China - Shanghai / PVG Transit Without Visa

I am aware that US citizens can layover in Shanghai for up 48 hours when transiting through PVG airport. But I have searched the internet and have seen conflicting information on the actual process.

Question - Do you need to apply for a G Visa, or do you just need a valid passport and onward travel documents?

You need to be travelling to a third country (ie somewhere different than the country you flew from to get to PVG) and onward travel documents to show you will leave PVG within 48 hours. No need to apply for visa.

Thanks. That's what I thought, but wanted to make sure since it will be my wife and daughter doing the transiting. (Visiting a Chinese customs holding cell might be an adventure for me, but I doubt my wife would enjoy the experience :D )

I just returned from a Circle the Pacific trip where my company wanted me to add a side trip into Shanghai - so I got to test out the TWOV procedure.

Upon arrival, you go through the immigration line. When you reach the immigration officer, tell them you are in transit to Narita, Chicago, or wherever and show them the outbound itinerary. Note - it cannot be back to the city you just arrived from. You also have to have a departure card filled out. If you can't find one before you get in the immigration line, they will send you to the main desk to fill it out there.

All in all, very esay and well worth it to visit Shanghai for a couple of nights. The hardest part was convinciong the travel agent to issue the ticket and Sing Air to let me on the SIN to PVG flight.

I transited in PVG last year, coming from Manila going to ORD with about 3 hours between the flights. The Chinese immigration officer was confused and barely spoke English and it took about 30 minutes and the intervention of two supervisors before they let me in.

If you have the time, i found that a ride on the magnetic train (430km/h!) from the airport to nowhere and back is very cool.

Interesting. I'm off to PVG next year, though flying into PVG, transiting straight to HKG then flying back to PVG 4 days later. As i need a Chinese visa for the stay in PVG, do you think i ought to get a dual entry visa, or try and get a transit visa for my first arrival in PVG?

As i need a Chinese visa for the stay in PVG, do you think i ought to get a dual entry visa, or try and get a transit visa for my first arrival in PVG?

It has been my understanding that, along with the recent increase in visa prices, the lamest visa available now is 6-month multi-entry. If that's not the case, you can get by with the single-entry visa, so long as you communicate very clearly to the immigration official that you are transiting and that he shouldn't place any marks upon your visa. You'll get a special diamond shaped stamp in your passport.

the last posting to this thread was in 2007, does anyone know any changes updates that will be in effect for travel in december 2008?

Please follow any updates to the thread in our Travel->China forum. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.

I am interested in this as well. If one has a single entry Visa flying through PVG into Hong Kong and then requiring entry back into China - will transiting PVG void the Visa (as that is your single entry) or is, as mentioned above, a special mark put in? Also - is this the same for transiting other China cities such as Bejing?

You need to be travelling to a third country (ie somewhere different than the country you flew from to get to PVG) and onward travel documents to show you will leave PVG within 48 hours. No need to apply for visa.

Does Hong Kong count? It's not technically a 3rd country but the visa requrement is different.

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Also, I suppose it's a bit of a stretch to hope the non-inclusion of the United Kingdom was a mistake on the official list, right? Has anybody tried this with a UK passport?

No, I always travel with a 2-year multiple visa on my UK passport. That's the maximum length you can get in the UK, if you had 6-month single and 1-year multiple before. For a 5-year multiple, your passport has to be sent to China for 2 months, and you have to be very senior.

Go through PVG to HKG with a single entry, then back to China is very risky. It all depends on the immigration officer in PVG, whether he/she understands what you trying to do. Make sure you bring your full itinerary with you, and show your tickets to him/her before he/she put a stamp on your passport. Once that been done in PVG, you have to leave from HKG, can't back again unless you've obtained another visa to China in HKG.

Does PVG have the capability to do international to international flight connection airside without going through the trouble of immigration and custom procedures?

More specifically, HKG/PVG on FM and PVG/Canada on AC, about 100 minutes connection time.

100 minutes for that should be fine, just make sure you checked through your luggages in HKG.

Read some news today, the transit without visa is now only 24 hours. The story was saying a Japaness try to get into PVG and return to Japan been refused enter.

The story was saying a Japaness try to get into PVG and return to Japan been refused enter.

That's weird. Japanese haven't needed visas to visit China (up to 30 days?) for a while now.

100 minutes for that should be fine, just make sure you checked through your luggages in HKG.

Read some news today, the transit without visa is now only 24 hours. The story was saying a Japaness try to get into PVG and return to Japan been refused enter.

Oh dear... I now don't have time to get a visa before trying to stay 25 hours in Shanghai starting Monday morning. I've printed out the current guidelines on the website of the Chinese embassy in the US (updated 19/09/08) which have the 48 language, so we'll see if that helps at all. I also went to check with the consulate in LA before leaving, and they said I would be fine. We'll see. I'll report back with news.

Well if the timeframe has been reduced to 24 hours, the immigration supervisor (who quickly allowed me in) had no idea of it. My guess is that nothing has changed and that 48 is still the allowable limit. Lovely little exception to the (for Americans expensive) visa rule.

I have a 4-hour layover in PVG in July (OZ to SQ) and I understand that I don't need a visa for transit less than 24 hours (I am a Malaysian passport holder) - at least that's the info I got from the consulate's website.

Questions:
- Is it OK for me to transit without visa at PVG (the website doesn't looks like it's been updated for awhile)?
- Is there an airside transit?
- Is 4 hours connection enough (it's plenty...but are there any new delays due to the H1N1 flu scare)?
- *Knock on wood* what if someone has a slight fever around me? Will I be quarantined in PVG then? :(

HI quick question, would i need any type of visa if i were to fly in to PVG from bkk stay in shanghai for 36 hours then fly out from SHA to TLV via PEK staying in the airport for 5 hours to catch my flight (ie transit)? Thanks for the help,

You need to be travelling to a third country (ie somewhere different than the country you flew from to get to PVG) and onward travel documents to show you will leave PVG within 48 hours. No need to apply for visa.

Has anyone done this lately? Are you saying that I can go thru customs in Shanghai and just show the Immigration Officer a print out of an e-ticket within 24 hours from PVG-HKG, and then I can leave the airport, go into Shanghai, spend two days, and return within 48 hours, all without a Chinese visa?

Alternatively, I presume I can obviously transit within the airport from AA-CX without a visa and without going thru customs and immigration (although will my bag be checked thru if I am on two separate tickets)?

AA says the minimum connection time is 2 hours? Seems like a long time for intransit within PVG airport.

You always go through customs at PVG. There is no air-side transit.

Please read http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/china/894437-faq-prc-visa-free-transit.html

Has anyone done this lately? Are you saying that I can go thru customs in Shanghai and just show the Immigration Officer a print out of an e-ticket within 24 hours from PVG-HKG, and then I can leave the airport, go into Shanghai, spend two days, and return within 48 hours, all without a Chinese visa?
Alternatively, I presume I can obviously transit within the airport from AA-CX without a visa and without going thru customs and immigration (although will my bag be checked thru if I am on two separate tickets)?

AA says the minimum connection time is 2 hours? Seems like a long time for intransit within PVG airport.

Not exactly. You must be going from one country through China to ANOTHER country. If you would read the second Sticky at the top of this Forum, it will make Transit Without Visa clear. HKG-PVG-HKG is not an international transit. HKG-PVG-ICN is.

But if your itinerary qualifies, then as long as your passport is on the Favored List you can have up to 48 hours. Note that's not defined as "return to the airport" but is time gap between scheduled inbound arrival and scheduled outbound departure. To see if your passport gets 48 hours, again, this information is in the aforementioned Sticky. All Non-favored passports get standard 24 hours.

As stated by someone else above, you have NO option to stay airside without going through immigration, whether entering on a visa or whether doing international Transit Without Visa.

Per this Sina article (http://sky.news.sina.com.cn/2012-03-14/092214288.html), starting March. 15, international transit passengers (departing within 24 hr.) can TWOV @ PVG without the need to clear customs/immigration.

Per this Sina article (http://sky.news.sina.com.cn/2012-03-14/092214288.html), starting March. 15, international transit passengers (departing within 24 hr.) can TWOV @ PVG without the need to clear customs/immigration.
For english text:
http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fsky.news.sina.com.cn%2F2012-03-14%2F092214288.html

Per this Sina article (http://sky.news.sina.com.cn/2012-03-14/092214288.html), starting March. 15, international transit passengers (departing within 24 hr.) can TWOV @ PVG without the need to clear customs/immigration.

Perfect timing! Do you know if bags can now be checked through? (I tried reading the English version but...)

Perfect timing! Do you know if bags can now be checked through? (I tried reading the English version but...)

I suppose they could fetch your bags, like skypier at HKG does, then
have a consolidated check in desk airside. But don't know for sure
what the plan is. Considering they put out notice of the new policy a
day or so before implementation..I guess they are winging it.:confused:







The new plan will shorten minimum connection time for international transit passengers as Shanghai tries to further facilitate airport service in a bid to develop the city into an aviation hub.

We'll need to get some updated reports so we can see how the policy plays out in real time. My guess is that the intent is to cut the workload of immigration officers and streamline procedures for passengers with short layovers--who wouldn't have to time to leave the airport anyway. It's just operationally silly to have these types of situations, which are many, run through immigration procedures even at a transit desk.

For other scenarios where people have longer layovers by intent or by necessity of connection scheduling, I find it hard to believe Shanghai will eliminate the existing 24/48 hour TWOV options....they love the incremental money too much! Perhaps it will become a situation where if on long layover and you want to leave airport, they will route you to a desk and give you a stamp for the asking. Essentially, two separate streams of TWOV passengers: the short-connects and the quick-hit visitors.

Of course, especially for the first scenario, this means that PVG's policy of forcing even the transit passengers to pick up luggage at baggage claim, will have to be amended. This might be beneficial to a LOT of transit passengers with transits up to 24 hours. Over that, you'll probably be picking up luggage anyway.

Not exactly. You must be going from one country through China to ANOTHER country. If you would read the second Sticky at the top of this Forum, it will make Transit Without Visa clear. HKG-PVG-HKG is not an international transit. HKG-PVG-ICN is.

But if your itinerary qualifies, then as long as your passport is on the Favored List you can have up to 48 hours. Note that's not defined as "return to the airport" but is time gap between scheduled inbound arrival and scheduled outbound departure. To see if your passport gets 48 hours, again, this information is in the aforementioned Sticky. All Non-favored passports get standard 24 hours.

As stated by someone else above, you have NO option to stay airside without going through immigration, whether entering on a visa or whether doing international Transit Without Visa.

Well, HKG was trated as a separate country and after going thru the first customs queue, I was escorted to a separate desk, which the office spent about a minute looking something up and then stamped my passport with a Stay Permit, good thru the day of my departing flight (which was the next day). The hotel had never heard of this, so it took them a bit to find the visa, but they eventually did and were fine. AA in Boston check in was also aware of the rule and had not problem, although it took a while for the AAgent to type everything into my record, which almost caused my bag to miss the check-in cutoff, but everything turned out to be fine.

Well, HKG was trated as a separate country and after going thru the first customs queue, I was escorted to a separate desk, which the office spent about a minute looking something up and then stamped my passport with a Stay Permit, good thru the day of my departing flight (which was the next day). The hotel had never heard of this, so it took them a bit to find the visa, but they eventually did and were fine. AA in Boston check in was also aware of the rule and had not problem, although it took a while for the AAgent to type everything into my record, which almost caused my bag to miss the check-in cutoff, but everything turned out to be fine.

You seem to be missing my point. The point is not that Hong Kong is a separate country, the point is that to take advantage of Chinese Transit without Visa, you must be using the Chinese airport between two different international airports. So if your previous travel was HKG-China-Intl (not HKG) or vice-versa, that is OK and you were properly allowed through.

But that is not the journey you tried to hypothesize in a previous post, where you said:
...Are you saying that I can go thru customs in Shanghai and just show the Immigration Officer a print out of an e-ticket within 24 hours from PVG-HKG, and then I can leave the airport, go into Shanghai, spend two days, and return within 48 hours....

This comment implied a HKG-PVG-HKG journey which is NOT legal within the TWOV rules. There is no lack of clarity in the regulation on this point. People who have tried this and made it as far as the mainland airport are usually refused entry and put back on a plane to where they came from. FT certainly has stories from people who made this assumption and got it wrong. "Transit" does not equal "Round Trip."

Not exactly. You must be going from one country through China to ANOTHER country. If you would read the second Sticky at the top of this Forum, it will make Transit Without Visa clear. HKG-PVG-HKG is not an international transit. HKG-PVG-ICN is.Would HKG-PVG-MFM be a workaround? I believe it should qualify. But an actively thinking immigration officer would understand what I try to do.

Would HKG-PVG-MFM be a workaround? I believe it should qualify. But an actively thinking immigration officer would understand what I try to do.

No guarantees on that one. Haven't heard of it being tried.

My opinion: if you are based in Hong Kong or Macau and are a foreigner without HKID entry/exit privileges to the PRC, you should keep a valid Chinese visa in your passport at all times. No excuse for not doing so. Then TWOV is a moot point. End of discussion.

You seem to be missing my point. The point is not that Hong Kong is a separate country, the point is that to take advantage of Chinese Transit without Visa, you must be using the Chinese airport between two different international airports. So if your previous travel was HKG-China-Intl (not HKG) or vice-versa, that is OK and you were properly allowed through.

But that is not the journey you tried to hypothesize in a previous post, where you said:


This comment implied a HKG-PVG-HKG journey which is NOT legal within the TWOV rules. There is no lack of clarity in the regulation on this point. People who have tried this and made it as far as the mainland airport are usually refused entry and put back on a plane to where they came from. FT certainly has stories from people who made this assumption and got it wrong. "Transit" does not equal "Round Trip."

I guess I missed your point, as I was coming from the US to HKG thru PVG. Anyway, my point is that it was easy on all around.

For what it's worth, there was sign for in transit international passengers.

Will the 48 hour rule also apply for me on my way home back thru PVG, or did I read that it doesn't apply to stopovers when returning to your originating country?

I guess I missed your point, as I was coming from the US to HKG thru PVG. Anyway, my point is that it was easy on all around.

For what it's worth, there was sign for in transit international passengers.

Will the 48 hour rule also apply for me on my way home back thru PVG, or did I read that it doesn't apply to stopovers when returning to your originating country?

Yes the 48 rule still applies. You may have seen something that says the transit visa is only valid when you don't travel through PVG to the country you came from. That just means though that you can't "transit" from county X into PVG China and then immediately fly back to X without stopping first in a different county.

No guarantees on that one. Haven't heard of it being tried.

My opinion: if you are based in Hong Kong or Macau and are a foreigner without HKID entry/exit privileges to the PRC, you should keep a valid Chinese visa in your passport at all times. No excuse for not doing so. Then TWOV is a moot point. End of discussion.

I don't see why it wouldn't work as the rule simply says "a third country or region". Anyone with an APEC card should be able to try this out safely by travelling without a Chinese visa and then producing the APEC card if required.

If one is a US citizen traveling to China and beyond can one do any of the following with a TWOV:


Arrive at PVG [PuDong] and depart from SHA [Hongqiao] within 48 hours?
Arrive PVG and depart PEK within 48 hours?
Arrive PVG and depart land border crossing at HKG within 48 hours?


Basically, for the TWOV, must one arrive AND depart from PVG?

Please include an authoritative reference in your answer IF you have one. I have found an NON_AUTHORITATIVE source that states international passengers transferring between Pudong and Hong Qiao Airports within 24 hours are exempt from the visa. (http://answers.chinatour360.com/qa/6032.htm)

If one is a US citizen traveling to China and beyond can one do any of the following with a TWOV:


Arrive at PVG [PuDong] and depart from SHA [Hongqiao] within 48 hours?
Arrive PVG and depart PEK within 48 hours?
Arrive PVG and depart land border crossing at HKG within 48 hours?


Basically, for the TWOV, must one arrive AND depart from PVG?

Please include an authoritative reference in your answer IF you have one. I have found an NON_AUTHORITATIVE source that states

You must arrive and depart from SHA (combination of both airports is fine) by air in order to avail of the 48 hour exemption. Otherwise, 24 hours in country is the applicable limit.

You must arrive and depart from SHA (combination of both airports is fine) buy air in order to avail of the 48 hour exemption. Otherwise, 24 hours in country is the applicable limit.

Thank you for your reply.

I don't see why it wouldn't work as the rule simply says "a third country or region". Anyone with an APEC card should be able to try this out safely by travelling without a Chinese visa and then producing the APEC card if required.

If you've got an APEC card, go for it.

Well I'm in quite a spot at the moment dealing with AA on this.

I went to great pains and time to plan an itinerary around this. I booked MIA-JFK-NRT (AA) - PVG (JL) 40h 'stopover' - ORD-LAX-MIA (AA). I show up to the check-in counter this morning, an the shenanigans began...

First check-in agent had no clue, looked up in TIMATIC and could not find the TWOV section. I explained over and over she had to put in PVG as a transit point. She said she did, but I don't believe her.

She brings over check-in agent #2 who basically re-affirms #1 with broad-based ignorance ('EVERYONE that goes to China MUST have a visa sir!') :rolleyes: I honestly didn't say much, didn't get angry just reiterated that US passport holders are allowed 48 transit. She said my ticket was booked to Shanghai, I cannot be 'in transit' to which I recited the 3-country rule that allows me to be considered 'in transit' by Chinese authorities. She would have none of it.

In comes the Supervisor of the two agents who also re-affirms all these incorrect findings by #1 & 2. I kept repeating that PVG needs to be input to TIMATIC as a transit port, NOT destination. She said yes yes we tried that. At this point, it had been an hour and I knew I wasn't going anywhere.

So frustrating, because I KNOW they did not input the TIMATIC entries correctly. So I called up customer relations, showed them the Chinese embassy website with the visa'free section (which I tried to point out to the check-in agents, they would have none of it) and the CR rep wholeheartedly agreed the agent's were incorrect.

Now, I'm waiting for a phone call from AA's 'executive office' if they ever get around to it... Such a shame, I really was looking forward to this trip.

In the future, if I try this again, I would print the heck out of everything I could find. For reference, here are the CORRECT TIMATIC entries I have now (for my itinerary above):

tira/naus/emus/deus/trnrt/trpvg
or
tira/naus/emjp/deus/trpvg

Which produces this:

TIMATIC-3 / 05APR12 / 2201 UTC
NATIONAL USA (US) /EMBARKATION USA (US)
TRANSIT JAPAN (JP)
TRANSIT CHINA (PEOPLE'S REP.) (CN)
DESTINATION USA (US)
ALSO CHECK DESTINATION INFORMATION BELOW

VISA TRANSIT JAPAN (JP)

...... NORMAL PASSPORTS ONLY ......
VISA NOT REQUIRED.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- VALID VISAS IN EXPIRED PASSPORTS CAN BE USED PROVIDED
>TIDFT/JP/VI/AI/ID23147

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

VISA TRANSIT CHINA (PEOPLE'S REP.) (CN)

...... NORMAL PASSPORTS ONLY ......
TWOV (TRANSIT WITHOUT VISA):
VISA REQUIRED, EXCEPT FOR HOLDERS OF CONFIRMED ONWARD TICKETS
FOR A MAX. TRANSIT >TIRULES/R32 TIME OF 24 HOURS. TRANSIT
INCL. TWO STOPS WITHIN CHINA (PEOPLE'S REP.) IS PERMITTED.
VISA REQUIRED, EXCEPT FOR NATIONALS OF USA HOLDING CONFIRMED ONWARD TICKETS FOR A MAX. TRANSIT >TIRULES/R32 TIME OF 48
HOURS, PROVIDED ARRIVING AT AND DEPARTING FROM SHANGHAI
HONGQIAO (SHA) OR PU DONG (PVG) AIRPORTS.
- ALL TRANSITING PASSENGERS ARE SUBJECT TO PASSPORT CONTROL.
PASSENGERS IN TRANSIT ARE REQUIRED TO HOLD PASSPORTS OR
PASSPORT REPLACING DOCUMENTS THAT ARE ACCEPTED FOR ENTRY
INTO CHINA (PEOPLE'S REP.). FOR MORE DETAILS ON DOCUMENT
REQUIREMENTS, PLEASE ENTER CHINA (PEOPLE'S REP.) AS A
DESTINATION.
- LEAVING THE AIRPORT TRANSIT AREA IS ALLOWED.


And the TIMATIC rulle for 'in transit':

TIMATIC-3 / 05APR12 / 2204 UTC
RULES

R32) TWOV
....

TRANSIT WITHOUT VISA (TWOV): PASSING THROUGH AN INTERNATIONAL
TRANSIT AREA OF THE AIRPORT IN ORDER TO BOARD A CONNECTING (OR
TO PROCEED BY THE SAME) FLIGHT, WITHOUT ENTERING THE COUNTRY
(I.E. CLEARING IMMIGRATION).
UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE, PASSENGERS WISHING TO TWOV MUST:
- BE EN-ROUTE TO A THIRD COUNTRY (E.G. ITINERARY TYO-LON-TYO
IS NOT CONSIDERED TWOV);
- PROVE THAT THEY WILL CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY WITHIN THE
PRESCRIBED PERIOD (E.G. HOLD ONWARD TICKETS);
- HAVE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY INTO THE COUNTRY OF
DESTINATION AND FOR TRANSIT THROUGH COUNTRIES EN-ROUTE;
- REMAIN IN THE TRANSIT AREA (AIRSIDE) OR ON THE AIRCRAFT.

BAGGAGE BELONGING TO TWOV PASSENGERS MUST BE CHECKED THROUGH
TO THEIR FINAL DESTINATION.

TWOV IS NOT INTENDED FOR THOSE HOLDING STAND-BY TICKETS, E.G.
AIRLINE STAFF OR OTHER PASSENGERS TRAVELLING ON INDUSTRY
DISCOUNT.

Well I'm in quite a spot at the moment dealing with AA on this.
<snip>


Sorry to hear about this. I seem to recall other sporadic reports in the past on similar problems from AA and, in at least one case, the passenger thought they were not using TIMATIC but some sort of database of their own. Are you sure they were using TIMATIC (did you see the screens)?

One other thing of note: that TIMATIC bit presented about Baggage Must be Checked Through is a relatively new insertion and in practice, doesn't always happen, especially at PVG. Sometimes it might be TAGGED through, but often you still have to pick up at Baggage Claim and then recheck. Right now this seems to be more under airport policy than Chinese govt policy. And there are indications that PVG is going to allow direct airside transit as an option for intl-intl connecting passengers, which would imply that autochecking bags through will be a possibility, and helpful for those on short layover TWOV's rather than true stopover TWOV's.

Sorry to hear about this. I seem to recall other sporadic reports in the past on similar problems from AA and, in at least one case, the passenger thought they were not using TIMATIC but some sort of database of their own. Are you sure they were using TIMATIC (did you see the screens)?


AA calls the system 'TIMS' but it is the same SITA-based TIMATIC system used by all carriers. AA CR has passed the issue onto one of its 'immigration specialists' and I should hear back next week [what I already know to be true :D]

AA calls the system 'TIMS' but it is the same SITA-based TIMATIC system used by all carriers. AA CR has passed the issue onto one of its 'immigration specialists' and I should hear back next week [what I already know to be true :D]

Let the forum know how the story turns out. Thanks. At the very least, maybe they can make you whole for your missed trip AND I think some compensation is due....maybe a reschedule in J and nice crop of miles. :p

Not sure if this is a specific problem for you, but a bone of contention I have with TIMATIC is their definition of "transit" (second part of your presentation) and specifically the bit about passing through "....without entering the country/clearing immigration...." which conflicts with standard Chinese airport policy right now. Also explicit in conflict with the TWOV statement "Leaving the Airport Transit Area is Allowed." TIMATIC's definition of transit is boilerplate without adjustment for China reality, which is a problem that I wish they would remedy, as it causes confusion and angst.

So, due to a booking snafu on my award tickets, UA has very nicely offered to fly me home on their PVG-EWR nonstop flight. The problem is that this does extent my transit time in PVG to -- yup, you guessed it -- 48 1/2 hours.

Reading the TIMATIC rules it seems like this is really not allowed. I assume there's no way I can get a letter from some official Chinese agency saying it's OK as long as I'm back through Immigration within 48 hours?

Otherwise, I'm going to have to take a redeye flight from BKK to PVG (there are only 2) and arrive at 5:15 am to avoid trouble. That would put me at about 36 hours.

So, due to a booking snafu on my award tickets, UA has very nicely offered to fly me home on their PVG-EWR nonstop flight. The problem is that this does extent my transit time in PVG to -- yup, you guessed it -- 48 1/2 hours.

Reading the TIMATIC rules it seems like this is really not allowed. I assume there's no way I can get a letter from some official Chinese agency saying it's OK as long as I'm back through Immigration within 48 hours?

Otherwise, I'm going to have to take a redeye flight from BKK to PVG (there are only 2) and arrive at 5:15 am to avoid trouble. That would put me at about 36 hours.

Haven't we been through this before? The limit is 48 hours. Any person who checks you into a flight to PVG that does not adhere to this rule risks losing their job and their airline money. You're not going to win this battle.

Could purchase a fully refundable ticket.

<48 HR departure PVG-(HKG)-(TPE)-(ICN)
allowing boarding BKK-PVG.

Then take the 48.5 hour PVG departure to US.

Could purchase a fully refundable ticket.

<48 HR departure PVG-(HKG)-(TPE)-(ICN)
allowing boarding BKK-PVG.

Then take the 48.5 hour PVG departure to US.

Great thinking. Yes, this should work.

Could purchase a fully refundable ticket.

<48 HR departure PVG-(HKG)-(TPE)-(ICN)
allowing boarding BKK-PVG.

Then take the 48.5 hour PVG departure to US.

Just picking up a Chinese visa in BKK might be less hassle. Last I'd heard, BKK was still willing to issue semi-reasonable visas to US citizens (e.g. you'd at least get a double-entry, and possibly a multiple if you have past visas).

Just picking up a Chinese visa in BKK might be less hassle. Last I'd heard, BKK was still willing to issue semi-reasonable visas to US citizens (e.g. you'd at least get a double-entry, and possibly a multiple if you have past visas).

I'd obviously be willing to pay for a multi-year entry, but how would I know?

I decided to change my BKK-PVG flight to the redeye, which will cost me a good night's sleep but still give me "two days" in PVG. Seems like the best solution to my situation. Of course, if there's a schedule change, and it goes under 48 hours, I'll try to change it back. Buying another ticket would be clever, but wouldn't the Thai agents in BKK see my complete reservation and note that my "real" next flight is in 48 1/2 hours?

I'd obviously be willing to pay for a multi-year entry, but how would I know?

I decided to change my BKK-PVG flight to the redeye, which will cost me a good night's sleep but still give me "two days" in PVG. Seems like the best solution to my situation. Of course, if there's a schedule change, and it goes under 48 hours, I'll try to change it back. Buying another ticket would be clever, but wouldn't the Thai agents in BKK see my complete reservation and note that my "real" next flight is in 48 1/2 hours?

That's none of their business.

Are there star alliance flights BKK-PVG?


Thought a UA award would normally route BKK-NRT-EWR.

That's none of their business.

So when I got to the counter and they ask where my visa is, they wouldn't check the next rez in my record (and would a UA flight even show up in the Thai system if it was a UA ticket number)? I could just show them a dummy reservation?

Are there star alliance flights BKK-PVG?


Thought a UA award would normally route BKK-NRT-EWR.

Thai Airways is your friend on that route: two daily nonstops BKK-PVG. Good award availability. Actually Thai seems to usually have good availability. If you happen to need more than 4 seats (not sure how many people other than I do!) the trick is to search the UA system for 4, take them, and more seats "pop up."

If the Thai Airways ticket was purchased as a one segment award flight
from UA...not BKK-PVG stopover-EWR..I would think that the
UA flight PVG -EWR would not be in their system.

So when I got to the counter and they ask where my visa is, they wouldn't check the next rez in my record (and would a UA flight even show up in the Thai system if it was a UA ticket number)? I could just show them a dummy reservation?



Thai Airways is your friend on that route: two daily nonstops BKK-PVG. Good award availability. Actually Thai seems to usually have good availability. If you happen to need more than 4 seats (not sure how many people other than I do!) the trick is to search the UA system for 4, take them, and more seats "pop up."

You need to actually buy those tickets (which, you will subsequently refund... pick your airline carefully because some of them will hold your money for a long period of time).

You need to actually buy those tickets (which, you will subsequently refund... pick your airline carefully because some of them will hold your money for a long period of time).

Yeah, I know that. I guess "dummy reservation" was the wrong term.

And it also seems like it might not work if I have a single award ticket (which I would) all the way from BKK to EWR with a PVG stopover.

At the end of the day, it seems like too much trouble! Unless there's a schedule change that puts me under 48 hours (or there's some creative way to get a document from the Chinese saying it's OK if I'm back in the secure area within 48 hours), I'll just give up a good night's sleep and take the redeye to avoid the visa hassle.

Yeah, I know that. I guess "dummy reservation" was the wrong term.

And it also seems like it might not work if I have a single award ticket (which I would) all the way from BKK to EWR with a PVG stopover.

At the end of the day, it seems like too much trouble! Unless there's a schedule change that puts me under 48 hours (or there's some creative way to get a document from the Chinese saying it's OK if I'm back in the secure area within 48 hours), I'll just give up a good night's sleep and take the redeye to avoid the visa hassle.

It would work, 100% certain.

And it also seems like it might not work if I have a single award ticket (which I would) all the way from BKK to EWR with a PVG stopover.

.

Does UA allow a stopover on a oneway intl award ticket?

Does UA allow a stopover on a oneway intl award ticket?

No -- although you might be able to obtain one due to the confusion in the rules.

I'm actually booked on a roundtrip int'l award on UA. One stopover and two open jaws are definitely allowed on such an itinerary. But don't get me started on what routings to Asia are allowed -- we've had some discussion of that in the UA forum, where I guess that discussion belongs!

No -- although you might be able to obtain one due to the confusion in the rules.

I'm actually booked on a roundtrip int'l award on UA. One stopover and two open jaws are definitely allowed on such an itinerary. But don't get me started on what routings to Asia are allowed -- we've had some discussion of that in the UA forum, where I guess that discussion belongs!

If you did make it to PVG and they denied entry, then couldn't blame
UA as its a stopover not a layover, so in that circumstance you would
probably be held liable for any fines to the carrier in addition to
a cost for return ticket to Thailand. Kinda risky.

Is there air-side transit now without having to go through customs and back through immigration again in Shanghai PVG?

I had always stopped in Shanghai itself and never paid attention to transit.

Thinking of doing a SIN-ICN-PVG-ICN-SEA routing with a 1.5 hour transit at PVG.
Do-able?

Visa wouldnt be an issue and I would just have a carry-on rollerboard and no check-in bags.

Thanks!

Is there air-side transit now without having to go through customs and back through immigration again in Shanghai PVG?

I had always stopped in Shanghai itself and never paid attention to transit.

Thinking of doing a SIN-ICN-PVG-ICN-SEA routing with a 1.5 hour transit at PVG.
Do-able?

Visa wouldnt be an issue and I would just have a carry-on rollerboard and no check-in bags.

Thanks!

There is airside transit at PVG now, but nobody here has tried it out yet (or if they have, they haven't told us).

I'm also assuming you made a typo because ICN-PVG-ICN is not a transit.

Ah thank u!

The thing is I am planning a r/t PVG-SIN-PVG(via ICN).
Upon return to PVG, i'm going to get on the 2nd part of my PVG-ICN-SEA.
So, PVG becomes a transit point, kind of.

I have to get my boarding pass and check-in for PVG-ICN-SEA but maybe i can do that at ICN first, before leaving for PVG.

Hope that works, otherwise, i'll have a super tight connection.


There is airside transit at PVG now, but nobody here has tried it out yet (or if they have, they haven't told us).

I'm also assuming you made a typo because ICN-PVG-ICN is not a transit.

Ah thank u!

The thing is I am planning a r/t PVG-SIN-PVG(via ICN).
Upon return to PVG, i'm going to get on the 2nd part of my PVG-ICN-SEA.
So, PVG becomes a transit point, kind of.

I have to get my boarding pass and check-in for PVG-ICN-SEA but maybe i can do that at ICN first, before leaving for PVG.

Hope that works, otherwise, i'll have a super tight connection.

Not in the eyes of the people who matter (PRC Border Control and your airline's front line people). In order to qualify as a transit passenger, you need to be flying directly in and out of different countries. And, given the tightness of your connection, I would advise you against pulling the refundable ticket trick.

hmm ok, might have to stay another night in PVG then or find a different flight.

Thanks!

Is there air-side transit now without having to go through customs and back through immigration again in Shanghai PVG?

I had always stopped in Shanghai itself and never paid attention to transit.

Thinking of doing a SIN-ICN-PVG-ICN-SEA routing with a 1.5 hour transit at PVG.
Do-able?

Visa wouldnt be an issue and I would just have a carry-on rollerboard and no check-in bags.

Thanks!

Despite having read that transit was possible airside, when I transited shanghai in April it looked to me like everyone was funneled out. I was changing airlines, so it wasn't a super-clean transit, but I didn't see anyway that a traveler could stay airside.

Assuming you do NOT have a valid Chinese visa....

Ah thank u!

The thing is I am planning a r/t PVG-SIN-PVG(via ICN).
Upon return to PVG, i'm going to get on the 2nd part of my PVG-ICN-SEA.
So, PVG becomes a transit point, kind of.

I have to get my boarding pass and check-in for PVG-ICN-SEA but maybe i can do that at ICN first, before leaving for PVG.

Hope that works, otherwise, i'll have a super tight connection.

Forget about your journey endpoints and focus on segments in each direction. Your description is a bit unclear. But if the overall trip is: SEA-ICN-PVG-SIN and return is SIN-PVG-ICN-SEA, this is OK. ICN-PVG-SIN on the outbound and SIN-PVG-ICN on the return are legal, as long as PVG stop is < 48 hours (assuming you have USA passport). This is OK even if split between two tickets--sounds like you have end-on-end ticketing on two different PNR's. If this is not the exact routing, what do you have?

If you have a valid Chinese visa, then the routing and ticketing is moot, and all you need to worry about is connection timing. Again, due to unclear description, there's no way of advising you on timing. You need to layout the segments, airlines, and how the ticket(s) are structured.

Despite having read that transit was possible airside, when I transited shanghai in April it looked to me like everyone was funneled out. I was changing airlines, so it wasn't a super-clean transit, but I didn't see anyway that a traveler could stay airside.

Interesting to know. Maybe this got announced and not started. Maybe started and then quickly rescinded. Hmm...

I currently have a SEA-PVG-SEA with ICN connection.

Thinking of getting a PVG-SIN-PVG sandwiched inside the SEA-PVG-SEA flights.
The PVG-SIN-PVG will also connect at ICN.

So on my return back to SEA, on the same day, I will be flying from
SIN-ICN-PVG and then 1.5 hours later, PVG-ICN-SEA.

If I have to clear customs at PVG, go check-in and get boarding pass again at PVG, the 1.5 hours might be too short, it seems.

Thanks!

Thanks, decided to go back to PVG a day early so I wont mis-connect.
Turns out the price was about $100 cheaper too.
But now i have to get a hotel room.

The things I do to earn miles...

Thanks, decided to go back to PVG a day early so I wont mis-connect.
Turns out the price was about $100 cheaper too.
But now i have to get a hotel room.

The things I do to earn miles...

Just to triple confirm, you are not flying directly to and from Korea and China, are you? (I'm not asking about your ultimate destination because this is irrelevant.)

Im flying from SIN to PVG via ICN.

Now I stay one night in PVG and fly out to SEA via ICN.

ICN is just a transit point for the flights.
I'm using Korean Air to get miles and have to transit through ICN.


Just to triple confirm, you are not flying directly to and from Korea and China, are you? (I'm not asking about your ultimate destination because this is irrelevant.)

I currently have a SEA-PVG-SEA with ICN connection.

Thinking of getting a PVG-SIN-PVG sandwiched inside the SEA-PVG-SEA flights.
The PVG-SIN-PVG will also connect at ICN.

So on my return back to SEA, on the same day, I will be flying from
SIN-ICN-PVG and then 1.5 hours later, PVG-ICN-SEA.
!

Sounds like you are doing SEA-ICN-PVG-ICN-SIN-ICN-PVG-ICN-SEA, you will need a visa with two entries for this routing. You would not need a visa if you make your connection in any other country than Korea on yourway to and from SIN.

My passport doesnt need a visa to enter China as long as i stay 14 days or less.
So I'm ok with the visa.

Much easier if I had just bought a direct PVG-SIN ticket.
Those are cheap too but earn 0 miles... :(


Sounds like you are doing SEA-ICN-PVG-ICN-SIN-ICN-PVG-ICN-SEA, you will need a visa with two entries for this routing. You would not need a visa if you make your connection in any other country than Korea on yourway to and from SIN.

My passport doesnt need a visa to enter China as long as i stay 14 days or less.

You shouldn't have posted in this thread.

My passport doesnt need a visa to enter China as long as i stay 14 days or less.
So I'm ok with the visa.
:(

My apologies, I think a lot of us missed that part, most of the questions here pertain to whether one needs a visa or not.

My passport doesnt need a visa to enter China as long as i stay 14 days or less.
So I'm ok with the visa.

Much easier if I had just bought a direct PVG-SIN ticket.
Those are cheap too but earn 0 miles... :(

You shouldn't have posted in this thread.

Agree with rkkwan. HawaiiO, you have succeeding in derailing this thread from the topic. Not cool to suddenly spring the "My passport doesn't need a visa..." after multiple postings saying nothing about this rather critical fact. :td:

If it was a timing issue you were worried about due to your flights, that belongs in another thread, which you could have originated. Additionally, you continued to obfuscate on your exact routing/scheduling which wasted more time and effort of myself and others.

If you do not see fit to be upfront and honest with your questions, then I for one will be less inclined to respond at all to your future posts. None of us like to be played for suckers and have our time wasted.

hmm, i did say "Visa wouldnt be an issue" in my original post.

The title of this thread is also "Shanghai/pvg transit without visa".
I dont need a visa so ...


Agree with rkkwan. HawaiiO, you have succeeding in derailing this thread from the topic. Not cool to suddenly spring the "My passport doesn't need a visa..." after multiple postings saying nothing about this rather critical fact. :td:

If it was a timing issue you were worried about due to your flights, that belongs in another thread, which you could have originated. Additionally, you continued to obfuscate on your exact routing/scheduling which wasted more time and effort of myself and others.

If you do not see fit to be upfront and honest with your questions, then I for one will be less inclined to respond at all to your future posts. None of us like to be played for suckers and have our time wasted.

hmm, i did say "Visa wouldnt be an issue" in my original post.

The title of this thread is also "Shanghai/pvg transit without visa".
I dont need a visa so ...

I read this to mean that you believed you were performing a valid transit.

In any event, since you are not transiting in Shanghai (rather returning to the place you just left), I'm not sure whether you'll be able to avail of the new transit facility (i.e. you might be required to enter and exit China).

And there are indications that PVG is going to allow direct airside transit as an option for intl-intl connecting passengers, which would imply that autochecking bags through will be a possibility, and helpful for those on short layover TWOV's rather than true stopover TWOV's.There is airside transit at PVG now, but nobody here has tried it out yet (or if they have, they haven't told us).Despite having read that transit was possible airside, when I transited shanghai in April it looked to me like everyone was funneled out. I was changing airlines, so it wasn't a super-clean transit, but I didn't see anyway that a traveler could stay airside.

Anyone have additional info on airside transit at PVG?

US passport holder
Arriving on OZ from ICN
Departing on NZ to AKL
3-4h layover

Related: Does the Shanghai Airlines 77 lounge (for *A) require a lounge invitation (in which case I'll have to go out to the NZ checkin desk anyway) or will a qualifying boarding pass suffice?

When I was there 2x about a month ago, there were transit counters in place, but they were not open/staffed either time...so, I had to go thru customs and then check back in, which was no big deal...the air-side transit seemed like a work in process. Not sure if they have opened it up yet.

Someone else will have to answer the lounge question, because the whole air-side transit thing is new at PVG.

Just went through the PVG transit nightmare again a couple days ago. It's a confusing, unfriendly, and downright stupid set of procedures. You still have to get you're luggage and go through customs. Then you go upstairs, wait in line for your ticket, go through security a couple times more, and then they'll go through your carry-on on the gangway. Total time - 80 mins. Lounge - who knows ! I barely made my flight to SFO. wj

Just went through the PVG transit nightmare again a couple days ago. It's a confusing, unfriendly, and downright stupid set of procedures. You still have to get you're luggage and go through customs. Then you go upstairs, wait in line for your ticket, go through security a couple times more, and then they'll go through your carry-on on the gangway. Total time - 80 mins. Lounge - who knows ! I barely made my flight to SFO. wj

The two points I bolded are more a function of your airline being up to speed with the times than they are to do with PVG. As for the rest of the procedure, it's the same pretty much everywhere in China.

The two points I bolded are more a function of your airline being up to speed with the times than they are to do with PVG. As for the rest of the procedure, it's the same pretty much everywhere in China.

Yeah, PEK might be worse. Thanks for the info - I thought it was a China thing. I didn't think I could hold United in lower esteem, but I find I actually can. wj

PEK has airside transit. It's fairly similar to other international airports, although there is an immigration desk and security check again.

But no need to recheck luggage.

Yeah, PEK might be worse. Thanks for the info - I thought it was a China thing. I didn't think I could hold United in lower esteem, but I find I actually can. wj

PEK has airside transit. It's fairly similar to other international airports, although there is an immigration desk and security check again.

But no need to recheck luggage.

No, PEK does not have "airside transit." Airside transit is when you can deplane and stay within the secure zone while moving to your next connection, without passing through Immigration. PEK policy currently requires incoming international passengers to go through Immigration. PEK does have dedicated desks for International Transit passengers to use, after which they can proceed to security and reclear for airside access.

It is true that PEK allows international transit passenger luggage, if tagged through to final destination, to be auto-routed without requiring pickup and recheck by the transit passenger. This is currently not the case at all Chinese airports however.

Hi,

Following the demise of BD I've been burning miles on Star like crazy, and I'm due to do ADL-SIN-PVG-KIX in a couple of weeks.

I've just seen the list of 'Transit without visa' countries:

Visas are not required of passport holders of the following
countries, who transit through Pudong Airport or Hongqiao Airport
of Shanghai, provided they hold valid passports, visas for the onward
countries, final destination tickets and have booked seats,
and stay in Shanghai for less than 48 hours : <B>Republic of Korea,
United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany,
France, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Portugal, Spain, Italy,
Austria, Greece, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland</B>.


Ummm... pretty comprehensive. Except... no mention of the UK.

I've just phoned up SQ to check - and they told me 24 hours. Air China says 48 hours. The Chinese Embasy didn't seem to understand the question, and then just read out the list of coutries, which excludes the UK.

So - has anyone gone through on a UK passport, and can they confirm the duration?

I'm pretty sure we talked about the UK before in this thread and the general consensus was, "no soup for you". I'm pretty sure you still get your 24 hours though.

Hi,

Following the demise of BD I've been burning miles on Star like crazy, and I'm due to do ADL-SIN-PVG-KIX in a couple of weeks.

I've just seen the list of 'Transit without visa' countries:

Visas are not required of passport holders of the following
countries, who transit through Pudong Airport or Hongqiao Airport
of Shanghai, provided they hold valid passports, visas for the onward
countries, final destination tickets and have booked seats,
and stay in Shanghai for less than 48 hours : <B>Republic of Korea,
United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany,
France, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Portugal, Spain, Italy,
Austria, Greece, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland</B>.


Ummm... pretty comprehensive. Except... no mention of the UK.

I've just phoned up SQ to check - and they told me 24 hours. Air China says 48 hours. The Chinese Embasy didn't seem to understand the question, and then just read out the list of coutries, which excludes the UK.

So - has anyone gone through on a UK passport, and can they confirm the duration?

I can confirm you can have the basic allowance of 24 hours for visa-less international transit, as can all nationalities. I can also confirm you cannot have 48 hours for transit, since UK passport holders are not on the "List of Favourites" at PVG/SHA.

I can also confirm you cannot have 48 hours for transit, since UK passport holders are not on the "List of Favourites" at PVG/SHA.

Hm, must be that Hong Kong / Macau thing ;)

EmailKid, having done PEK for 24 hours and PVG for 48 X 2 :)

Hm, must be that Hong Kong / Macau thing ;)

EmailKid, having done PEK for 24 hours and PVG for 48 X 2 :)

The UK's (or whatever it was called back then) annexation of HK was merely a bi-product of the preceding "century of humiliation" (i.e. Opium Wars and the events leading up to them). For the most part, China has put this matter behind it. However, in recent years, there have been several other diplomatic rifts between China and the UK. I honestly have no idea whether or not there is a connection between these matters and the UK's omission from the Shanghai exception list.

I have a question; for "non-preferred" nationalities transitting in PVG, does the 24 hour rule mean:

1) You have to stay in the airport (so, e.g. you can't check into a hotel since you're not allowed to leave the airport premises)
2) You can go downtown and get a hotel for the night.

Is it 1 or 2?

Curious, because TIMATIC on Delta's website seems to indicate 2 while the Chinese official page I found seems to indicate 1, but in both cases the wording is too vague to rely on.

Also, for a 3h10' transfer on one ticket on MU in PVG... would we have to check-in again? I can pick up my checked-in luggage, that's not a problem, but I'd rather have a thru boarding pass if possible. Does anyone know?


Thanks in advance. ^

I have a question; for "non-preferred" nationalities transitting in PVG, does the 24 hour rule mean:

1) You have to stay in the airport (so, e.g. you can't check into a hotel since you're not allowed to leave the airport premises)
2) You can go downtown and get a hotel for the night.

Is it 1 or 2?

Curious, because TIMATIC on Delta's website seems to indicate 2 while the Chinese official page I found seems to indicate 1, but in both cases the wording is too vague to rely on.

Also, for a 3h10' transfer on one ticket on MU in PVG... would we have to check-in again? I can pick up my checked-in luggage, that's not a problem, but I'd rather have a thru boarding pass if possible. Does anyone know?


Thanks in advance. ^

You can leave the airport.

MU's transit policies change like wind, but are trending in the friendly direction.

You can leave the airport.

MU's transit policies change like wind, but are trending in the friendly direction.

Thanks, moondog.

I'm trying to decide whether to book a ticket with ~3hr connection time or ~18 hr connection time, overnight. I'd prefer the second for a number of reasons. If we can leave the airport and get a hotel (without getting a transit visa), that's great ^

Thanks, moondog.

I'm trying to decide whether to book a ticket with ~3hr connection time or ~18 hr connection time, overnight. I'd prefer the second for a number of reasons. If we can leave the airport and get a hotel (without getting a transit visa), that's great ^

Go for the longer connection, and try to enjoy a bit of Shanghai.

If we can leave the airport and get a hotel (without getting a transit visa), that's great ^

CANNOT leave the airport without geting a transit visa :-: Well, unless you have a China visa that is.

But the transit visa is no big deal for those holding western passports and it's free ^ Not sure what particular flavor of "non-preferred" you are, but the list of those allowed transit visa is fairly long.

EmailKid

CANNOT leave the airport without geting a transit visa :-: Well, unless you have a China visa that is.

But the transit visa is no big deal for those holding western passports and it's free ^ Not sure what particular flavor of "non-preferred" you are, but the list of those allowed transit visa is fairly long.

EmailKid
First bold (by me): Please, do not use the term "transit visa" as it is incorrect, confusing, and misleading. China, at airports for international connections, is giving a "Transit Without Visa" which is legally completely different and has different restrictions and implications for the traveler. Always use the correct terminology to avoid misunderstandings on the forum. The TWOV is a limited-use entry stamp only, not a visa.

A Chinese "G" transit visa is a REAL visa and in most cases, must be obtained in advance, same as a tourist, business or other category of visa.

Second bold (by me): There is no "list" for regular Transit Without Visa. ALL nationalities are allowed 24 hours to make an international connection and at all Chinese intl airports. The "list" is for nationalities who are allowed extended 48 hours' TWOV at SHA/PVG. Another important distinction. People often get confused that only passport holders on the "list" are allowed TWOV at all, and that is not the case.

Always use the correct terminology to avoid misunderstandings on the forum. The TWOV is a limited-use entry stamp only, not a visa.

My apology, I was under the impression that the stamp was a form of a visa. Of course on rereading your post (no less than three times), it does say Transit WithOut Visa (bolding mine). As it does in other posts as well :eek:

People often get confused that only passport holders on the "list" are allowed TWOV at all, and that is not the case.

Add me to the list of confused people :(

Thanks for setting me (and the record) straight ^

EmailKid

Second bold (by me): There is no "list" for regular Transit Without Visa. ALL nationalities are allowed 24 hours to make an international connection and at all Chinese intl airports. The "list" is for nationalities who are allowed extended 48 hours' TWOV at SHA/PVG. Another important distinction. People often get confused that only passport holders on the "list" are allowed TWOV at all, and that is not the case.

Hi Jiejie,

That's good to know. Aside from the time period (in Shanghai), is there any other difference in rules between TWOV for preferred and non-preferred? e.g. leaving the airport/staying in a hotel. I wouldn't want to spend the night in PVG airport.

This is actually for my travel partner on a Romanian passport. I have an US passport for which the rules are, it seems, better known (at least on the internet). Just curious if aside from the different time period (48 v 24), the other restrictions are the same.

Thanks.

My apology, I was under the impression that the stamp was a form of a visa. Of course on rereading your post (no less than three times), it does say Transit WithOut Visa (bolding mine). As it does in other posts as well :eek:



Add me to the list of confused people :(

Thanks for setting me (and the record) straight ^

EmailKid

No worries, E-Kid. That's what we're all here on the forum for, to get and to give enlightenment. And on this Chinese visa or visa-free stuff, make sure we're all speaking the same language by using consistent terminology, as close to the English translation as the Chinese state in their regulations.

Hi Jiejie,

That's good to know. Aside from the time period (in Shanghai), is there any other difference in rules between TWOV for preferred and non-preferred? e.g. leaving the airport/staying in a hotel. I wouldn't want to spend the night in PVG airport.

This is actually for my travel partner on a Romanian passport. I have an US passport for which the rules are, it seems, better known (at least on the internet). Just curious if aside from the different time period (48 v 24), the other restrictions are the same.

Thanks.

Except for the time limit, the other restrictions are the same. Both of you could leave the airport. Obviously if you're travelling together, the most restrictive time limit (in this case, 24 hours) will govern.

In the fall of 2011, China did add a bunch of Eastern European countries to the Favored List allowed 48 hours TWOV at PVG/SHA. However, as I recall, Romanians unfortunately were not included.

Hi experts here

I want to ask whether both inbound to PVG, and outbound from PVG have to be on the same ticket/PNR to count as official transfer... or 2 one-way ticket counts too?

e.g. I can redeem Aeroplan for SIN-PVG(8 hrs stopover)-TPE <-- which should be okay for 48 hours
but if I have 2 separate tickets, SIN-PVG, and stay a day or 2, then PVG-TPE..would that count as transfer for the 48 hours?

I'm Canadian passport so should get 48 hours

Thanks

Hi experts here

I want to ask whether both inbound to PVG, and outbound from PVG have to be on the same ticket/PNR to count as official transfer... or 2 one-way ticket counts too?

e.g. I can redeem Aeroplan for SIN-PVG(8 hrs stopover)-TPE <-- which should be okay for 48 hours
but if I have 2 separate tickets, SIN-PVG, and stay a day or 2, then PVG-TPE..would that count as transfer for the 48 hours?

I'm Canadian passport so should get 48 hours

Thanks

You have nothing to worry about. Safe travels.

but if I have 2 separate tickets, SIN-PVG, and stay a day or 2, then PVG-TPE..would that count as transfer for the 48 hours?

Did similiar on CDN passport earlier this year.

Paid SFO-PVG, 47 hour 30 minute layover, reward PVG-BKK.

Had with me copy of itin and receipt for next flight and my prepaid hotel reservation in Shanghai. It's my understanding they like to see both of those.

EmailKid

My apology, I was under the impression that the stamp was a form of a visa. Of course on rereading your post (no less than three times), it does say Transit WithOut Visa (bolding mine). As it does in other posts as well :eek:



Add me to the list of confused people :(

Thanks for setting me (and the record) straight ^

EmailKid

Might be less confusing if the original terminilogy was " Transit -Visa Waiver"
US came up with TWOV in 1952 and suspended the Special In-Transit Programs TWOV and ITI in 2003.

Did similiar on CDN passport earlier this year.

Paid SFO-PVG, 47 hour 30 minute layover, reward PVG-BKK.

Had with me copy of itin and receipt for next flight and my prepaid hotel reservation in Shanghai. It's my understanding they like to see both of those.

EmailKid
I presume this could have been a mess if a schedule change had made the layover go to 48 hours and one minute.

I presume this could have been a mess if a schedule change had made the layover go to 48 hours and one minute.

No, not a mess at all. If a schedule change after one has started traveling, or unforeseen circumstance (weather or mechanical issue, etc.) beyond the transit passenger's control causes the traveler to go over the 24- (or 48-) hour limit, the Chinese are reasonable about this, display a bit of common sense, and just extend the gratis period as needed to allow the circumstance to get resolved. Usually no extra or special paperwork is involved. Immigration is perfectly able to find out/corroborate airline schedule and aircraft issues, also airport-wide delays.

I presume this could have been a mess if a schedule change had made the layover go to 48 hours and one minute.

On the way back my flight was actually CANCELLED :eek: :mad: :td:

Transit was only 36 hours, and UA cut it down to little over 24 thanks to being re-routed via KIX with a 6 hour layover :eek: :mad: :td:

They only did this after looking and telling me that despite the email from United and both .bomb and unitedcargo.com (normally the authority on UA aircraft) the flight was NOT cancelled. Oh, and it took three phone calls :eek: :mad: :td:

EmailKid

On the way back my flight was actually CANCELLED :eek: :mad: :td:

Transit was only 36 hours, and UA cut it down to little over 24 thanks to being re-routed via KIX with a 6 hour layover :eek: :mad: :td:

They only did this after looking and telling me that despite the email from United and both .bomb and unitedcargo.com (normally the authority on UA aircraft) the flight was NOT cancelled. Oh, and it took three phone calls :eek: :mad: :td:

EmailKid

Hypothetically speaking, if Emailkid had arrived in Shanghai, found that UA had cancelled the original flight, and the resolution was a replacement flight that went over the 48 hours TWOV limit, I'm pretty confident that the Chinese would have allowed dispensation for the overtime without kicking up a fuss. Note that this is a different condition than having an original scheduled connection that is over the 48 hours. Back to hypothesis, with so many *A flights out of Shanghai TPAC, it's unlikely that UA couldn't have found an alternative that didn't bust the TWOV max. Except in peak travel seasons, when the flights might be there but available seats not.

Good morning, all - I am a USA passport holder who recently booked an itinerary with China Eastern (MU):

NRT-PVG-DEL on the outbound, approximately 5 hours in between flights
return DEL-PVG-NRT, approximately 45 hours in between flights.

Based on everything I've seen, I should be fine to get a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) stamp at PVG on my return trip since I will be there less than 48 hours (although will be spending two nights in Shanghai).

I am quite nervous about dealing with airline staff at the MU check-in counter in Delhi... do you think the China Eastern staff there will be familiar with this transit exception?

If not, is there anything I can do besides bring my itinerary, e-ticket invoice, hotel reservation, and printouts about the policy from Timatic and China's Embassy website? My flight from Delhi leaves around 3 AM so I will likely show up at the airport well in advance of the flight...

Also, will I be getting the same stamp on my outbound or does China Eastern now have a way of remaining airside during a connection at PVG?

One final question - would I be able to buy a high-speed rail ticket to say, Hangzhou, to go sightseeing for the day or will I have to stick around central Shanghai?

Your expertise is much appreciated! Thank you!

I don't think you have much to worry about. And, you can go wherever your heart desires during your layovers in Shanghai.

Good morning, all - I am a USA passport holder who recently booked an itinerary with China Eastern (MU):

NRT-PVG-DEL on the outbound, approximately 5 hours in between flights
return DEL-PVG-NRT, approximately 45 hours in between flights.

Based on everything I've seen, I should be fine to get a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) stamp at PVG on my return trip since I will be there less than 48 hours (although will be spending two nights in Shanghai).

I am quite nervous about dealing with airline staff at the MU check-in counter in Delhi... do you think the China Eastern staff there will be familiar with this transit exception?

If not, is there anything I can do besides bring my itinerary, e-ticket invoice, hotel reservation, and printouts about the policy from Timatic and China's Embassy website? My flight from Delhi leaves around 3 AM so I will likely show up at the airport well in advance of the flight...

Also, will I be getting the same stamp on my outbound or does China Eastern now have a way of remaining airside during a connection at PVG?

One final question - would I be able to buy a high-speed rail ticket to say, Hangzhou, to go sightseeing for the day or will I have to stick around central Shanghai?

Your expertise is much appreciated! Thank you!

You're OK in both directions. On the return from DEL, no guarantees it will be hassle-free, especially if MU outsources the check-in staff. All you can do is bring your itinerary, TIMATIC printout might help (use the interface on Delta's website as it's easier), and get to check-in early so there's time to argue the point if necessary). Don't get into arguments on the "leaving the airport" part. If they insist that they'll let you board but you'll have to stay inside the airport for 45 hours, just smile, do a "Yes massa" thing, and fly.

Of course, we (and now you) know better, and when you get to Shanghai and immigration, you'll get your transit stamp at Immigration and your 48 hour maximum stay.

You will be free to go to Hangzhou for a daytrip. You will need your passport to buy a train ticket, but they only look at the front photo page for the passport number to enter into the computer and print out the ticket. It may be a bit trickier to book a hotel in Hangzhou for the night rather than Shanghai, as check-in process requires the hotel staff to examine and copy your visa (or transit stamp) and send it off to the Public Security Bureau (PSB). Note that the PSB has been known to do some spot checks of foreigners on 48-hour TWOV allowances via their hotels....to see if they are actually staying at the hotel put down on the Immigration arrival card.

I have a question; for "non-preferred" nationalities transitting in PVG, does the 24 hour rule mean:

1) You have to stay in the airport (so, e.g. you can't check into a hotel since you're not allowed to leave the airport premises)
2) You can go downtown and get a hotel for the night.

Is it 1 or 2?

Curious, because TIMATIC on Delta's website seems to indicate 2 while the Chinese official page I found seems to indicate 1, but in both cases the wording is too vague to rely on.

Also, for a 3h10' transfer on one ticket on MU in PVG... would we have to check-in again? I can pick up my checked-in luggage, that's not a problem, but I'd rather have a thru boarding pass if possible. Does anyone know?


Thanks in advance. ^


My friend will be in from SYD on QF at 1830 making an overnight then out to LHR w VS the next morning at 1040. She lives in OZ but has an Irish passport. The way I read things this would be a non preferred passport giving her the opportunity to leave the airport (to hotel) for less than 24 hours? Both tickets are confirmed w miles but separate reservations. Any chance of hassle with QF before leaving SYD? Wondering if a $30 visa would be the way to go? Plenty of time to handle that as travel isn't until Dec.

My friend will be in from SYD on QF at 1830 making an overnight then out to LHR w VS the next morning at 1040. She lives in OZ but has an Irish passport. The way I read things this would be a non preferred passport giving her the opportunity to leave the airport (to hotel) for less than 24 hours? Both tickets are confirmed w miles but separate reservations. Any chance of hassle with QF before leaving SYD? Wondering if a $30 visa would be the way to go? Plenty of time to handle that as travel isn't until Dec.

Even with Irish passport, she gets TWOV for 24 hours (just not the 48 hours) and can leave the airport during that time period. Must show QF the separate reservation/ticket showing the onward travel meeting the conforming 24 hour limit. Also show Chinese immigration on landing in PVG.

Thanks for the reply. That would be great as I checked and the visa fees as shown on the AU visa china site seem to add up to $90 in total. :td:

I checked the QF visa info tool and the first page seems to differ from the subsequent details page about leaving the airport. It also says something about bags being checked through. Experiences here suggest you are ok if you get there. I'm hoping QF won't have an issue w the separate ticket or bags on leaving SYD. Another friend was denied boarding his return easy jet flight from MAD to LGW where he was to catch a VS flight to the USA w transit time of 2.5 hrs. He was eligible for a TWOV in the books and was in fact given one (inc. leaving airport for 8 hrs.) at LGW before catching easy jet down to Madrid.

Hoping the Aussies are a bit more understanding.

Thanks for the reply. That would be great as I checked and the visa fees as shown on the AU visa china site seem to add up to $90 in total. :td:

I checked the QF visa info tool and the first page seems to differ from the subsequent details page about leaving the airport. It also says something about bags being checked through. Experiences here suggest you are ok if you get there. I'm hoping QF won't have an issue w the separate ticket or bags on leaving SYD. Another friend was denied boarding his return easy jet flight from MAD to LGW where he was to catch a VS flight to the USA w transit time of 2.5 hrs. He was eligible for a TWOV in the books and was in fact given one (inc. leaving airport for 8 hrs.) at LGW before catching easy jet down to Madrid.

Hoping the Aussies are a bit more understanding.

Expect QF to not check bags any farther than PVG as their ticket ends there, but she can always try. It's not a tragedy if she has to pick up bags, though with the length of her layover, the check-in for her onward flight likely won't be possible (though again, she can try). The solution is to do a pickup at Baggage Claim, head through Customs (not normally any issues for foreigners) and park those suckers at Left Luggage for a small fee before heading to town. Or take them all to hotel with her. On the return, she should get back at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours ahead of departure to pick up the bags, get checked in and boarding pass, and then get to boarding gate.

None of this has any bearing on TWOV and leaving the airport. Note: If QF agrees to board her but warns her that she can't leave the airport at PVG during her transit, the proper response from her should be to smile and say yes, she knows. Don't get into an argument in SYD. What actually happens upon landing in PVG is a different story which Chinese immigration + us here on FT China forum all know how it turns out--she receives her TWOV stamp and then leaves the airport.

Having two separate itineraries (AA ORD-PVG-ORD) and (TG PVG-BKK-PVG), connecting on the same day (within a few hours). Does one need a visa?

Having two separate itineraries (AA ORD-PVG-ORD) and (TG PVG-BKK-PVG), connecting on the same day (within a few hours). Does one need a visa?

NO.

Be sure to have your second itin printed when boarding in Chicago or AA won't let you on the plane.

EmailKid

NO.

Be sure to have your second itin printed when boarding in Chicago or AA won't let you on the plane.

EmailKid

Thanks!

Hi experts and thanks for any help you can provide.
I am in BKK currently and would like to go to PVG this week and wish to use the 48 hr TWOV conditions.
Here is my question:
Is a ticket (one ticket and one PNR) BKK-PVG-HKG-BKK acceptable for this?
Will the presumably outsourced checkin staff at BKK for an MU ticket with a Shanghai Airlines flight accept this?
Thanks for any and all help and comments- it will be this week and as the consulate is closed I don't have a lot of other options- if the option one above does not work I will book one ticket: BKK-PVG (MU/Shanghai airlines) and then a separate ticket and PNR PVG-ZRH. In any case I will make sure I am under the 48 hour limits and also the hotel I am planning to stay at is actually in Shanghai anyway.
Lastly- where would I point the checkin agent to in Timatic or elsewhere at BKK?
All help and comments much appreciated,
The first option is the best if it works.

Travelsig

Hi experts and thanks for any help you can provide.
I am in BKK currently and would like to go to PVG this week and wish to use the 48 hr TWOV conditions.
Here is my question:
Is a ticket (one ticket and one PNR) BKK-PVG-HKG-BKK acceptable for this?
Will the presumably outsourced checkin staff at BKK for an MU ticket with a Shanghai Airlines flight accept this?
Thanks for any and all help and comments- it will be this week and as the consulate is closed I don't have a lot of other options- if the option one above does not work I will book one ticket: BKK-PVG (MU/Shanghai airlines) and then a separate ticket and PNR PVG-ZRH. In any case I will make sure I am under the 48 hour limits and also the hotel I am planning to stay at is actually in Shanghai anyway.
Lastly- where would I point the checkin agent to in Timatic or elsewhere at BKK?
All help and comments much appreciated,
The first option is the best if it works.

Travelsig

I just sent you a PM, but your single ticket is in complete compliance with the rules --> no worries.

I just sent you a PM, but your single ticket is in complete compliance with the rules --> no worries.

Thanks!

Just to update- as moondog as correctly said- it all worked out. Certainly having a printout with me of the regulations made the difference- I was on the very early UL flight this morning from BKK to PVG- and the UL people had never heard of such a thing. In fact they showed me a "book" they had of email printouts where someone had been denied entry because they were more than 24 hours. In the end they took a photocopy of the page from the China embassy and said "OK" but very reluctantly. Without the printout I would still be in BKK. Once arriving at Shanghai it was all very easy and straightforward.

I think the only problem with this is that at outstations very few people know about it- so definitely do check in very early for your flight (it took me 90 minutes to sort this out at 4:30 this morning)- have all the documentation printed- and be patient and ready to explain.

I can see that if the wrong supervisor was on duty it would be pretty easy to get denied boarding.

Hi everyone, I've read through this and the other long FAQ thread, but there were sometimes differing opinions based on spirit of the rules versus what's allowed. I have a trip to SYD that is a little too long, and would like to use the 48 hour TWOV in PVG.

My main issue is separate itineraries/tickets. Would this be ok, or too confusing for those involved (check-in staff and immigration folks)?

US passport
SYD-BKK-PVG (TG award; arrive in PVG at 0625 on 10/21)
PVG-HKG (KA award; depart PVG at 1850 on 10/22)
HKG-SFO on 10/23

Is this 36 hour PVG trip doable? Thanks a lot all.

Hi everyone, I've read through this and the other long FAQ thread, but there were sometimes differing opinions based on spirit of the rules versus what's allowed. I have a trip to SYD that is a little too long, and would like to use the 48 hour TWOV in PVG.

My main issue is separate itineraries/tickets. Would this be ok, or too confusing for those involved (check-in staff and immigration folks)?

US passport
SYD-BKK-PVG (TG award; arrive in PVG at 0625 on 10/21)
PVG-HKG (KA award; depart PVG at 1850 on 10/22)
HKG-SFO on 10/23

Is this 36 hour PVG trip doable? Thanks a lot all.

You only need to show them the first and second itinerary (SYD-BKK-PVG and PVG-HKG). Should be no problem at all. I suggest taking a printout of the page from the Chinese Embassy where it explains this is possible (Visa Free Travel).

Just to update- as moondog as correctly said- it all worked out. Certainly having a printout with me of the regulations made the difference- I was on the very early UL flight this morning from BKK to PVG- and the UL people had never heard of such a thing. In fact they showed me a "book" they had of email printouts where someone had been denied entry because they were more than 24 hours. In the end they took a photocopy of the page from the China embassy and said "OK" but very reluctantly. Without the printout I would still be in BKK. Once arriving at Shanghai it was all very easy and straightforward.

I think the only problem with this is that at outstations very few people know about it- so definitely do check in very early for your flight (it took me 90 minutes to sort this out at 4:30 this morning)- have all the documentation printed- and be patient and ready to explain.

I can see that if the wrong supervisor was on duty it would be pretty easy to get denied boarding.

I'm going to be flying Thai from BKK to PVG and then UA from PVG to USA less than 48 hours later. Has anyone ever had any luck getting an airline to put a specific reference to the visa waiver in the rez? I find that airline staff are likely to "believe" what's in the PNR, so this way they don't have to make an individual judgment (and risk being disciplined for being wrong).

I'm going to be flying Thai from BKK to PVG and then UA from PVG to USA less than 48 hours later. Has anyone ever had any luck getting an airline to put a specific reference to the visa waiver in the rez? I find that airline staff are likely to "believe" what's in the PNR, so this way they don't have to make an individual judgment (and risk being disciplined for being wrong).

The rules are crystal clear; just bring along a printout of them from TIMATIC or a Chinese consulate, and you have nothing to worry about.

I'm going to be flying Thai from BKK to PVG and then UA from PVG to USA less than 48 hours later.

Did this over last Thanksgiving. Methinks it must be fairly common, no questions asked when I showed my UA itin to TG staff at BKK.

The rules are crystal clear; just bring along a printout of them from TIMATIC or a Chinese consulate, and you have nothing to worry about.

Of course my PVG-SFO was cancelled, so my 47 hour and 45 minute layover was shortened by many hours to accomodate a CA flight to KIX and THEN a flight to SFO on UA :mad:

Moreover, the first of three agents I talked to insisted the flight was on, even though I received an automated email from UA telling me said flight was CX and there was no UA flight for that day in the system even though it was wide open day before :rolleyes: :td:

EmailKid

I read this thread and did not see the answer to this question:

ORD -PVG (stopover for less than 48hrs)-(separate ticket to BKK-PVG)-PVG (stopover less than 48 hrs) - ORD

If I present my etickets for
ORD-PVG-ORD
and BKK-PVG-PVG
will I get in trouble with not getting a visa because I am transiting through Shanghai twice within a span of 6 days but staying in Shanghai less than 48 hrs every time.

If I am good to do the above, what documents besides tickets, US passport, and Chinese embassy ruling would I need to present in ORD, PVG, BKK


Thank you very much for your insights

I read this thread and did not see the answer to this question:

ORD -PVG (stopover for less than 48hrs)-(separate ticket to BKK-PVG)-PVG (stopover less than 48 hrs) - ORD

If I present my etickets for
ORD-PVG-ORD
and BKK-PVG-PVG
will I get in trouble with not getting a visa because I am transiting through Shanghai twice within a span of 6 days but staying in Shanghai less than 48 hrs every time.

If I am good to do the above, what documents besides tickets, US passport, and Chinese embassy ruling would I need to present in ORD, PVG, BKK


Thank you very much for your insights

As long as you adhere to their rules, you have nothing to worry about: 48 hours to arrive by air and depart by air to a different country. If you had the desire, you could play this game 100+ times per year, and still be in compliance. You don't need any special documents, but a simple TIMATIC printout wouldn't be a bad idea, though I cringe at the thought of all the wasted paper this thread has generated.

If I present my etickets for
ORD-PVG-ORD
and BKK-PVG-PVG
will I get in trouble with not getting a visa because I am transiting through Shanghai twice within a span of 6 days but staying in Shanghai less than 48 hrs every time.

As you posted yes, but I assume you mean PVG-BKK-PVR ;)

And while it wasn't 6 days, my trip little less than a year ago was about 10 days, and no one raised an eyebrow.

though I cringe at the thought of all the wasted paper this thread has generated.

Paper :confused:

Only if someone prints it @:-) Wasted electrons and time posting OTOH ....

EmailKid, waiting for another excellent fare to PVG/PEK or better yet, excellent W fare on UA

Wasted electrons and time posting OTOH ....


Touche, mon frere (appologies for the lack of accent marks; my computer doesn't speak French).

For the sake of the electrons, I think we should aim to reduce the number of "is this okay?" posts.

While I think the OP is pretty clear on this front, please permit me to pound this stuff in again:

1) 95% of FTers can stay in Shanghai for up to 48 hours without getting a visa, provided they are flying in from one country and flying out to another country
-the border control people could care less where your final destination is; they only want to see a ticket to a country that is different from your originating country (e.g. USA-China-Japan-USA is completely fine)
-99.9% of FTers qualify for 24-hour stays, based on the same rules

2) It's possible to trick the system by actually purchasing refundable tickets to a third country, and canceling them; while I don't necessarily advocate this strategy, it seems to work pretty well

3) Stopovers >24/48 hours are probably doable (midnight rule), but this is not something you should plan for in advance

4) the powers that be --on both sides of the trip-- are increasingly aware of this drill
-in the unlikely event you are the first person ever to tempt these waters from your podunk airport, a simple phone call from them to HQ will set the matter straight
-as for the Chinese, just show them your e-ticket confirmation (iPad is cool); they are actually nice people who WANT you to spend time/money in their city

5) All of those people who claim that you can't leave the airport are typing away from their armchairs in other lands

frère

Copy -paste

Does anyone know if 2.5 hours is enough transfer time at PVG airport? I plan to be arriving on AA then transferring to another flight on Thai Airways. It looks like I'll be in Terminal 2 the whole time. From what I've read, it looks like you have to go through immigration and get a transit visa then go and check in again + go through security. Is it correct that there is no transit desk that will allow transiting passengers to skip checking in again? Post #79 mentioned a transit desk but it was closed.

Does anyone know if 2.5 hours is enough transfer time at PVG airport? I plan to be arriving on AA then transferring to another flight on Thai Airways. It looks like I'll be in Terminal 2 the whole time. From what I've read, it looks like you have to go through immigration and get a transit visa then go and check in again + go through security. Is it correct that there is no transit desk that will allow transiting passengers to skip checking in again? Post #79 mentioned a transit desk but it was closed.

I would not waste any time however it should be fine.

There is a transit desk but I have not seen it staffed/open since the Olympics and Expo.

Connected ICN-(OZ)-PVG-(NZ)-AKL on the 5th and followed signs for the LH/LX/VS/NZ airside connection. Got to row of 5 desks with one monitor displaying the NZ logo (all others off) and agent said "Lufthansa and Swiss only" despite the NZ sign over her head. Would not budge and help us with NZ, so off to immigration. 30+ minute wait in immigration line, officer made me step aside to wait for a supervisor, and then let through. Out to check-in desk and right back through immigration, then up to the gate 77 lounge... good thing I booked a 3.5h layover.

I know my main question has been asked and very helpfully answered a number of times on this thread, but since things can change and since my routing involves HKG and AA travel, I'll nevertheless post this request for advice.

I am a US passport holder.

In March, I may well travel on AA SFO-ORD(or another AA hub)-PVG and back. I would sandwich within that trip and as a separate ticket on CX PVG-HKG-MNL and back. Depending on the schedule, my time in PVG could be as little as several hours, but to be on the safe side to avoid misconnects I'll likely overnight in PVG, probably staying less than 24 hours and certainly less than 48.

So my questions:

1. Am I correct in assuming that I won't need a visa?
2. More to the point, any complications in that my flight to and from PVG is HKG (though final destination and origin is MNL, with just a quick transit in HKG)?
3. Given the reports of AA occasionally causing problems if a passenger does not have a China visa, what is the best documentation to bring with me to the airport. The print-out from the Chinese Embassy site saying that TWOV is permitted for certain nationalities (including USA) through PVG if staying less than 48 hours? Anything else?

(FWIW, the reason for this crazy itinerary is that it is the cheapest way for me to fly OW carriers all the way to MNL in J, via a combination of AA upgrades and a relatively inexpensive CX ticket. Plus there's a bit of an MR aspect to it.)

Thanks for any help!

3. Given the reports of AA occasionally causing problems if a passenger does not have a China visa, what is the best documentation to bring with me to the airport. The print-out from the Chinese Embassy site saying that TWOV is permitted for certain nationalities (including USA) through PVG if staying less than 48 hours? Anything else?


TMK, all checkin agents have access to TIMATIC, so you shouldn't need to bring any supporting documents at all apart from your onward eticket receipts.

Ok, thanks!

I will fly BA (F) LHR-PVG with a 1 hour 55 min connection onwards PVG-HKG on KA (C). I assume by what I have read that I will have to pass through immigration and check-in again, so I was was wondering if the following actions would save me some time:

1. Print out boarding pass for KA flight beforehand.
2. Travel with hand luggage only.

I would assume that I then could go straight through securtity without checking in, since I'd already have the boarding pass and only hand luggage.

(Also, does anyone know if flying First Class helps me in this case?)

I will fly BA (F) LHR-PVG with a 1 hour 55 min connection onwards PVG-HKG on KA (C). I assume by what I have read that I will have to pass through immigration and check-in again, so I was was wondering if the following actions would save me some time:

1. Print out boarding pass for KA flight beforehand.
2. Travel with hand luggage only.

I would assume that I then could go straight through securtity without checking in, since I'd already have the boarding pass and only hand luggage.

(Also, does anyone know if flying First Class helps me in this case?)

That is a very tight connection (I think below MCT). I would rebook a later KA flight now (leave yourself 180 minutes and you should be fine).

There are no later flights.

I'll go for action 1 and 2 and hope for the best.

Hello. I am quite new here as I am not so frequent flyer yet. The topic actually concerns me now and I followed all posts in that thread and the more I've read the more worries came up . We are 3 pers. family, that temporary lives in Shanghai and we already used our entries at our visa's.

Our flight back to Europe is booked on 30.1.2013 at 23.15 PVG-IST-CPH by Turkish Airlines as the 2nd part of return ticket and our passports are from Shengen zone.
Presently we are considering trip to Australia - Melbourne in January 2013, with return just before departure to Europe from PVG on 30.1, to comply with TWOV within 48 hours in Shanghai.

I am not using miles to travel yet, so I am looking for most considerable connection PVG-MEL-PVG , as an alternative for price,date, travel time and maybe to see something on the way while transferring. So I prefer to ask here before I book next flies to OZ. I checked for options and would like to choose from:

1.Qantas PVG-SYD-MEL-SYD-PVG arrival PVG 29.1.2013 at 18.30 so I suposse should not have a problems to go out with the stamp to see Shanghai within 48h before PVG-IST-CPH? .... that is most pricey for now

2. China Southern PVG-CAN-MEL-CAN-PVG(or SHA) , with possible 1-2 overnight stopover in Guangzhou ( is it possible go out for a city or hotel there the same lik99
5e in Shanghai ?) arr. PVG 30.1.2013 at 16.20 or arr. SHA 29.1.2012 at 22.20 ...medium pricey option

3.Philippine Airlines PVG-MNL-MEL-MNL-PVG, with 21 hours stopover in Manila on the way return for eventual sigtseeing(what would be very nice), but not too good ,that arr. to PVG is 28.1.2013 at 15.15, so 56h before departure to Europe PVG-IST-CPH. (so is there theoretical option to sleep by the airport hotel in PVG after arr. from Manila and go out to Shanghai on 29.1 within 48h or could there occur problems while check in MEL with no CH visas). I can imagine that could be too risky or maybe totally imposible, but I am not sure. This option is cheapest and includes Manila visit.

For sure nr 1 seems easiest and most reasonable to use TWOV in Shanghai. What would You suggest as more experienced flyers?

Thanks for Your comments.

Option 1 is workable.

Option 2 only works if your arrival time in CAN on the way back from SYD is less than 24 hours before your flight leaving PVG (the 48 hour rule only applies to certain passport holders for both entering and exiting China in Shanghai; the default for anything else is 24 hours with two stops inside China). On the way out you could add a stopover in CAN though.

Option 3 is not workable. The airline will not let you board the flight (56 > 48).

What are you defining as a cheap option? Maybe worth also considering flying back through Hong Kong and getting new visas there? You might be able to offset the cost of the visas with a better price (for a 2 week trip in Jan I am seeing 7800RMB for PVG-SYD-MEL-HKG-PVG on Quantas).

Its pretty easy to get a chinese visa in Melbourne and not expensive if you allow a week.

Its pretty easy to get a chinese visa in Melbourne and not expensive if you allow a week.

Provided you are a resident of Melbourne with a residents card yes- otherwise I don't think it is easy at all.

Provided you are a resident of Melbourne with a residents card yes- otherwise I don't think it is easy at all.

From consular website: Non-Australian passport holders, besides meeting the above points, should provide valid Australian visa as well as entry record, both the original and the copy. Applicants who are in Australia free of visa or with ETA and electronic visa, Australian entry record should be provided, both the original and the copy.

Doesnt sound too onerous. I recently had a trip to Thailand with my wife from Ulaan Bataar and her return flight home was via Beijing which was the starting point of a previous holiday. I booked her Bangkok to Beijing with China Southern then realised that part of the journey would be domestic. As she is Ukrainian I organised a last minute visa in UB of which she isnt a resident without a problem.

When visas dont cost too much its often worth getting a visa and having the extra flexibility to not have to meet a 1 or 2 day deadline.

When visas dont cost too much its often worth getting a visa and having the extra flexibility to not have to meet a 1 or 2 day deadline.

Agreed completely about the visa.

I would be careful where non-resident as PRC consulates have been changing their mind quite frequently.

In October in BKK the answer was initially "No" and then was "Yes" but only if the applicant went in person- a significant change from even September.

In Milano for example it used to be possible without a permanent residence card- now absolutely not- they will not even consider an application at the moment.

Anyone else aware of this:

11 Dec 2012
________________________________________
China: Shanghai, Beijing authorities to implement new visa regulation for transit passengers from 1 January 2013
The Shanghai authorities on 9 December announced plans to revise visa regulations to allow 72-hour visa free travel for transit passengers passing through the city's Hongqiao (SHA) and Pudong ( PVG) airports; the move comes three days after officials in the capital Beijing issued a similar proposal. The proposed change will allow citizens from 45 countries, including the US, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Russia, South Korea, Qatar, and most EU countries, to travel within Shanghai and Beijing cities for a period of 72 hours without prior visa approval; Shanghai authorities currently allow visa-free transit for 48 hours for citizens of 32 countries.
Travellers using the visa-free facility must be in possession of adequate documentation, including proof of an onward ticket to another destination. The visa change is expected to take effect from 1 January 2013 in both cities.
Travel Advice
• Visa regulations for both tourist and business visas vary depending on the nationality of the traveller and the nature of their visit to the country; personnel should be aware that this new proposal will only apply to transit passengers and only for certain nationalities.
• Travellers should check requirements with their local Chinese embassy or consulate well ahead of their intended visit.
• Personnel should ensure that they are aware of their specific visa rules and abide by all visa regulations; carry all relevant documents to present to the authorities where required.
• Personnel should obtain a proper China visa for all visits. If caught with an incorrect visa, or overstaying a visa, personnel may face immediate deportation or temporary detention.
• Carry identification at all times. Copies of residence permits and the identification and visa pages of passports should be accepted in most cases. Consider carrying a card stating your particulars in Chinese (in characters, not romanised form).

I have heard rumors about this new proposal- which is still called a proposal- I wouldn't jump on the bandwagon to test it out on 01JANUARY however as I really doubt the airlines will be updated by then on the changes (especially as they are still in proposal format). If this is correct- it is great- will reduce VISA requirements for many many business visitors.

I have heard rumors about this new proposal- which is still called a proposal- I wouldn't jump on the bandwagon to test it out on 01JANUARY however as I really doubt the airlines will be updated by then on the changes (especially as they are still in proposal format). If this is correct- it is great- will reduce VISA requirements for many many business visitors.

Could somebody provide me the current link to Timatic for the PVG transit without visa rule? I want to have a copy with me when I board in Thailand. The united.com link I tried (I'm flying UA out of PVG) has some weird questionaire that doesn't seem to pop up the correct information.

Thanks.

Could somebody provide me the current link to Timatic for the PVG transit without visa rule? I want to have a copy with me when I board in Thailand. The united.com link I tried (I'm flying UA out of PVG) has some weird questionaire that doesn't seem to pop up the correct information.

Thanks.

http://www.staralliance.com/en/services/visa-and-health/

or

http://www.oneworld.com/airports-destinations/visa-health-information/

or

http://www.skyteam.com/en/your-trip/Services/Visa-and-Health/

I have heard rumors about this new proposal- which is still called a proposal- I wouldn't jump on the bandwagon to test it out on 01JANUARY however as I really doubt the airlines will be updated by then on the changes (especially as they are still in proposal format). If this is correct- it is great- will reduce VISA requirements for many many business visitors.

It's not just a proposal, it has been approved by the State Council.

It's not just a proposal, it has been approved by the State Council.

Hopefully enforcement (or allowance I should say) is trouble-free and universal.

Hopefully enforcement (or allowance I should say) is trouble-free and universal.

I personally wouldn't jump on a plane January 1st without a visa....

I personally wouldn't jump on a plane January 1st without a visa....

Technically you can check in on the 30th (North America) for an arrival on the 1st, but...

Technically you can check in on the 30th (North America) for an arrival on the 1st, but...

I would like to see the mainline carrier that will allow that except for perhaps Air China (even then I really doubt it).

The last time I used the TWOV for 48 hours departing from BKK I was almost not allowed to board- the staff were super nervous as they had let someone go two weeks before who was not from one of the "allowed" countries and thus they had an email from someone saying no TWOV for more than 24 hours. Fortunately they let me on the plane- but it was right down to the wire. Of course no problems at PVG- that really doesn't help someone if they can't get on the plane though.

I wouldn't roll the dice on this until at least 01 MAR for peace of mind.

I personally wouldn't jump on a plane January 1st without a visa....

Problem is jumping on a plane. If you have no documented proof...the airline won't let you board.

Is it worth it to buy a ticket thats not refundable or blow your whole trip if timatic does not
update quickly?

Seems not...best to wait and see.

Problem is jumping on a plane. If you have no documented proof...the airline won't let you board.

Is it worth it to buy a ticket thats not refundable or blow your whole trip if timatic does not
update quickly?

Seems not...best to wait and see.

Agreed. See my post above #155.

http://www.staralliance.com/en/services/visa-and-health/

or

http://www.oneworld.com/airports-destinations/visa-health-information/

or

http://www.skyteam.com/en/your-trip/Services/Visa-and-Health/

Thanks. That is what I found yesterday. At least on the Star Alliance site, it's a bit confusing to get the visa rule to pop up, and the information they give you is pretty limited. I recall a couple of years ago seeing the full language of the rule on Timatic. Oh, well. It should be enough.

BTW, there was nothing listed in what I saw on Timatic that mentioned the new 72 hour policy. It's a shame, because I probably would have been one of the first to utilize it. But without it being on Timatic, there's no way I'm going to risk it. And the window to change my plans is closing fast. Too bad.

BTW, there was nothing listed in what I saw on Timatic that mentioned the new 72 hour policy. It's a shame, because I probably would have been one of the first to utilize it. But without it being on Timatic, there's no way I'm going to risk it. And the window to change my plans is closing fast. Too bad.

Methinks it won't be listed on TIMATIC until it is actually implemented. There have been too many cases in the past about policies like this never coming to life.

Methinks it won't be listed on TIMATIC until it is actually implemented. There have been too many cases in the past about policies like this never coming to life.

+1

Any clues as to whether Hong Kong would count as an international onward destination? It is part of China, I know, but for immigration purposes usually international, HK and Macau are thrown together, right? I have a LON-HKG flight connecting in PVG and I'd like to take advantage of the new 72hr visa-waiver scheme.

Any clues as to whether Hong Kong would count as an international onward destination? It is part of China, I know, but for immigration purposes usually international, HK and Macau are thrown together, right? I have a LON-HKG flight connecting in PVG and I'd like to take advantage of the new 72hr visa-waiver scheme.

Hong Kong counts as an onward international destination for the purpose of the 48 hour TWOV. I have not seen any text on the new 72-hour waiver (which I don't think has been approved officially yet by the way)- you are definitely OK for the 48 hour waiver.

Methinks it won't be listed on TIMATIC until it is actually implemented. There have been too many cases in the past about policies like this never coming to life.

Yeah, I'm just a few weeks too early. Oh, well. It''s mostly costing me a good night's sleep (I'm taking a red-eye to PVG to get under the 48 hours, and I would have taken a late afternoon flight instead).

In late January, I will be traveling home to the U.S. from an Australian vacation and stopping in Shanghai overnight on the way home. Specifically, I will be departing Sydney on Cathay Pacific, stopping in Hong Kong for a 2 hour layover, and then flying from Hong Kong to Shanghai PVG (also on Cathay Pacific). At Shanghai, I will be leaving the airport and staying overnight at a Shanghai hotel (for approximately 24 hours) before flying home to New York on American Airlines. Everything I've read here on FlyerTalk, on the US State Department website, the Chinese Consulate website, and other websites say that I don't need a visa, since I will simply be transiting China, and since my transit point in China is Shanghai PVG, I'm allowed to leave the airport for 48 hours (to be extended to 72 hours in 2013) as long as I stay in the city of Shanghai and register with the police (which my hotel will do for me). The requirements also state I need a valid passport and visa for my final destination (visa not required since I am a citizen of my final destination), and my tickets for the final destination (since using e-tickets I will also have a printout of the invoice showing amount paid). So it sounds like I have all my ducks in a row and should be fine. HOWEVER, I'm very scared to get there and find out that for some reason I do need a visa -- I don't want to not be let into the country, let alone risk arrest, detention, fines, or anything else bad. I'm also afraid that they might not let me on the flight to Shanghai (I've heard some airlines haven't let people on flights under this situation, even when the policy of not needing a visa under this scenario was clearly shown to them). I tried calling the Chinese consulate in New York, and they said that because I'm on a different airline (CX) to Shanghai than I am on my flight from Shanghai (AA), they weren't sure if it counted as a layover and they gave me the number to the security office in Shanghai, but nobody spoke English when I tried calling there. I've tried calling the NY Chinese consulate office back but the line is busy now and I can't get through. So I figured I would post here. I have 10 days before I'm supposed to leave for Australia, and that's plenty of time to get a Visa (it takes 4-5 working days max according to the consulate's website). I don't want to go through the time and expense of getting a visa if it's not needed, which everything I've read says that it isn't, but I'll certainly get one if there's any risk whatsoever in not being let in, as that's less stressful than getting there and finding out I did need one! Advice and help, please! Thanks in advance.

In late January, I will be traveling home to the U.S. from an Australian vacation and stopping in Shanghai overnight on the way home. Specifically, I will be departing Sydney on Cathay Pacific, stopping in Hong Kong for a 2 hour layover, and then flying from Hong Kong to Shanghai PVG (also on Cathay Pacific). At Shanghai, I will be leaving the airport and staying overnight at a Shanghai hotel (for approximately 24 hours) before flying home to New York on American Airlines. Everything I've read here on FlyerTalk, on the US State Department website, the Chinese Consulate website, and other websites say that I don't need a visa, since I will simply be transiting China, and since my transit point in China is Shanghai PVG, I'm allowed to leave the airport for 48 hours (to be extended to 72 hours in 2013) as long as I stay in the city of Shanghai and register with the police (which my hotel will do for me). The requirements also state I need a valid passport and visa for my final destination (visa not required since I am a citizen of my final destination), and my tickets for the final destination (since using e-tickets I will also have a printout of the invoice showing amount paid). So it sounds like I have all my ducks in a row and should be fine. HOWEVER, I'm very scared to get there and find out that for some reason I do need a visa -- I don't want to not be let into the country, let alone risk arrest, detention, fines, or anything else bad. I'm also afraid that they might not let me on the flight to Shanghai (I've heard some airlines haven't let people on flights under this situation, even when the policy of not needing a visa under this scenario was clearly shown to them). I tried calling the Chinese consulate in New York, and they said that because I'm on a different airline (CX) to Shanghai than I am on my flight from Shanghai (AA), they weren't sure if it counted as a layover and they gave me the number to the security office in Shanghai, but nobody spoke English when I tried calling there. I've tried calling the NY Chinese consulate office back but the line is busy now and I can't get through. So I figured I would post here. I have 10 days before I'm supposed to leave for Australia, and that's plenty of time to get a Visa (it takes 4-5 working days max according to the consulate's website). I don't want to go through the time and expense of getting a visa if it's not needed, which everything I've read says that it isn't, but I'll certainly get one if there's any risk whatsoever in not being let in, as that's less stressful than getting there and finding out I did need one! Advice and help, please! Thanks in advance.

Nothing to be scared about. The Chinese Immigration officials are very up to speed about this. Just show proof of your onward travel within 48 (now 72) hours, and they will escort you to a central desk where an officer will check with the airline or something and stamp your visa. You will be past security before your bags come out. It's very perfunctory.

The only potential problem is with your airline not being aware of the exemption. Most of them are...Bring the print out and stand your ground and they will find someone internally who has a clue and clears you for travel/boarding. Have a good trip.

Nothing to be scared about. The Chinese Immigration officials are very up to speed about this. Just show proof of your onward travel within 48 (now 72) hours, and they will escort you to a central desk where an officer will check with the airline or something and stamp your visa. You will be past security before your bags come out. It's very perfunctory.

The only potential problem is with your airline not being aware of the exemption. Most of them are...Bring the print out and stand your ground and they will find someone internally who has a clue and clears you for travel/boarding. Have a good trip.

Thank you so much. :) You're sure that me coming into Shanghai on one airline (Cathay Pacific) and leaving Shanghai on a different airline (American Airlines) isn't an issue? The woman on the phone at the New York Chinese consulate just now seemed to think this was a concern, but wasn't sure. Everything I've read is that it isn't a problem, but I don't want to take any chances!!!

Thank you so much. :) You're sure that me coming into Shanghai on one airline (Cathay Pacific) and leaving Shanghai on a different airline (American Airlines) isn't an issue? The woman on the phone at the New York Chinese consulate just now seemed to think this was a concern, but wasn't sure. Everything I've read is that it isn't a problem, but I don't want to take any chances!!!

Yes, I came in on American and left on Dragon Air. They don;t care how you are leaving, just that they can verify that you are leaving with the time period.

Yes, I came in on American and left on Dragon Air. They don;t care how you are leaving, just that they can verify that you are leaving with the time period.

Okay great, that makes me feel a lot more comfortable, especially since you did it yourself on two different airlines. What printout did you have of your onward ticket, just the itinerary or did you actually print the invoice like all the reading I've done advised I do? (I guess the AA EXP desk can e-mail me a copy of this "invoice"?) And leaving the country is no problem either, no hangups there?

I'll be on a cruise with Shanghai as final destination. I would like to stay in Shanghai for 48 hours, then fly internationally from PVG.

Would any one have any experience as to whether this new arrangement also apply to cruise passengers?

Thanks in advance.

Okay great, that makes me feel a lot more comfortable, especially since you did it yourself on two different airlines. What printout did you have of your onward ticket, just the itinerary or did you actually print the invoice like all the reading I've done advised I do? (I guess the AA EXP desk can e-mail me a copy of this "invoice"?) And leaving the country is no problem either, no hangups there?

All I had was an e-ticket email confirmation. All I can tell you is that this was no big deal. I did it twice. Very perfunctory in PVG.

As for the cruise question, I think you may have to leave from the airport, but I defer to others on that one.

I'll be on a cruise with Shanghai as final destination. I would like to stay in Shanghai for 48 hours, then fly internationally from PVG.

Would any one have any experience as to whether this new arrangement also apply to cruise passengers?

Thanks in advance.

Air passengers on international transit only. Unequivocable. You need a visa.

Okay great, that makes me feel a lot more comfortable, especially since you did it yourself on two different airlines. What printout did you have of your onward ticket, just the itinerary or did you actually print the invoice like all the reading I've done advised I do? (I guess the AA EXP desk can e-mail me a copy of this "invoice"?) And leaving the country is no problem either, no hangups there?

Don't know about AA, but with UA you can go to reservation and print out both receipt and itinerary. Plus they email it to you. Methinks AA would be similar @:-)

All I had was an e-ticket email confirmation. All I can tell you is that this was no big deal. I did it twice. Very perfunctory in PVG.

Yup. IIRC they looked at my hotel rez as well, but I'm not sure if I volunteered that or they asked.

Oh, arrived on UA, departed TG and vv.

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