Transit in PVG

[mww99]

Due to an AA schedule change, transit time in PVG has increased from 5 to 27 hrs. Can anyone confirm that this information (from TravelChinaGuide.com) is correct?

2. Citizens of these countries can make an air transit in Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao Airports without a transit visa if your period of stay does not exceed 48 hours, showing valid passport, visa of your destination country and connecting flight ticket. You are allowed to get out of the airport.
These countries are: Korea, America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, French, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Portugal, Spanish, Italy, Austria, Greece, Sweden, Danmark, Norway, Fenland and Iceland.

Official China embassy site is hard to navigate. Any information would be appreciated, and recommendations on hotels availlable. Travelling 27Dec.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Obviously first thing you must do is to confirm your flights and therefore stopover time.

But if it is 27hrs then you are definitely going to need to get out of airport.

As for the 48hr non visa requirement I have never done this and would approach it with UTMOST CAUTION.

On Dec 27 you will not have a problem getting hotel accom - my best advice would be you stay in Peace Hotel (now known as Fairmont Peace Hotel), Sofitel HYland or Le Meridien - all are on Nanjing Lu wwhich is the main walking street in Shanghai. Do not stay in Pudong - you need to be in Puxi so you can walk around.

You can cab it there or take Maglev (7min ride in 433kmh train) to Longyang Rd then subway to E. Nanjing Rd - or take subway from PVG all the way to E.Nanjing Rd - have fun - plenty to do and see in 27 hrs.

 

[harvyk]

I agree with Cruiser Elite, get out of the airport. The Maglev is certainly the way to go (ignore the 100's of taxi drivers who will tell you it's not currently running) although they only run it at 433km/h at certain times , at all other times it runs at "only" 300km/h...

I'd go visit your local chinese consulate and get information regarding the visa's (or lack there of) directly from them. China is one of those countries where many people have been caught out because they didn't properly understand visa restrictions or requirements.

Also if your going to be entering china proper, make sure you make a photocopy of your passport, onward tickets and any visa's which have been issued. If you are stopped and asked for your documentation by a policeman show them the photocopies, not your real passport \ airline tickets...

Finally take a map (and GPS helps too) and make sure everywhere you want to get to is marked so you simply point places out to the taxi drivers (in my experience they all have limited or no english), do not use any taxi (even properly registered ones) which approach you (unless you don't mind taking very scenic trips), and do not get into unlicensed taxi's (for same reason)...

Also check out - http://www.australianfrequentflyer..../hong-kong-and-shanghai-24965.html#post350057

 

[mww99]

Thanks for the information guys. Have done some more research and eventually found this on the Chinese Embassy website, but think I will ring and check anyway. Thought I'd post this for others who may be in the same boat (or aircraft as the case is). Para 3 is the relevant one. Interestingly, it applies to Shanghai only.

6. How do I apply for a Transit Visa (G Visa)?
You should provide the following documents:
(1) One completed Visa Application Form with a passport photograph attached;
(2) Your passport with at least 6-month validity and at least 2 blank visa pages;
(3) Visa of the destination country.
Please note:
(1) You do not need a Transit Visa (G Visa) if your transit in China is less than 24 hours and during which time you will only stay within the airport (However, American and British passports bearers still need visas under this situation).
(2) You need to apply for a Transit Visa (G Visa) if your transit is more than 24 hours, or if you have to go out of the airport regardless of the duration of your transit.
(3) Australian, New Zealand, American, Canadian, South Korean, German, French, Dutch, Luxemburg, Belgian, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Austrian, Greek, Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian and Swedish passports bearers do not need a Transit Visa (G Visa) if they transit via SHANGHAI and staying for less than 48 hours (going out of the airport is allowed).
(4) Please apply for the Transit Visa only 1 to 2months before your planned date to enter China.
(5) Fill in every column of the Visa Application Form, using "N/A" if not applicable.
(6) The "PICK UP FORM" you get when you lodge the application is the only proof for collection; when lost, only the passport holder himself with proper photo ID can retrieve his passport.
(7) Please be aware that no modification will be accepted once the application is lodged.
(8) Please pay for the visa on collection (Please refer to Question 11, 12 for the visa fee), and please pay in cash, bank cheque, money order or company cheque. The "payee" should be CHINESE EMBASSY.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks for the information guys. Have done some more research and eventually found this on the Chinese Embassy website, but think I will ring and check anyway. Thought I'd post this for others who may be in the same boat (or aircraft as the case is). Para 3 is the relevant one. Interestingly, it applies to Shanghai only.

Yes you are quitre correct.

I cannot understand why some people, with absolutely no knowledge, advise utmost caution??

TWOV is possible for the 48 hours in PVG, for some citizens, provided you are in transit to a third country. The biggest issue you might have is convincing the airline to carry you without a visa. however, if you print out the official rules then there is no problem.

Flyertalk, China Forums, discusses the transit without visa issue in great detail. There is aeven a thread dedicated to transit in PVG, and the steps you take after arrival. The FT thread also has a hyperlink to the official (international) immigration and visa rules so you can print out the latest copy there.

 

[mww99]

Thanks MEL-Traveller - I'll head over to Flyertalk and get that info. And thanks for the tips - we're flying QF to PVG and then AA to LAX and beyond, so I will make sure we are armed with all the relevant documentation.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I cannot understand why some people, with absolutely no knowledge, advise utmost caution?

Are you having a crack at me mate?

 

[OverrideServlet]

Having visited PVG many times I'd get a visa if I had to deal with a 27hr transit.

They are never going to hassle you for being over prepared.

They'll quite happily make life difficult for you for however, even for the smallest things.

Also don't expect them to know the transit rules as well as you do.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Are you having a crack at me mate?

Having visited PVG many times I'd get a visa if I had to deal with a 27hr transit.

They are never going to hassle you for being over prepared.

They'll quite happily make life difficult for you for however, even for the smallest things.

Also don't expect them to know the transit rules as well as you do.

not at you personally cruiser

there are SO many people offering advice on the china transit without visa that it has become a joke. there are those of us that actually live in china and the there are locals on the relevant FT china forum that have provided definitive advice. that advice has been followed by many travelers and there has not been a problem.

PVG is well versed in the processing of transits without visas.

the rules are clear.

if you are within the rules, why would you bother going to all the expense and hassle of obtaining a needless Chinese visa?

Chinese immigration is efficient and polite. they do not, and never have, made anyone's life more difficult for the tiniest of things. if you have your visa (or waiver) and your documentation then there is no issue.

it's the same as saying that although Australia or the USA have electronic visas, or visa waiver programs, that you might as well go ahead and apply for an oz/us visa anyway.

if there is any doubt, post the question of your specific circumstance on FT.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Well Mel initially I thought your post contained underlying tones of rudeness and arrogance - but maybe I was wrong there. And I still say to OP proceed with the UTMOST CAUTION.

NO I have never attempted to use the non Visa system - BUT - I have been dealing with Chinese Govt bodies closely for 10+ years - nothing is ever as it seems - always expect the unexpected.

In the words of my #1 Chinese employee Wang Jing in Nanjing - 'must 3 times double confirm everything with Chinese Govt'.

Now to OP - again make sure you have all your details 100% correct - then re-check again. The last thing you want is a delay that will see you miss that flight you have been waiting 27hrs for.

mww99 am I correct in assuming you have not been to Shanghai before? If yes and you are overnighting dowentown might I suggest you take a night cruise on the Huangpu River - the lights on the Bund at night should not be missed. Then go have a drink in the jazz bar at Peace Hotel - you will love it.

 

[OverrideServlet]

PVG is well versed in the processing of transits without visas.

Chinese immigration ... do not, and never have, made anyone's life more difficult for the tiniest of things. if you have your visa (or waiver) and your documentation then there is no issue.

I don't doubt that you have good reason to believe what you're posting. Just wanted to point out for the OPs benefit/consideration that my actual experience is the total opposite of this.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I don't doubt that you have good reason to believe what you're posting. Just wanted to point out for the OPs benefit/consideration that my actual experience is the total opposite of this.

Sorry to hear that! Not just me though... i think it is the general opinion. Living here and with dozens of friends who also live here coming in and out there has never been a problem with immigration at the airport itself.

Rules do change, and restrictions are in place at certain times (such as the Expo) which might make preparing your application a bit different, but once you have everything in order then Chinese airports are pretty much some of the quickest in the world.

Just as an example at how well versed they are... posters on FT have reported no problem transiting without visa even though they had a valid (single entry) visa which they wished to use at a later date. The immigration officers simply processed their particular arrival as 'without visa' and the posters have returned for a lengthier stay the next time with their original visa in tact.

It would be interesting to know however why you had a particular issue (if you feel like sharing).

 

[mww99]

mww99 am I correct in assuming you have not been to Shanghai before? If yes and you are overnighting dowentown might I suggest you take a night cruise on the Huangpu River - the lights on the Bund at night should not be missed. Then go have a drink in the jazz bar at Peace Hotel - you will love it.

Thanks Cruiser - you assumption is correct. We usually travel SYD/NRT/LAX ( the 777 is my favourite passenger aircraft and AA use them on that route) but thought this might make an interesting change and of course the 777 is used on this route as well. You have made some wonderful suggestions so I'll do some research and see what times etc are available. We arrive around 1830 and leave at 21.45 the next night, so hopefully we can squeeze the night cruise in. If not the Jazz bar sounds like our kinda place - my other half (Flyingzzzd's) loves Jazz music. Again thanks for all the help.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Due to an AA schedule change, transit time in PVG has increased from 5 to 27 hrs. Can anyone confirm that this information (from TravelChinaGuide.com) is correct?

2. Citizens of these countries can make an air transit in Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao Airports without a transit visa if your period of stay does not exceed 48 hours, showing valid passport, visa of your destination country and connecting flight ticket. You are allowed to get out of the airport.
These countries are: Korea, America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, French, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Portugal, Spanish, Italy, Austria, Greece, Sweden, Danmark, Norway, Fenland and Iceland.

Official China embassy site is hard to navigate. Any information would be appreciated, and recommendations on hotels availlable. Travelling 27Dec.

Yes you are quitre correct.

I cannot understand why some people, with absolutely no knowledge, advise utmost caution??

TWOV is possible for the 48 hours in PVG, for some citizens, provided you are in transit to a third country. The biggest issue you might have is convincing the airline to carry you without a visa. however, if you print out the official rules then there is no problem.

Flyertalk, China Forums, discusses the transit without visa issue in great detail. There is aeven a thread dedicated to transit in PVG, and the steps you take after arrival. The FT thread also has a hyperlink to the official (international) immigration and visa rules so you can print out the latest copy there.

In the words of my #1 Chinese employee Wang Jing in Nanjing - 'must 3 times double confirm everything with Chinese Govt'.

Now to OP - again make sure you have all your details 100% correct - then re-check again. The last thing you want is a delay that will see you miss that flight you have been waiting 27hrs for.

I know of a family of 4 who checked with the Chinese Consulate in Australia, you guessed it - 3 times on whether they needed a visa if they flew into PVG on QF then departed within 24 hours on a cruise to SIN. They were told that was okay to transit without a visa but guess what, they were almost denied entry to China & came very close to being put back on the plane to Oz. This was despite being able to present all their documentation for the cruise leaving the next day.

Maybe the issue was they weren't physically flying into and out of PVG however they did tell the Consul they were doing a crusie.

Eventually the Chinese authorities relented & granted them a visa of some kind on arrival, however hearing what happened to them if I was in the same boat & travelling to China even for only 27 hours I would be getting a full tourist visa like the type you'd get if you were going for 2 weeks.

 

[dajop]

Maybe the issue was they weren't physically flying into and out of PVG however they did tell the Consul they were doing a crusie.

Eventually the Chinese authorities relented & granted them a visa of some kind on arrival, however hearing what happened to them if I was in the same boat & travelling to China even for only 27 hours I would be getting a full tourist visa like the type you'd get if you were going for 2 weeks.

I would have thought the rules are quite clear that a connecting flight tickets is required, I can understand the difficulty (despite what they were told) that a cruise is not a flight ticket. Different situation to the the OP.

Citizens of these countries can make an air transit in Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao Airports without a transit visa if your period of stay does not exceed 48 hours, showing valid passport, visa of your destination country and connecting flight ticket. You are allowed to get out of the airport.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I know of a family of 4 who checked with the Chinese Consulate in Australia, you guessed it - 3 times on whether they needed a visa if they flew into PVG on QF then departed within 24 hours on a cruise to SIN. They were told that was okay to transit without a visa but guess what, they were almost denied entry to China & came very close to being put back on the plane to Oz. This was despite being able to present all their documentation for the cruise leaving the next day.

Maybe the issue was they weren't physically flying into and out of PVG however they did tell the Consul they were doing a crusie.

Eventually the Chinese authorities relented & granted them a visa of some kind on arrival, however hearing what happened to them if I was in the same boat & travelling to China even for only 27 hours I would be getting a full tourist visa like the type you'd get if you were going for 2 weeks.

Can understand the concern. But this is airport to airport.

i also wonder where the cruise stopped? and if it had a destination point within china. Many of the Shanghai - Sin cruises will stop in Sanya. If the passenger doesn't hold a chinese visa then there is a problem. (It would in fact be a double stop, even if they didn't disemabrk).

The rules are internationally recognised and available in the airline system. These can be printed out. There have been no reported cases of people being refused, but dozens of people advising caution. Which is simply not necessary. Only thing is a change in the rules.

 

[NM]

Do note the weather to be expected in Shanghai at the end of December and if planning to be walking the streets, ensure you are suitably attired :shock:. While I endorse the idea of getting out and seeing some of down-town Shanghai (walking down Nanging Lu is a great experience) note that it will be chilly, especially after dark.

 

[dajop]

Do note the weather to be expected in Shanghai at the end of December and if planning to be walking the streets, ensure you are suitably attired :shock:. While I endorse the idea of getting out and seeing some of down-town Shanghai (walking down Nanging Lu is a great experience) note that it will be chilly, especially after dark.

Good advice, given that mww99 lists Sunshine Coast as home. Although it doesn't quite get to the consistent minus temperatures of Beijing, and definitely more hospitable than many parts of the northern hemisphere in December. Perhaps a bit colder than Melbourne or Hobart in the depths of winter, but not something that a good coat won't solve?

 

[Cruiser Elite]

mww99 had another couple of thoughts overnight - if you have iPhone you can download Shanghai Subway map - very simple to use and great tool.

You are only overnighting so I assume very little luggage - on way back to airport you might like to take subway from E.Nanjing Rd to Shanghai's best 'souvenir market' (I would never suggest my fellow travellers frequent markets where fake goods are offered for sale ) - located at Science and Technology Museum Metro stop on Metro Line 2 - do some shopping - some great bargains to be had here - then taxi on back to airport.

While I endorse the idea of getting out and seeing some of down-town Shanghai (walking down Nanging Lu is a great experience) note that it will be chilly, especially after dark.

I would suggest more than a great experience - rather a must do.

Have fun and do report back as to your experience with the non-visa entry.

 

[mww99]

Do note the weather to be expected in Shanghai at the end of December and if planning to be walking the streets, ensure you are suitably attired :shock:. While I endorse the idea of getting out and seeing some of down-town Shanghai (walking down Nanging Lu is a great experience) note that it will be chilly, especially after dark.

Thanks NM - one of the "ports beyond" in the US is Boston, so winter woolies will be packed. Also doing MSY and MIA in there somewhere, so that will give Flingzzzd's an excuse to eother pack evertything or buy a lot while we're there. Thanks to all for the advice - will advise how the experience goes in due course. As always with us, the intenerary includes lots of flying (the more the better) so will do a trip report as we go. The "Chinese Experience" will be a highlight and a difinitive answer for the non-visa entry to Shanghai will be provided.

Please note that this is all subject to change if Flyingzzzd's (my other half) wants to err on the side of caution.