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Do i need Transit Visa for Layover in Pudong Internatiuonal?

Hi,

I am a Sri Lankan Passport holder and have a round trip flight from London-United Kingdom to Colombo-Sri Lanka. There is a flight change(transit) at Pudong International Airport each way which is less than 10 hours.

If I don't go outside the airport, do I need to have any transit visa for this layover?

If you are a Sri Lankan passport holder transiting through Shanghai Pudong International Airport for less than 10 hours and you do not plan to leave the airport’s international transit area, generally you do not need a transit visa.

Key points to consider:

  • China allows certain nationalities to transit without a visa if they stay within the airport’s international transit area and the layover is short (typically under 24 hours). For Sri Lankan passport holders, a short transit without leaving the airport is usually permitted.
  • You must have a confirmed onward flight ticket to a third country (in this case, Colombo) and be able to show it at the transit desk or to airline staff.
  • If you intend to leave the airport during your layover (for example, to visit Shanghai city), then a transit visa or 144-hour visa-free transit might be required, and the eligibility rules for Sri Lankan citizens need to be checked carefully.

Practical advice:

  • Stay inside the international transit area; do not pass through immigration.
  • Confirm with your airline at check-in that you are eligible for airside transit without a visa.
  • Keep all travel documents handy, including your onward boarding pass and passport, as airport authorities may check them.

In summary, for a short layover under 10 hours at Pudong International Airport without leaving the airport, you typically do not need a transit visa. However, if you plan to exit the airport or have a long layover, visa requirements may apply.

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