Do I need to apply for a visa to Shanghai? Is the 144-Hour Visa Free Transit implemented in Shanghai?

1.  Visa application requirement: This depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip to China. If you are a citizen of a country that has a visa exemption agreement with China or if you meet China's unilateral visa exemption policy, you may not need to apply for a visa. For example, if you are a citizen from one of the 54 countries such as Russia, the UK, the US, Canada, etc., and meet the conditions of the transit visa exemption policy, you can enter China without a visa.

2.  Shanghai does not implement a 144-hour transit visa exemption; instead, it implements a 240-hour (10-day) transit visa exemption policy. Starting from December 17, 2024, the National Immigration Administration has comprehensively relaxed and optimized the transit visa exemption policy, extending the stay period for foreign nationals entering the country under transit visa exemption from the original 72 hours and 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days). Additionally, 21 new ports have been added as entry and exit ports for transit visa exemption personnel, and the areas where they can stay and conduct activities have been further expanded.