Answered by Borut | Apr. 17, 2024 22:39
First thing first. Spanish citizen can exit the airport without any conditions because Spanish citizens can enter China visa free for a period of up to 15 days. So 24 or 144 hour visa free transit does not apply on them. He/she needs only to fill out arrival/departure card and step into the immigration line and exit the airport. No need to report to anyone, just to return to the airport.
For British citizen it is important to say the fact that the basic rule of 24 hour visa free transit is that a passenger has a right to transit through China visa free, but that same rule says that it has to remain within the airport transit area.
However, there is also a temporary entry permit that allows a person, if granted, to exit the airport. This permit is not a passenger's right, but more as a bonus that is granted to those traveling with small children, with physically disabled passengers and those with long/overnight layovers. In any case, this is not the right, but as I have told you, just a bonus. In other words, upon your landing in Shanghai, you will immediately approach transit counter where you will apply for a temporary entry permit by presenting your flight tickets. This application is free of charge. Having in mind the nature of your layover, your chances to be granted a permit are really almost certain especially since you are accompanied by Spanish citizen. After this, you will cross the immigration and you can spend your time in Shanghai as you wish.
British citizen will be will be covered by 24 hour visa free transit and no visa is needed. He/she will just fill out arrival/departure card and apply for a temporary entry permit. No registration at the police is required.