UK passport holder flying to Shanghai and staying for 3 days then leaving on cruise

Sounds very similar to what we are doing maybe even same (Princess) cruise but sorry I am looking for an answer too.

Hi Mike, yes I am on the Princess cruise too (February 2018)! I have been doing a lot of research, checking on gov.uk and embassy website etc and my understanding is that I would be eligible for 144 hour visa free transit but just wanted confirmation. The Chinese Embassy website probably needs updating as I could not find the information about 144 hour visa free transit (but I could have missed it). My husband even went to the embassy in person with our paperwork only to be told to apply for a tourist visa even though we don't need it.

Prior to posting my question on this website I had contacted the travel company we booked with, read the information on Princess website and the company that they refer you to regarding visa queries. All I wanted was a yes or a no that I would be eligible for 144 hour visa free transit based on my full travel itinerary (just to make make sure that I understood the conditions that you had to meet). They purposely choose not respond to the direct question asked but kept given me links to apply for a visa which I said I did not need. It it is costly for tourists who do not need to apply for a visa especially when they know full well that they would be covered by 144 hour free transit and I have to say I am very disappointed with their attitude.

However, I have to say that the information on travel guide China is extremely useful and a big thank you to all the people on here for taking the time to help others.

hi anna, i have just seen your message while looking for answers and i noticed you should have already been on your cruise, i was just wondering did you use the 144 hour twov waiver?

Anna's itinerary was good because the only Chinese city landed in or visited in Shanghai, thus eligible for the 144 hour TWOV. I'd she had landed in Shanghai from the same country as the next cruise port it would have needed visa. If her flight landed in another Chinese city on the way to shanghai then a visa would have been required.

Hi Pamela,
We were eligible for the 144 hour free transit when we were going through immigration at Shanghai airport. There was one kiosk for the 144 hour free transit which was to the left (the very last one). Very straight forward just fill out a short form then hand in it to the immigration officers with your passport.

I would say that if you are taking a cruise from Shanghai that the immigration process is extremely slow (can take a good couple of hours). Make sure you have a pen with you to complete all forms given whilst you are there as it can be quite chaotic.

Good morning Anna.
I read you topic and your answer because I am going to have your same trip, more or less.
Arriving in Shanghai PVG on Nov 9th at 15,05 to embark on the MSC Splendida on Nov 11st and leaving the port, for cruise direct to Dubai, the day after.
Your opinion: am I e legible for the visa free? Any other suggestion?
Thee is in the airport any particular line for free transit? Do I need any picture?
Tky so much.
Giuseppe

Yes, you are eligible for the 144h free transit in Shanghai in your trip. You don't need any picture for that.

Hi Giuseppe,

There is one special kiosk at immigration and it was the very last one on the left as far as I can remember for 144 hour (hopefully they have not moved it but there are clear signs above each booth).

Once you get there just pick up the short form on the side. Make sure you have a pen with you to complete it with your details then queue and wait your turn with the form and passport.

Have a great trip.

Another useful tip is to let your airline carrier know in advanced of your full itinerary or if that is not possible then show it to them when you are checking in at the begininng of your journey.

Also have your paperwork confiming where you are staying for the few days in Shanghai, your full cruise itinerary (the list of destination and dates from the Cruise line) and any other paperwork confirming where, how and what your travel plans are after the cruise ends such as your airline flight confirmation travel arrangements when you initially land at Shanghai Pudong airport to apply for 144 hour waiver.

Just makes it easier for yourself and immigration officer to have all the paperwork ready and in order.