Beijing and Shanghai approved 72-hour visa waiver for tourists

In early December, the government announced foreign tourists from 45 countries will be able to enjoy a 72-hour visa-free stay in Beijing or Shanghai from Jan. 1, 2013. It is a major step towards enhancing open international city status.

Visitors from the 45 countries listed below will be entitled to this Visa exemption. On arrival they will be required to produce a valid airline ticket to a third country and proof of identity.

The countries include: From Europe - Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Republic of Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine & the United Kingdom; The America’s - Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico & the United States of America; From Oceania – Australia & New Zealand; In Asia & the Middle East - Brunei, Japan, Qatar , Singapore, South Korea & the United Arab Emirates.