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Shanghai Pudong Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as a major hub for both international and domestic flights. The airport offers a range of transfer options, activities, and accommodation for layovers. For those with a long layover, Shanghai Express offers a free half-day layover tour, allowing travellers to explore the city during their waiting time. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to transiting through Shanghai Pudong Airport, including information on visa requirements, transfer procedures, and things to do during your layover.
Shanghai Airport Transit Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) |
| Airport Type | One of the busiest airports in the world, serving as a major hub for international and domestic flights |
| Terminals | 2 (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) |
| Shuttle Service | Free inter-terminal shuttle bus service connecting Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 in approximately 5 minutes |
| Visa Requirements | Depends on nationality and length of stay; some countries' citizens are eligible for 144-hour or 240-hour visa-free transit, while others may require a transit visa |
| Transfer Procedure | Follow signs for "Transfer"; proceed directly to security if you have a boarding pass, otherwise, locate the Transfer Desk or an airline representative for assistance |
| Luggage | Do not clear customs or collect luggage if transiting on the same day; ensure baggage tags show the final destination |
| Activities | Explore the airport's shops, restaurants, and lounges; relax in a lounge (if accessible); enjoy local Shanghai cuisine |
| Layover Tours | Shanghai Express offers free sightseeing tours for layovers over 8 hours, including three daily routes to explore the city |
| Transportation to City | Airport Shuttle Bus, Metro Line 2, and Maglev Train are options to reach downtown Shanghai |
| Arrival Process | International arrivals undergo inspection, quarantine check, immigration inspection, baggage claim, customs inspection, and security check |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for transiting through Shanghai Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport offers a 24-hour visa-free transit policy for travellers of any foreign country. This means that you can transit in Shanghai without a visa for 24 hours, as long as you have a connecting ticket to a third country or region. This policy allows travellers to stay inside the airport or leave the airport to visit Shanghai. Certain nationalities can transit without a visa for up to 144 hours (six days) if they hold a confirmed ticket to a third country and depart from specific locations, including Shanghai Pudong Airport.
Shanghai also has a 240-hour visa-free transit policy for citizens of 54 countries, including those from Europe, the Americas, Oceania, and Asia. This policy is applicable at 60 ports across 24 provinces in China, including Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, and the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal. To take advantage of this policy, travellers must inform their airline that they will be applying for visa-free transit when boarding, fill out an Arrival Card after landing, and submit the card at the 240-Hour Visa-free desk to obtain a Temporary Entry Permit.
It's important to note that the visa-free transit policies may have specific requirements and restrictions, such as the need for a connecting ticket to a third country or region. Additionally, there may be exceptions for certain countries at specific airports. For example, citizens of Sri Lanka are generally eligible for 24-hour visa-free transit in China, but there are exceptions at certain airports. It's always best to check with your airline or the official government website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements.
If you are transiting through Shanghai Pudong Airport and need to change terminals, you can take advantage of the free inter-terminal shuttle bus service connecting Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The shuttle bus ride takes approximately five minutes one way.
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Transferring between terminals
Shanghai Pudong International Airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The terminals are connected by a free inter-terminal shuttle bus service, which takes approximately five minutes one way. Alternatively, you can walk between the terminals through three hallways, which are about 400m each.
If you have a boarding pass for your next flight, you may proceed directly to the security checkpoint. If you do not have a boarding pass or need assistance, look for the Transfer Desk or an airline representative. The minimum connection time between the two terminals is 120 minutes for domestic-to-domestic transfers, 160 minutes for domestic-to-international transfers, and 120 minutes for international-to-international transfers.
If you have a long layover, you can explore the airport, which has a variety of shops, restaurants, and lounges. You can also try local Shanghai snacks or dishes at one of the airport's eateries. If you have access to an airport lounge through your airline status, credit card, or by purchasing a pass, you can enjoy amenities such as comfortable seating, food, drinks, showers, and Wi-Fi.
Shanghai Express offers a free half-day layover tour for travellers with a stopover of more than eight hours at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The tour includes transportation, guides, and internet services, and takes you to famous attractions such as the Bund and Yu Garden.
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Check-in and customs procedures
Shanghai Pudong International Airport has been offering a 24-hour visa-free transit policy since 2012. This policy allows travellers from any foreign country with a connecting ticket to a third country or region to enjoy a 24-hour visa-free transit in Shanghai, bypassing immigration inspections. Nationals of 54 countries are eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and various EU countries.
Upon arrival at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, follow the signs for "Transfer". If you have a boarding pass for your next flight, proceed directly to the security checkpoint. If you do not have a boarding pass or need assistance, look for the Transfer Desk or an airline representative.
Before international departure, visitors are required to check in their baggage at the check-in counters and then proceed to the security check. They are then subjected to an inspection and checked for quarantine requirements. Visitors and their bags are then inspected by a customs officer. Once cleared, they are allowed to leave the airport.
The minimum connection time for passengers transferring in the same terminal is 80 minutes for domestic-to-domestic transfer, 90 minutes for domestic-to-international transfer, and 100 minutes for international-to-international transfer. The minimum connection time between the two terminals is 120 minutes for domestic-to-domestic transfer, 160 minutes for domestic-to-international transfer, and 120 minutes for international-to-international transfer.
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Layover activities and tours
If you have a long layover in Shanghai, there are a few activities and tours you can take part in to make the most of your time.
Shanghai Express offers a free half-day layover tour, allowing travellers to explore the city during their waiting time. The tour includes transportation, guides, attraction tickets, and internet services, all free of charge. You will have the opportunity to visit famous attractions such as The Bund, Yu Garden, and experience Shanghai's history, culture, and cuisine. The tour lasts 5-6 hours, and registration is available offline at the Shanghai Tourist Information & Service Store (between Gate 6 and Gate 7) in the International Arrival Hall of Terminal 1.
If you have a shorter layover, you may not have time to leave the airport and explore the city. In this case, you can still make use of the airport's facilities. Shanghai Pudong Airport is a large and modern airport with various shops, restaurants, and lounges. You can explore the duty-free stores, try local Shanghai snacks, or simply walk around to stretch your legs. If you have access through your airline status or credit card, you can also relax in an airport lounge, which often includes comfortable seating, food, drinks, showers, and Wi-Fi.
For those with an overnight layover (24 hours or more), you may want to explore Shanghai's nightlife. You can cruise along the Huangpu River to see the city's skyline, walk and shop along Nanjing Road, watch an acrobatic show at Shanghai Circus World, or enjoy a drink at a bar in Xintiandi. Shanghai Disneyland is also a popular attraction, located near Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
It's important to note that there are specific procedures and visa requirements for transiting through Shanghai Pudong Airport. Make sure to check the latest policies and ensure your baggage is properly tagged to your final destination.
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Transport options to the city centre
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as a major hub for both international and domestic flights. The airport offers a range of transport options for travellers heading into the city centre.
The most convenient way to commute to central Shanghai is the Airport Shuttle Bus. This service provides different routes, with most buses travelling to the city centre. The shuttle bus takes around 5 minutes to travel between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Another option is the metro. Line 2 of the Shanghai metro system connects PVG Airport to the city centre and other nearby areas.
For those short on time, the Maglev Train is a good option. This high-speed train can reach speeds of up to 431 km/h (268 mph), significantly reducing travel time.
It is worth noting that Shanghai Pudong International Airport offers a free half-day layover tour for travellers with extended stopovers. This tour provides an opportunity to explore the city's famous attractions, such as the Bund and Yu Garden, and experience Shanghai's culture and cuisine.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on your nationality and the length of your layover. Citizens of 54 countries can transit through Shanghai for up to 240 hours without a visa, while citizens of Sri Lanka can transit for up to 24 hours without a visa. If your layover is less than 24 hours and you have a confirmed air ticket, you don't need a transit visa.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are connected by a free inter-terminal shuttle bus service that takes around 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can walk between the terminals, which are about 400m apart.
If you have a long layover, you can sign up for a free half-day layover tour of Shanghai, which includes transportation, guides, and internet services. If you'd prefer to stay at the airport, you can explore the shops, restaurants, and lounges, or try some local Shanghai snacks.
