Q: I am traveling on an Australian passport. I have a flight from Sydney to London with an 18-hour layover in Shanghai. Are there hotels at the airport where I can stay without having to clear customs or security? If not, do I need to apply for a visa-free transit, or is it granted automatically on arrival?

A: Please find the following information:

1. Visa-free entry for Australian ordinary passport holders

Holders of an Australian ordinary passport may enter China visa-free for business, tourism, visits to relatives or friends, exchange, or transit for a stay of up to 30 days. This policy is in effect until Dec 31, 2026.

2. Accommodation options during your layover in Shanghai

At Shanghai Pudong International Airport, sleep pods are available within the international departure areas. However, there are no hotels within these airside areas that offer overnight stays.

If you plan to stay at a hotel outside the restricted transit area, you must first complete entry formalities. As an Australian ordinary passport holder, you may enter China under the 30-day visa-free entry policy and do not need to apply for a temporary entry permit under the 24-hour visa-free transit policy.

For your reference, if your layover is at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, you may consider Aerotel, a landside hotel located on Floors 6 and 7 of Terminal 2, with its entrance on the 4th floor, accessible via the escalator behind Check-in Row G on the 3rd floor. Room rates are subject to the hotel's prevailing rates on the day of your stay.

Sources: Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection, Shanghai Airport Group