240-hour visa-free transit through Shanghai
Shanghai is the busiest 240-hour transit gateway: both Pudong and Hongqiao are designated ports, and the whole municipality is open.
Compiled from official sources by Henry · independent · based in China
Your gateway
- Designated ports:
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
- Province / region:
- Shanghai
- Permitted stay area here:
- Whole municipality
- Max stay:
- 240 hours (10 days)
Where you can go from Shanghai
Because the 240h zone now allows cross-province travel, from Shanghai you can also ride high-speed rail into Jiangsu (Nanjing, Suzhou) and Zhejiang (Hangzhou) — and even reach Beijing — all within the permitted regions.
See the full list of permitted regions and check your exact 240-hour window with the 240-hour transit checker.
The onward-ticket rule
240-hour transit is only for travellers passing through to a third country or region— not a round trip back to where you started. You'll need a confirmed onward ticket (date and seat) departing within 240 hours. Common onward legs to a third country/region include Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong.
Check first
Am I eligible? Check in 20 seconds
Pick your nationality, confirm your onward ticket and arrival date — get a clear yes/no and your exact leave-by date.
Open the checker →Frequently asked questions
Can I use China's 240-hour visa-free transit at Shanghai?
Yes. Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport are designated ports for the 240-hour visa-free transit. You qualify if you hold a passport from one of the 55 eligible countries and have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region departing within 240 hours.
Where can I travel from Shanghai on 240-hour transit?
Because the 240h zone now allows cross-province travel, from Shanghai you can also ride high-speed rail into Jiangsu (Nanjing, Suzhou) and Zhejiang (Hangzhou) — and even reach Beijing — all within the permitted regions. Shanghai's permitted area is: whole municipality. Under the 240-hour rules you may travel across all 24 permitted provincial-level regions, not just the area around Shanghai.
How long can I stay transiting through Shanghai?
Up to 240 hours — 10 days. The clock starts at 00:00 Beijing time on the day after you enter, not from your arrival time, and you must leave for your onward third country or region before it runs out.
Do I need an onward ticket to leave Shanghai?
Yes — a confirmed ticket, with date and seat, on to a third country or region (not back to where you came from), departing within 240 hours. Common onward legs to a third country/region include Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong.
Make the 10 days count: plan a route on high-speed rail or build a day-by-day itinerary matched to your window — and get an eSIM that works the moment you land, no VPN.
Transit through another city
Official sources
Every policy on this page was checked against these official pages. Always confirm with the source before booking.
Disclaimer: This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. The 240-hour transit rules, eligible countries, ports and permitted regions change — confirm with the official sources above or your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate before you travel. Ready Set China is an independent information site: not a travel agency, booking agent or government body.