Holiday visa help

Question

Hi do I need a visa if am flying from Manchester to shanghai with lay over at hong kong staying shanghai for 4 nights then flying to hong kong for 4 night then flying to Manchester on a uk passport can anyone help thank

Answer

As a UK passport holder, whether you need a visa for China depends on the type of entry and the duration of your stay. Here’s a detailed breakdown for your itinerary:

1. Shanghai stay (4 nights):

For stays in mainland China, UK citizens normally require a visa. Since you are staying in Shanghai for 4 nights, you would generally need a tourist visa (L visa) for this portion of your trip.
However, China offers 144-hour (6-day) visa-free transit in certain cities, including Shanghai, if you meet the criteria: you must be traveling onward to a third country, have confirmed tickets, and stay within the designated area. This can allow you to stay in Shanghai for up to 6 days without a visa, provided your onward flight to Hong Kong qualifies as a departure to a third country.

2. Hong Kong stay (4 nights):

Hong Kong has separate immigration rules from mainland China. UK passport holders can enter Hong Kong visa-free for up to 6 months for tourism purposes.
No visa is required for your 4-night stay in Hong Kong.

3. Layover in Hong Kong en route to Shanghai:

If your initial flight from Manchester to Shanghai transits via Hong Kong, and you do not leave the airport, you do not require a visa for that short airside transit.

Important notes:

You must check that your onward flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong counts as a qualifying trip for the 144-hour visa-free transit if you plan to use that option.
Make sure all flight tickets are confirmed and that you have accommodation information for Shanghai, as border officers may request this.
If you prefer certainty, you can obtain a standard Chinese tourist visa in advance for the Shanghai portion.

In summary:

UK passport holders normally need a visa for Shanghai, but you may be eligible for a 144-hour visa-free transit if your onward travel meets the criteria.
No visa is required for your stay in Hong Kong.

Always check the latest official Chinese embassy guidance before travel, as rules can change.