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Shanghai is one of China's layover cities, with Pudong International Airport serving as one of the country's most important aviation hubs. The airport offers a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy, allowing travelers to visit Shanghai visa-free for up to 10 days. With a layover of more than 6 hours, you can leave the airport and explore nearby attractions. However, it is important to consider the time required for immigration, transportation, and security checks when planning your itinerary. Shanghai has numerous attractions, including the Bund, Huangpu River, Yuyuan Garden, and Nanjing Road. The city's efficient public transport system, including the Maglev train, facilitates easy navigation during your layover.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum layover time to leave the airport | 6 hours |
| Minimum layover time to make it worth leaving the airport | 8 hours |
| Transport from the airport to Shanghai | Maglev train (8 minutes to Longyang Station, then 15 minutes on metro to East Nanjing Road) |
| Transport within Shanghai | Metro, taxi, bullet train |
| Visa requirements | Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy for travelers from 53 countries/regions for up to 144 hours; 24-hour TWOV for China transit visa; 72/144-hour variants |
| Attractions | The Bund, Huangpu River, Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi, People's Square, Nanjing Road, Yuyuan Bazaar, Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai World Financial Centre |
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What You'll Learn
Shanghai layover visa requirements
Shanghai is one of China's 'layover cities', with Shanghai Pudong International Airport being one of the country's most important airports. The city offers a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy, allowing travellers to visit Shanghai visa-free for up to 10 days. This policy has been extended to 240 hours (10 days) and covers citizens from 55 countries.
If your layover is less than 6 hours, it is recommended that you stay at the airport. Shanghai Pudong International Airport has free Wi-Fi, restaurants, and duty-free shops to keep you entertained. However, if you have a layover of 8 hours or more, you may be able to explore the city.
To take advantage of the visa-free transit policy, you will need a valid passport issued by one of the eligible countries and a connecting ticket to a third country or region within 240 hours. It is important to note that this policy does not allow you to visit any city in China. You must stay within the specified greater Shanghai area, which includes nearby cities like Hangzhou.
- Ensure your passport is valid and from one of the eligible countries. The list of eligible countries includes 24 Schengen Agreement Countries (such as Austria, Denmark, and France), 15 other European countries (including the UK and Ireland), 6 American countries (such as the USA and Canada), 6 Asian countries (such as Japan and the United Arab Emirates), and Australia and New Zealand.
- Have a connecting ticket to a third country or region. You must present a confirmed interline ticket with a departure date and seat number for a destination outside of China within 240 hours.
- Pass through immigration and get the TWOV stamp. Upon arrival, go through immigration and obtain the TWOV stamp in your passport. This process may include answering questions at immigration control.
- Store your luggage. If you plan to leave the airport, you can store your luggage at one of the five luggage deposit offices in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
- Be mindful of time constraints. A journey between the airport and the Shanghai urban area takes about an hour, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
- Respect the specified area. You are allowed to explore Shanghai and some nearby cities, but you must not leave the specified greater Shanghai area.
- Comply with accommodation registration. If you plan to stay in Shanghai overnight, register your accommodation according to local laws to avoid any issues.
- Depart within the permitted duration. Ensure that you depart China within the 240-hour visa-free period. In case of unforeseen circumstances requiring an extended stay, apply for a stay permit from the public security authority.
Remember to check the official sources and consult with the Shanghai Exit-Entry Border Inspection for the most up-to-date information and requirements regarding the visa-free transit policy in Shanghai.
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Transport options to the city
If you have a layover in Shanghai and want to head into the city, there are a few transport options to choose from. The most convenient option is to take a taxi, which will cost around €24 (CNY 170) during the day and €26.50 (CNY 190) at night (23:00 to 05:00). Taxis are available 24/7 and can be found outside of both Terminal 1 and 2 at Pudong airport. The journey to downtown Shanghai takes around 45 minutes, but it can be longer during rush hour.
If you're looking for a cheaper option, you can take the Metro Line 2. This costs just €1.50 (CNY 7) one-way and takes around 65 minutes. There is a metro station at both Terminal 1 and 2, and you can change at Longyang Road station to get to other parts of the city.
Another affordable option is the bus. There are 10 airport bus lines available to the center of Shanghai from Pudong International Airport, costing between 20-30 yuan. The journey takes up to 1.5 hours, and buses can be found outside the arrivals hall.
Finally, if you're looking for a faster option, you can take the Maglev train, which gets you to Longyang Road on Metro Line 2 in just 8 minutes. This costs €7 (CNY 50) one way.
So, depending on your budget and time constraints, you can choose the transport option that best suits your needs.
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Recommended sightseeing spots
If you have a long layover in Shanghai, you may be able to leave the airport and explore the city. The length of your layover and your nationality will determine whether you can exit the airport during your layover. Citizens from 53 countries/regions, including the UK, USA, Canada, France, Germany, and Japan, are eligible for a 144-hour visa-free transit policy. However, if your layover is less than 6 hours, it is recommended that you stay at the airport.
If you are able to leave the airport during your layover, there are several sightseeing spots in Shanghai that you can visit. Here are some recommended spots:
- The Bund: A popular shopping and dining district, the Bund is a must-see for any visitor to Shanghai. Recognizable from tourism photos, the Bund offers panoramic city views, especially from the 88th floor of the Jin Mao Tower or the 100th floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center.
- Nanjing Road: Nanjing Road is Shanghai's premier pedestrian street for shopping and eating. It is about a 1.5-kilometer walk, offering plenty of opportunities to explore local shops and restaurants.
- Huangpu River: A cruise along the Huangpu River is a great way to see Shanghai's skyline. You can also take a walk along the river to enjoy the views.
- Yuyuan Garden: This garden is a popular attraction in the city, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of Shanghai.
- Xintiandi: Xintiandi is a popular area for dining and entertainment. It is also known for its unique architecture, blending traditional Chinese and modern influences.
- People's Square: This square is a large public space in the heart of Shanghai, often hosting cultural events and exhibitions.
- Shanghai Museum: This museum blends history, art, and culture across 11 exhibition rooms. Plan for at least 1-2 hours to explore the extensive collection.
- Oriental Pearl Tower: Located near the Bund, the Oriental Pearl Tower offers breathtaking views of the city. It is a popular spot for taking in the Shanghai skyline.
- Zhujiajiao Water Town: This water town is a charming escape from the city, offering a glimpse into traditional Chinese architecture and culture.
Remember to consider the time required for travelling to and from the airport, as well as boarding procedures, when planning your sightseeing during a layover. It is recommended to use public transit options such as the Maglev train, metro, or bus, or hire a taxi if you are short on time.
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The best layover duration for sightseeing
Shanghai is a popular layover city, with direct flights to over 60 cities around the world. The city offers a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy for travellers, which allows citizens of 53 countries to visit Shanghai visa-free for up to 144 hours. This makes it a great place to explore during a long layover.
If your layover in Shanghai is less than 6 hours, it is not recommended to leave the airport. Shanghai Pudong International Airport offers various amenities, including free Wi-Fi, restaurants, shops, and lounges, so you can still enjoy your time at the airport.
However, if you have at least 6 hours, you can consider leaving the airport and exploring the city. Keep in mind that you'll need to account for travel time between the airport and the city, which can take about 1 hour each way, and additional time for boarding procedures and arrivals processes. So, with a 6-hour layover, you'll have approximately 2 hours for sightseeing. During this time, you can select one or two small sites to visit, such as the Bund, Nanjing Road, or the Shanghai Museum.
For an 8-hour layover, you'll have more time to explore. You can consider a half-day city tour, visiting top attractions such as the Bund, Huangpu River, Yuyuan Garden, and Xintiandi. If your layover is during the day, you can also opt for a day tour, allowing you to visit additional attractions.
If you have an overnight layover or a longer layover, you can explore Shanghai's nightlife. Enjoy the city's skyline from the Bund or a skyscraper, cruise along the Huangpu River, or experience Shanghai's acrobatic show. You can also relax in a bar at Xintiandi or explore Shanghai Disneyland, which is conveniently located near Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
To make the most of your time, consider storing your luggage at the airport and using public transportation or a taxi to get into the city. Remember to check the visa requirements and have all the necessary documentation before leaving the airport.
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Where to stay during a Shanghai layover
If your layover in Shanghai is less than six hours, it is recommended that you stay at the airport. Shanghai Pudong International Airport has free Wi-Fi, restaurants, duty-free shops, and lounges to keep you entertained. However, if your layover is during the day and is eight hours or longer, you may want to consider leaving the airport and exploring the city.
Shanghai offers a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy for travellers, allowing them to visit Shanghai visa-free for up to 10 days. Citizens from 53 countries/regions are eligible for this visa-free policy, including countries from the Schengen Agreement, Europe, America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. To obtain the visa-free permit, eligible passengers need to apply at Shanghai Airport and have their valid passport and departing air ticket to a third country or region checked.
If you decide to leave the airport during your layover, there are several attractions in Shanghai that are worth considering. The Bund, a must-see for visitors, is a popular destination offering a glimpse of Shanghai's skyline. Nanjing Road, Shanghai's premier pedestrian street for shopping and dining, is another option, with a mile-long stretch that can be covered in about 20 minutes. Other attractions include the Huangpu River, Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi, People's Square, Yuyuan Bazaar, and the Oriental Pearl Tower.
For accommodation during your layover, you have a few options. If you arrive at night, you may want to consider a hotel near the airport. However, if your layover is during the day, you can opt for a hotel in downtown Shanghai. Les Suites Orient Bund Shanghai is a highly recommended 4-star hotel located directly on the main street of the Bund, offering modern amenities and convenience at a reasonable price.
To make the most of your time in Shanghai, it is recommended to plan ahead. Bring Chinese currency, and try to schedule your layover during the day to maximise your sightseeing opportunities. Additionally, consider using the public transport system or the Maglev train to get around the city efficiently.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. However, it is recommended that you only do so if your layover is longer than 6 hours. The time needed to return to the airport from the city centre is 1.5 hours by metro and 2 hours to clear immigration and security before boarding your flight.
You can take the Shanghai maglev, which is the fastest commercial high-speed electric train in the world and will get you to Longyang Station in 8 minutes. From there, you can take the metro for another 15 minutes to East Nanjing Road. Alternatively, you can take the metro directly from the airport, but this will take around 1.5 hours.
Citizens from 53 countries/regions, including those from the Schengen Agreement countries, several European countries, several American countries, several Asian countries, and Australia and New Zealand, are eligible for a visa-free policy. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for this visa-free transit when you arrive at Shanghai airport.
The Bund, Huangpu River, Yuyuan Garden, and Xintiandi are top attractions in the city. If you have more time, you can also visit the Shanghai Museum, Tianzifang, and the Jade Buddha Temple.
