can i leave the airport in shanghai to sightsee during my 21 hour layover?

Question

I am an American passport holder traveling from the US to Tokyo with a layover in Shanghai.  Can I leave the airport in Shanghai to sight see and/or to spend the night in a hotel in the 21 hours before catching my connection to Tokyo?  It looks like I qualify for the 24h TWOV.  Do I apply for that in the airport in Shanghai or before I leave the USA?

Paul · Answer

It should be no problem with hotel reservation.

Stephanie · Answer

I ended up booking a flight with an 11 hour 40 minute layover in Shanghai.  I would still like to leave the airport to sight see for a few hours.  I will not be booking a hotel room as I arrive early and leave on my connecting flight the same evening.  Can I leave the airport to sight see without a visa with the 24h TWOV stamp, and do I just get that stamp in the airport in Shanghai or do I need to request something before I leave the USA?

Solomon · Answer

Since February, Shanghai no longer allows people with layovers for less than 24 hours to clear immigration regardless of nationality. Some reported that bringing a hotel reservation will help. You can have a try.

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Can I leave the airport in Shanghai to sightsee during my 21 hour layover?