1. Scan your fingerprints at the self-service machines

2. Fill out your arrival card if needed (there are stations for that)

Keep an eye out for the bright yellow signs that say “Hello” in 8 languages (English, Chinese, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Japanese, and Korean). They’re pretty easy to spot.

Once you’re online, scan the QR code on the signs — it’ll take you to:

• A super simple airport entry guide in your phone’s language 🗣️

• Voice instructions to walk you through each step

• Info on Wi-Fi spots, help desks, and more (just tap the icons)

Want a printed version? You can find it here: https://shguide.top/AirPort/mainY2?s=2&p=2&i=1

Don’t worry if you cannot get to the internet, we provide you hacks on the Roaming & VPN page.

• Basic information including name, gender (sex), and nationality

• Passport number

• Visa number (only if you don’t check the “visa-free” box)

• Flight number

• Purpose of this trip

• Cities you plan to visit

• Hotel name or address in China

• [On the back] departure date and flight number, only if you have booked departure flights

• [On the back] Your host or contact in China

• [On the back] Countries you have visited in the past two years

That’s it! Just make sure everything’s filled out before you get to the counter.

We’ve also noticed that Shanghai’s immigration authorities have started testing a new self-service terminal at Pudong Airport for pre-registering and printing the arrival card electronically. It’s quite cool! But since it’s still in trial mode and not available in other cities yet, we’ve stuck with the good old handwritten version for now.

Just follow the signs that say “Foreigner Fingerprint Self-collection Area”, like the one in the photo below.

You’ll find machines that look like this (they might look slightly different if they’ve been updated, but should be pretty similar):

Once you’ve scanned your fingerprints, the machine will print out a receipt. Don’t lose it! You’ll need to show it at passport control.

To make the procedure smoother, it’s better to prepare the following documents:

• Your passport with a valid visa

• Your return ticket (optional)

• Hotel reservation confirmation (better in both English and Chinese)

• Travel insurance (recommended, but not necessary)

• If you’re visiting for business:

  • an invitation letter from your host (a person or a company)

  • the address and contact information of the person or company you are visiting in China (if applicable)

Below, we also list some commonly asked question and corresponding “example” answers in both English and Chinese to ease your communication with the staffs. Click to view the complete list.

1. What is the purpose of your visit? / 你此行的目的是什么？

    ✅ I am here for [tourism]. / 我是来[旅游]的。 (Other options for []: business 商务合作 / visiting family or friends 探亲访友 / transit 转机)
    
2. How long will you stay in China? / 你打算在中国停留多久？
    
    ✅ I will stay for [X] days. / 我打算待[X]天。(If needed, write the number down).
    
3. Where will you stay? / 你会住在哪里？
    
    ✅ I will stay at [hotel name] in [city]. / 我会住在 [城市] 的 [酒店名]。 
    (💡Tip: Have the hotel address ready on your phone.)
    
4. Do you have a return ticket? / 你有返程机票吗？
    
    ✅ Yes, here is my return ticket. / 有的，这是我的返程机票。(Show your flight order.)
    
5. Who are you traveling with? / 你是和谁一起旅行？
    
    ✅ I am traveling alone. / 我是一个人旅行。 (Or: I am traveling with my friend/family. 我和朋友/家人一起。)
    
6. Have you been to China before? / 你以前来过中国吗？
    
    ✅ No, this is my first time. / 没有，这是我第一次来中国。(Or: Yes, I visited in [year]. / 是的，我在 [年份] 来过。)
    
7. What type of visa do you have? / 你持有什么类型的签证？(If visa-free, see Q8)
    
    ✅ I have a [tourist] visa. / 我持有[旅游]签证。(Or: business 商务 / student 学生 / work 工作.)
    
8. Which visa-free policy would you like to use for your entry? / 您想选择哪一种免签政策入境呢？
    
    Pick-up one of the following policies:
    
    1. Mutual visa-free entry / 签证互免入境
    2. Unilateral 30-day visa-free entry / 单方面30天免签入境
    3. Regional 30-day visa-free entry / 地区性30天免签
    4. 240-hour transit visa exemption / 240小时过境免签
9. Do you have travel insurance? / 你有旅行保险吗？
    
    ✅ Yes, I have travel insurance. / 有的，我有旅行保险。
    
10. Do you have enough money for your trip? / 你这次旅行的资金充足吗？
    
    ✅ Yes, I do. / 是的，充足。(You can show a bank statement or cash if asked.) 
    
11. Do you have anything to declare? / 你有需要申报的物品吗？
    
    ✅ No, I have nothing to declare. / 没有，我没有需要申报的物品。(Check the next paragraph for customs clearance guid.)

📌 Tip: You can keep a small paper or a phone note with these answers to show if needed.

Regarding the customs clearance, you can refer to our Customs Essentials page.

After picking up your baggage (which is usually pretty straightforward), don’t rush off to the metro or your next stop just yet. There’s a handy One-Stop Comprehensive Service Center for Foreign Nationals right in the arrivals area at Pudong International Airport.

Here’s what you can get there:

• SIM card sales ‼️

• Help setting up mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay) ‼️

• Shanghai transportation card ❗

• Currency exchange

• Wi-Fi device rentals (great if you want a hotspot for multiple devices)

• “Foreign Nationals in Shanghai” service handbook

• Tourist maps

• Help and consultation on pretty much anything you need

Locations:

• Terminal 1 of PVG (Shanghai Pudong International Airport): Opposite International Arrivals Exit, beside Gate 9 on Level 1 (Ground Floor).

• Terminal 2 of PVG (Shanghai Pudong International Airport): Opposite Exit 2A of International Arrivals, on Level 2 (1st Floor).