london-shanghai-shanghai-melbourne

Question

Hello and thanks for the guidance ! I have two separate airline reservations for London-Shanghai then Shanghai-Melbourne eg two separate travel bookings. I would like to stay in a hotel in downtown Shanghai for either 24 hours or 48 hours - does visa free travel apply to me? I would also look to do return the same way Melbourne-Shanghai then Shanghai-London approx 2 weeks later under the same bookings (in transit for 24 hours)  Thank you

Borut · Answer

Yes, of course. It is itinerary that makes you eligible or not and not the tickets. You are perfectly fine to use separate tickets and unrelated airlines. Also, you are allowed to stay in Shanghai wider area for 6 days both ways if you wish. This is not a problem and there is no limit on how many times you can use this visa free transit scheme. Just one detail... If your layover in Shanghai is shorter than 24 hours, then you will be covered by 24 hour visa free transit. In any case, you do not need any kind of visa.You are encouraged to print out your flight tickets for easier handling. The first thing you will do is to declare at check-in in London that you will travel to Melbourne via Shanghai using 144 hour visa free transit and here you will present those tickets because they will not be able to see your separate (second) ticket in the system. However, when you hand your second ticket over to the person in charge, they will be able to realize that you are eligible for 144 hour visa free transit. Also, upon your landing in Shanghai, you will approach transit counter where you will present the same thing and also a hotel booking for, at least, the first overnight. After a short check, you will get a temporary entry permit, this is for free, and you will exit the airport to enjoy your time in Shanghai. The same thing is valid for your travel back.

Kevin · Answer

Really appreciate your thoughtful response Borut :)

London-Shanghai-Shanghai-Melbourne