Most foreign visitors need a Chinese visa unless they qualify for visa-free entry. China currently grants 30-day unilateral visa-free entry to citizens of a long list of countries (including France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and others, policy in force through 2026), and a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit applies to eligible nationalities entering via Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA) with an onward ticket to a third country. Everyone else needs an M (business/trade) visa obtained in advance from a Chinese embassy/consulate or Visa Application Service Centre — typically 4 working days standard processing, longer in peak season. Always verify your own nationality's status before booking.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Stay limited to 30 days per entry; policy is currently stated to run through 2026 — re-check before booking and confirm business (non-work) purpose is covered. 10 days of stay covering Shanghai and neighbouring provinces; requires a genuine onward booking to a third country — not a same-country return.
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