Visa Question

Question

US Passport Holder.

Can I fly from Japan to Shanghai. Stay 2-3 days and then fly to Korea from Shanghai?

Do I need a Visa? Or this is allowed under the changes

Thank guys.

Answer

As a US passport holder planning to fly from Japan to Shanghai, stay 2–3 days, and then fly to Korea, you need to consider China’s current visa policies carefully.

For short visits to Shanghai, there are two relevant options for US citizens:

Option 1: 144-hour (6-day) Transit Without Visa (TWOV) in Shanghai

This allows you to stay in Shanghai and certain surrounding cities (e.g., Suzhou, Hangzhou) for up to 144 hours without a visa.
Requirements:

Passport valid for at least 6 months
Confirmed onward ticket departing China within 144 hours (to Korea in your case)
Entry must be through one of the designated ports of entry in Shanghai (Pudong, Hongqiao, or certain airports/railway stations)

You cannot leave the allowed cities under TWOV; your activities must remain in Shanghai or the permitted surrounding areas.

Option 2: Standard Tourist Visa (L visa)

If you plan to travel beyond the allowed cities or stay longer than 144 hours, you must apply for a standard tourist visa before your trip.
This would allow greater flexibility in Shanghai and other parts of China.

Recommendation: For a simple 2–3 day stay in Shanghai with onward travel to Korea, the 144-hour TWOV is likely sufficient and convenient, as long as your itinerary stays within the permitted cities and your flight details are ready for verification. Make sure your airline is aware and check that Shanghai is one of the approved entry ports for TWOV.

Note: Policies may change, so confirm with the Chinese consulate or official immigration website before booking your flights.