blank pages for British visitors.

Sources: National Immigration Administration, Consulate General of the PRC in San Francisco, Embassy of the PRC in Sweden, UK FCDO

Fill in the arrival card online, for free

1. Before you land: on the immigration website (s.nia.gov.cn), the NIA 12367 app, or the WeChat or Alipay mini program.

2. Or at the airport, by QR code, kiosk or paper card.

3. It is free; ignore websites that charge.

4. Not needed for 24-hour transit without leaving the airport.

Sources: National Immigration Administration, National Immigration Administration, National Immigration Administration

30-day list: most countries end 31 Dec 2026

1. 48 of the 50 countries run to 24:00 on 31 December 2026; nothing after that is announced yet.

2. Russia runs to 31 December 2027; Brunei has no end date.

3. Last year's extension was announced in early November: recheck in November and December.

Sources: Embassy of the PRC in Sweden, Embassy of the PRC in the Russian Federation, National Immigration Administration, State Council (english.www.gov.cn)

Carry your original passport, not a copy

1. Hotels, trains and ticketed sights ask for the original passport; copies are not accepted.

2. On the 10-day transit, hotels use the entry sticker in your passport.

Sources: UK FCDO, Shanghai Municipal People's Government

Your hotel registers you; other stays: 24 hours

1. Every foreign visitor, visa-free too, must be registered within 24 hours.

2. Hotels do it at check-in.

3. Staying with friends or in a flat? Register online (NIA 12367 app or mini program) or at the local police station.

Sources: Shanghai Municipal People's Government, Shanghai Municipal People's Government, UK FCDO

US passports: 10-day transit or a tourist visa

1. The United States is on the 10-day transit list, not on the 30-day lists.

2. Staying more than 10 days, or flying home from Shanghai? You need a tourist (L) visa.

3. The transit route needs an onward ticket to a third country or region and a passport valid at least 3 months.

Sources: National Immigration Administration, National Immigration Administration, National Immigration Administration

Traveller tips

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