Some foreigners are now eligible for 72-hour visa-free stay

This file photo shows a foreign tourist learning traditional Chinese fan dancing from a woman in Shanghai. — Zhang Suoqing

Citizens of 45 countries are now eligible for a 72-hour visa-free stay in Shanghai.

The Shanghai Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection authorities will set up inspection zones and passages at Pudong and Hongqiao airports for those eligible passengers traveling between two countries via China.

According to “Entry and Exit Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China” effective dated on July 1st 2013, foreigners should submit a visa application to Chinese visa issuing institutions outside Chinese territory before entering China. Foreigners can stay visa-free in China for 24 hours without leaving the portal or designated zone while holding a connecting international flight, ship or train ticket to transit in China before heading to their final destination.

The 72-hour transit visa-free stay will enable citizens from 45 countries with a valid passport to stay in China for a maximum of 72 hours while waiting for a connecting flight.

The 72-hour visa-free package applies to citizens of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

(Translated by Shen Li)