Since China implemented the 240-hour visa-free transit policy on Dec 17, 2024, Shanghai has welcomed a growing number of foreign travelers.

According to the Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection, a total of 72,000 visits have been made by international passengers over the past year under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Among these visits, Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Indonesia were the top five sources.

Beyond the transit policy, China has continued to expand unilateral visa-free access and mutual visa exemption arrangements, further boosting inbound travel. Since the beginning of this year, a total of nearly 5.35 million arrivals of international visitors have been recorded at Shanghai ports, representing a year-on-year increase of 40.6 percent.

240-hour visa-free transit policy explained

China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy allows eligible foreign citizens to enter the country and stay up to 10 days without a visa while transiting to a third country or region.

Key points of the policy include:

• The policy applies to citizens of 55 countries.
• Travelers must hold valid international travel documents with more than three months' validity and onward tickets with confirmed seats and departure dates to a third country or region.
• Entry is permitted through 65 designated ports across 24 provincial-level regions.
• During the stay, travelers may move freely within the designated areas for activities such as travel, business, visits, and family reunions. Activities such as work, study, or news reporting still require prior approvals and appropriate visas.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, and Shanghai Port (Passenger) are all covered under this policy.