Beijing & Shanghai Approve 72-Hour Visa Waiver

Approved by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, a new policy will take effect on Jan 1,  2013 to enable transit travelers from 45 foreign countries to enjoy a 72-hour visa-free stay in Beijing or Shanghai. Citizens of the following 45 countries will benefit from this new policy: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Holland, 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.

To enjoy this visa-free stay, transit foreign travelers will be asked to present the following documents once arrive at the airport of Beijing or Shanghai (Beijing Capital International Airport , Pudong international Airport or Hongqiao International Airport): valid international travel documents, valid visa of the destination country (region) and air ticket or other proof (with date and seat shown) of the connecting flight to a third country (region) that departs within 72 hours.

The policy is aimed at making the two major port cities (Beijing & Shanghai) of the country more accessible to the world and is expected to attract more overseas travelers. However, visitors without a Chinese visa will not be allowed to travel outside the two cities or stay for more than 72 hours.