Question

Asked by Aayush from united kingdom | Feb. 27, 2026 11:23

About:24-Hour Visa-Free Transit

China double-entry visa + Shanghai 24 Hours transit after HK–Shenzhen trips, possible?

Hi everyone, I need some clarification regarding China visa entries and the 24-hour transit policy.

I am an Indian citizen, applying for a China M (business) visa from the Chinese Visa Application Centre in London, UK. I have been informed that I will most likely receive a double-entry visa.

My travel plan during the same trip is as follows:
1. I fly London → Hong Kong (via Shanghai transit, without entering China).
2. From Hong Kong, I enter Shenzhen (Mainland China) by train — 1st visa entry.
3. After exhibitions, I return Shenzhen → Hong Kong — exit China.
4. Later in the same trip, I again travel Hong Kong → Shenzhen/Guangzhou for business events — 2nd visa entry.
5. I then exit again to Hong Kong, which means my double entries are fully used.

After completing all mainland activities, my final plan is:
• Fly Hong Kong → Shanghai
• Stay in Shanghai less than 24 hours
• Then fly Shanghai → Phuket (Thailand)

My questions are:
• After using both entries of my M visa, can I still enter Shanghai under the 24-hour visa-free transit policy?
• Does Hong Kong → Shanghai → another destination within 24 hours qualify as valid transit?
• Since I am an Indian passport holder, are there any restrictions for using the 24-hour transit after previously entering China on the same trip?

Has anyone done something similar or knows how immigration officers usually interpret this?

Thank you very much for your guidance

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Answers (2)

Answered by Borut | Feb. 28, 2026 04:09

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Part 1:

Your entire itinerary is definitely acceptable and you can proceed with your travel plans with absolute peace of mind.

During your first stop in Shanghai you will travel on a single ticket and you will not leave the transit zone. Basically, you will not formally enter mainland China and that is fine. You do not have to perform any formality nor will you fill out any forms. Also, you will not be a subject of immigration and customs inspections. You will just walk from one to the other gate and you will encounter just a security check between them (metal detector and the stuff).

After this you will use two entries. On your way from Hong Kong to Phuket via Shanghai you can enjoy 24 hour visa free transit. There is no problem about it. It is essential that your stay in Shanghai, counting from your scheduled arrival until your scheduled departure is shorter than 24 hours. In other words, this is your right and there is no doubt about it. Now we have arrive at the most important detail. If you travel on a single ticket in the same way as you will from London to Hong Kong via Shanghai, you have right to remain in the transit zone of Shanghai airport. However, if you want to exit the airport in case of a long layover, you will have to apply for a temporary entry permit upon your landing in Shanghai.

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Answered by Borut | Feb. 28, 2026 04:15

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Part 2:

It is essential to understand that the issuing of a temporary entry permit is not your right because temporary entry permit is granted on case by case basis and is not a passenger right. In other words, if a temporary entry permit is not granted, you will have to stay in the transit area of Shanghai airport. If your layover is long, your chances to be granted a temporary entry permit are very good. In any case, you should perform the following formalities, after your landing in Shanghai, in order to obtain a temporary entry permit:

1. Fill out arrival card and tick the box on it where it is written - transit
2. Perform fingerprinting at automatic fingerprinting machine
3. Approach 24/240 hour visa free transit counter where you will present your passport, flight tickets, arrival card and fingerprinting receipt. Here you will apply for a temporary entry permit to be allowed to exit the transit zone of Shanghai airport.
4. When you have obtained a temporary entry permit you will head to the immigration and finally to the city to enjoy your time on your own by exploring the city
5. When the time arrives, you will return to the airport and head to the gate for your flight to Phuket.

If you travel on two separate tickets, one from Hong Kong to Shanghai and another one from Shanghai to Phuket, then an issuing of a temporary entry permit is granted because you will have to exit the transit zone to pick up your luggage and to perform a new check-in for your flight to Phuket.

I hope the explanation is sufficient and I wish you a great journey.

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