Most international business visitors need a visa for China, but three routes reduce or remove the requirement for Shanghai: (1) China's unilateral/agreement visa-free entry for passport holders of many European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Malaysia, Brazil and others (up to 30 days, policy list changes); (2) the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit available at Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA) for eligible nationals continuing to a third country/region with a confirmed onward ticket; (3) an M (business) visa applied for through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre for everyone else. Carry your show invitation, onward ticket and hotel booking for immigration. Always verify your nationality's status on a Chinese government or embassy portal before booking.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Valid for stays of up to 240 hours in Shanghai and the surrounding Yangtze River Delta region. Your onward destination must differ from your country of departure, and the eligible-country list changes — verify with the Chinese embassy or the National Immigration Administration before travel. Approximate published fee; US citizens pay around USD 185 with longer validity, other nationalities roughly
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