Most international visitors need a visa before travelling to Shanghai. Business attendees normally apply for a Chinese M (business) visa; US citizens pay a reciprocal fee of about USD 185, while many other nationalities pay roughly USD 60–140 for a single entry, with 4–7 business days standard processing. Eligible passport holders can instead use China's unilateral 30-day visa-free entry or the 240-hour visa-free transit via Shanghai. Apply 4–8 weeks ahead and carry a printed invitation letter from the organiser or your exhibitor host, plus hotel and return-flight confirmations.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Fee shown is the indicative reciprocal rate for US citizens; many other nationalities pay roughly USD 60–140 for single entry and more for multiple entry. Apply via the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre for your jurisdiction with an organiser/exhibitor invitation letter. Indicative single-entry fee for many nationalities; some consulates require confirmed hotel and flight bookings. Not appro
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