Shanghai extends visa-free stays to 72 hours for passengers from 45 countries
Shanghai: Air passengers from 45 countries will be able to enjoy an extended visa-free stays to 72 hours in Shanghai from January 1, 2013. Special check areas will be set up at Hongqiao and Pudong international airports.
The policy, which has been approved by the central government, extends the period of visa-free stay in the city from 48 to 72 hours for passengers passing through on their way to other destinations.
The 45 countries which will be covered by the 72-hour visa-free policy are: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and the US.
The visa-free policy is expected to be introduced to port and railway borders as the city promotes the liner and cruise businesses, Shanghai Daily reports.
According to Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration, the passengers of the 45 countries should hold transit flight tickets to a third nation or region to get extended visa-free stays facility.
The passengers should have their valid international travel documents and visas of the third nation or region.The passengers are allowed to stay in the administrative areas of Shanghai for 72 hours and they should exit through the same airport which they enter.
