Q: I am traveling from the United Arab Emirates to Tokyo, and the flight has a layover at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). I must transfer from SHA to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). The layover is 20 hours. Would this be feasible?

A: Foreign passengers holding valid international travel documents and confirmed onward tickets with fixed seats to a third country or region may transit through China without a visa if their total stay does not exceed 24 hours, provided they remain within the airport's designated transit area.

If you plan to leave the transit area during your layover, whether to transfer between Shanghai Hongqiao and Pudong airports or to explore the city, you must apply for a temporary entry permit at the border inspection upon arrival.

Source: Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau