Uk passport

Yes, you are eligible for 24 hour visa free transit both ways and you do not need any kind of visa. At the time of your check-in in London you will declare that you are traveling to Tokyo via Shanghai using 24 hour visa free transit policy and in the same time you will present your confirmed flight from Shanghai to Tokyo.

After a short check, you will be handed a boarding pass for your flight to Shanghai. Upon your landing in Shanghai the first thing you will do is to approach 24/144 hour visa free transit counter where you will apply for a temporary entry permit. This is not a visa, but a permit that allows you to exit the airside (transit) area in order to collect your luggage, formally enter China and to perform a check-in for your flight to Tokyo. So, 24/144 hour visa free transit counter is your first stop upon landing. This is formal application, free of charge, where you will present your confirmed flight to Sydney.

When your permit is granted, you will head to the immigration to formally enter China in order to perform all the necessary formalities for your next flight. You have enough time, so be relaxed, but try not to waste your time until you are in the front of the gate for your flight to Tokyo.

The same procedure awaits you for your flight back home, but since you have a longer layover, you will use a temporary entry permit to stay in the hotel and enjoy a good night rest. You are good to go.