Before you fly to Shanghai

1. Confirm the entry rules for your passport

Check the National Immigration Administration and the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your country. Eligibility depends on nationality, purpose, itinerary and length of stay. A tourism itinerary and a long-term study move can require different documents.

For study, ask your university's international office to confirm your admission documents and arrival instructions. This site does not decide visa eligibility.

1. Check your passport validity and the entry permission you need.
2. Save your accommodation confirmation and onward journey details.
3. Keep university arrival instructions if you are arriving to study.

2. Set up the apps while your home number still works

Install a payment app, add an eligible card and finish any identity checks requested by the app. Keep your home SIM available for bank verification messages. Choose a mobile data option before you leave, and check your exact phone model's compatibility.

Save your hotel's Chinese name, address and reception number. A screenshot of the booking alone may not include the Chinese address a driver needs.

3. Make a small offline arrival pack

Save a map screenshot, the airport transfer plan and a backup plan for a late arrival. Put essential documents in a secure device folder; carry originals as required. Share your arrival details with someone you trust.

NIA offers an online arrival card for applicable overseas travelers, with paper completion also available at the port. Use the official service linked by NIA rather than a paid intermediary. Filling an arrival card does not grant entry permission.

A useful message to your hotel

Hello, I will arrive on [date] at [time], possibly after midnight. Please confirm late check-in, send your address in Chinese, and tell me which nearby metro exit is easiest with luggage.