Question

Asked by Eugene from canada | Feb. 06, 2026 11:22

About:24-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Inquiry on Transit Visa Policy for 12-Hour Layover in Shanghai, changing airports

Hello,
I have a Canadian passport and I'm flying from Toronto to Sanya, Hainan by China Eastern Airlines with a 12 hrs transit stop over in Shanghai and changing airports (Pudong to Hongqiao). Am I eligible for a 24 hrs visa free transit?

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Answers (6)

Answered by Borut | Feb. 08, 2026 17:04

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Eugene, it is impossible to determine your eligibility since we do not know where are you going after Sanya? This particular detail and your intended stay length in mainland China (Hainan included) is essential to determine your eligibility.

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Answered by Eugene | Feb. 10, 2026 16:36

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I intended to stay in Sanya for 12 days and then fly back to Canada.

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Answered by Borut | Feb. 11, 2026 01:34

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Unfortunately, your itinerary is not eligible for 24 or 240 hour visa free transit. I understand that your plan is to travel to Hainan (Sanya), to rely on 30-Day Visa-Free Access, but this option is not possible if you travel to Hainan via some other mainland Chinese city. In other words, in order to be eligible for 30-Day Visa-Free Access to Hainan (Sanya), you have to travel there directly (without a stop) in any other province of mainland China. You can stop in Hong Kong, for example, but not in mainland China.

If you want to retain current itinerary you would have to apply and obtain a Chinese visa in advance. I'm sorry for bringing you these unfavorable news, but it is better to be informed than to be refused boarding once when you arrive at the airport. I hope this helps.

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Answered by Eugene | Feb. 13, 2026 17:29

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Hi Borut,
Thank you very much for taking the time to reply to my post. I truly appreciate the useful information you shared and the effort you put into helping me understand the situation more clearly. I already applied for the visa.
Your input was thoughtful and genuinely helpful, and I’m grateful you took the time to contribute.
Warm regards.

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Answered by Borut | Feb. 16, 2026 03:22

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Eugene, you do not need to apply for a visa because Canadian citizens will travel to China absolutely visa free for a stay of up to 30 days starting from February 17. When we were exchanging our posts, the situation with the visa policy was not yet defined, but now it is, so you do not need to apply for a visa because you will be able to travel to China visa free. Completely new situation as far as the Canadian (and UK) citizens are concerned.

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Answered by Eugene | Feb. 16, 2026 05:14

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Just an UPDATE: Starting February 17, 2026, holders of Canadian and British passports are exempt from requiring a visa to enter China for visits of up to 30 days.

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