Question

Asked by Michael from netherlands | Oct. 10, 2025 12:28

About:24-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Dutch (Netherlands) passport with short stopover in Shanghai, do I need a transit visum?

Hi Borut,

Do I need an Chinese visa when I travel from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Vientiane (Laos) and make a stopover in Shanghai Airport for 6 hours,
and I don't leave the Shanghai airport (on 27 december 2025) ?


Do I need an Chinese visa when I travel from Vientiane (Laos) to Amsterdam (Netherlands) and make a stopover in Shanghai Airport for 6 hours,
and I don't leave the Shanghai airport (on 20 january 2026) ?

And what if I have a 2025 stamp in my passport from a holiday in Turkey?

Thx in advance

Reply

Answers (4)

Answered by Michael | Oct. 10, 2025 12:42

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Hi Borut,

Do I have to fill in a yellow or blue (visa free) transit-form when landing/entering Shanghai?

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Answered by Borut | Oct. 12, 2025 23:52

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No, you do not need any kind of visa. Also you do not have to perform any formality nor will you fill out any forms. You will not be a subject of immigration and/or customs inspections. It is so easy and straightforward. You will just walk from one to the other gate and all that you will encounter will be a security check. By the way, you should be aware that the citizens of the Netherlands do not need a visa to travel or to transit China because they are part of the Chinese visa waiver scheme that allows them to travel to China absolutely visa free for a stay of up to 30 days. Roughly the same as if you were traveling to UK. Have a nice journey.

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Answered by Michael | Oct. 13, 2025 05:15

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Hi Borut,

Thanks for your answer.
I thougt the rules are changing as of 2026: this can still be visa-free in 2026 if you stay at the airport?

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Answered by Borut | Oct. 14, 2025 02:25

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Even if you do not stay at the airport you will be allowed to enjoy 240 hour visa free transit. In reality, as I have previously told you, the chances that the visa waiver scheme for many EU countries (Netherlands included) will be extended for the entire 2026 are extremely high and perfectly probable. However, if that does not happen for some miracle, 240 hour visa free transit will remain in force because it is not a trial or temporary, but a systematic and continuous scheme that does not have an expiry date.

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