China allows 3 day visa-free stays in Beijing and Shanghai for transit travellers
Travellers from 45 countries, including the UK can now benefit from the new visa-free stay policy in Beijing and Shanghai.
Transit visitors will have enough time to visit Beijing’s world famous Tiananmen Square (pictured), Forbidden City and the Great Wall without a needing a visa – as long as China is their transit point and not their final destination. Source: Louise Driscoll
If you’ve ever visited China, you’ll be familiar with the rigmarole of having to apply for a visa before you travel.
But things are looking up, at least for transit passengers.
Now travellers from 45 countries, including the UK can break up their journey in Beijing or Shanghai for up to three days without needing a visa.
The Chinese government introduced the new relaxed rules on January 1. The move is aimed at boosting tourism to the country.
There are conditions attached: visitors will need a confirmed onward plane ticket – scheduled within three days of their arrival. They also won’t be able to leave Beijing or Shanghai to see other cities during the three-day period.
Residents in most of Europe as well as the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Singapore are among those able to take advantage of the visa-free stay.
While the changes are new for Beijing, until now Shanghai has allowed foreign visitors to enjoy visa-free stays, but only for up to two days.
