Can I get the visa when I arrive I am in transit for 3 days?

No, No, youdo need a visa for the 3-day transit, but you can change to apply for one in Hk before you enter mainland China.

Thank you for your prompt reply, what a mess! I am not stopping in HK, so I now have to be a transit passenger and have rebooked my flight from Shanghai to Manila. It is just within 24hours so I should be fine. Unfortunately hotel will not refund me 3 nights stay but better than being turned away when I board the flight.

On my return I am staying for 1 night in Shanghai before taking my flight back to the Uk, do I need a visa for this as I will be staying in a hotel?

Thanks for your help

ria

Sorry to hear you lost three nights's room rate. On your return, you may apply for a 24-hour stay permit at the airport for your stay at the hotel out of the airport.

Thanks so much Steve, you have been a great help!