New Online Application System for Transit-Visa-Exempt Nationals in Shanghai

The situation

The Shanghai Public Security Bureau and Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection recently launched a new online application system for transit-visa-exempt business travelers to Shanghai. The online system will help qualified travelers skip long queues and clear immigration faster at designated Shanghai ports of entry.

A closer look

• Eligible travelers. Only nationals of the 53 designated countries eligible for Shanghai's 144-hour visa-free transit policy can use the online application system. Travelers from other countries should still obtain a valid visa from a Chinese consular post prior to travel if they intend to transit into China.
• Streamlined clearance process. Qualified travelers must register their personal information and trip details in the online system prior to travel so that their transit arrangements can be validated in advance by immigration authorities. Once the transit application is approved, they can travel to Shanghai and print their Entry Cards at designated machines in the airport upon arrival.
• Designated Shanghai airports. This streamlined clearance process is only currently available in Pudong and Hongqiao International Airports. However, there are plans to expand its availability across all ports of entry in Shanghai.

Background

The transit visa exemption facility in Shanghai was introduced in 2012 and was initially available for a 72-hour period to eligible travelers from 45 designated countries. The duration was later increased to 144 hours and expanded to 53 eligible countries in 2016. Currently, qualified travelers can enter Shanghai, Nanjing and Hangzhou through designated entry points and travel within the administrative areas of Shanghai, Zhejiang and Jiangsu visa-free for up to 144 hours.

Looking ahead

The online facility is intended to help address immigration issues that may arise due to the expected influx of foreign visitors attending the upcoming China International Import Expo to be held in Shanghai on November 5-10, 2018. The online registration process is similar to the electronic arrival cards recently introduced in Singapore. China, however, still maintains the paper Entry Card as proof of approval.

Although current practice still permits the transit-visa-exempt traveler to enter Shanghai without going through the online registration, it is recommended that they use the online platform prior to travel to avoid any delay or complications upon arrival. Foreign nationals impacted by this change should contact their Fragomen professional for case-specific advice.

Fragomen will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.

Fragomen in China is Fragomen (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., operating exclusively as an immigration consultancy and not as a law firm in China. This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].