A beginner's guide to visiting Shanghai
Plan your trip to Shanghai with essential information on visas, arrival requirements, and enjoy a comfortable stay.
On this page:
- Before you leave for Shanghai
- Who to contact for more help
Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay in China. It should not expire on or near your planned departure date.
Apply for a visa
The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your visit and your nationality.
For short-term visits
If you're traveling to Shanghai for exchanges, short-term visits, study tours, etc., you'll need a visitor visa.
How to apply for an F (visitor) visa
For work, study, or long-term stays
Explore your visa options
Not sure which visa you need? Explore your options here.
Visa-free travel
China offers visa-free entry for citizens of certain countries. Check if you qualify here.
Transiting through China
If you are going to transit through the Chinese mainland to a third country (or region), you'll need a transit visa.
How to apply for a G (transit) visa
Travelers from over 50 countries may qualify for 240-hour visa-free transit. Check if you are eligible here:
Customs clearance
All inbound passengers must declare goods upon entry. Review prohibited items here:
Customs clearance guide for inbound passengers
Health requirements
China ended mandatory health declarations for arriving travelers on Nov 1, 2023.
But people showing symptoms of infectious diseases such as fever and cough, or those already diagnosed with infectious diseases, must report their health status to customs.
Customs scraps requirement for health status declarations
If you're planning to live, work or study in Shanghai for a year or more, you'll need to complete a health check
How to pay in Shanghai
Don't worry if you're not an expert at using China's mobile payment system. Overseas cards can be linked for convenience. Learn how to set them up here:
How to get around
Shanghai is renowned for its robust and diverse transportation network that is used by millions of commuters every day. Navigate with ease using this guide:
Explore Shanghai's public transport system
Useful apps
As a newcomer to Shanghai, you may find it challenging to live and travel in the city. But with the right apps on your phone, your trip can go from zero to hero.
Essential apps for living in Shanghai
If you have an emergency or need help
Call 120 for a health emergency and 119 for fire, emergency rescue or other critical situations. 110 is for public security issues such as reporting crimes and assistance in traffic accidents.
Shanghai offers a one-stop public service hotline, 12345, where you can ask for help or complain about government services. The hotline is available in Chinese and 18 foreign languages.
12345 — Shanghai public service hotline
If you get sick
If you become unwell and need to see a doctor, Shanghai has a number of medical institutions that serve international travelers and expats.
Expat-friendly hospitals and clinics in Shanghai
How to see a doctor at a local hospital
If you need help from your consulate in Shanghai, you can find the contact details of your consulate here:
If you're earning in Shanghai
You'll need to pay tax and file a yearly personal tax income return.
FAQs about personal income tax
For further assistance, contact:
- Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau's Exit-Entry Administration: ☎ 021-12367
- Shanghai Customs: ☎ 021-12360
