Which ports does the 144-hour visa-free transit policy cover?

A: It applies to several ports, including Shanghai's Pudong and Hongqiao airports, Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, Shanghai Railway Station, Nanjing Lukou International Airport and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport.

Where should I go for border inspection procedures when arriving at the port of Shanghai?

The Shanghai Border Inspection Authority has set up special channels for the 144-hour visa-free transit at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal and Shanghai Railway Station. You can follow the signs to the special channels.

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

The border inspection station will issue you a temporary entry permit, and the visa-free transit is calculated from 12am of the next day upon arrival. You can stay within the administrative areas of Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces without a visa for up to 144 hours.

If I am a citizen of Australia and plan to book a Sydney-Shanghai-Melbourne ticket, will I be eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit?

A: The policy applies to passengers from certain countries who have a connecting ticket to a third country or region with a confirmed seat and date within 144 hours. To ensure eligibility, you are recommended to book an onward ticket from Shanghai to Hong Kong, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, and then depart for Melbourne.

If I have a valid Chinese visa in my passport and am eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit, but I would like to save the visa for my next trip to China, will the border inspection station use my Chinese visa for entry this time?

No. For passengers who are eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit and hold a valid Chinese visa, the border inspection station will give priority to the 144-hour visa-free transit. However, if you require to stay in China for more than 144 hours, the border inspection station will handle the formalities with your Chinese visa according to your request.

What should I do if I need to leave Shanghai, Jiangsu or Zhejiang for other areas in China or cannot depart within 144 hours due to special circumstances?

If you are under the 144-hour visa-free transit, you are required to stay within the administrative areas of the Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, and depart within the permitted duration.

Will stay at a Shanghai hotel be a problem under the transit policy?

No. The border inspection authority will issue a temporary entry permit sticker, which will be stamped in your passport. The permit will indicate your arrival port, arrival time, permitted duration and region of stay. With this permit, you can check into a hotel or register for your stay.

If I travel by train from Hong Kong to Shanghai, will I be allowed to leave Shanghai by air after visiting Jiangsu and Zhejiang?

Yes. As long as you have a connecting ticket to a third country or region within 144 hours, you can enjoy the visa-free transit, regardless of whether you enter China by plane, train or ferry via the airports, railway stations or cruise terminals in Shanghai, Nanjing Lukou Airport in Jiangsu or Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport in Zhejiang.