Shanghai's intl business zone offers visa-free entry to invited individuals

Individuals from all countries with valid invitations can enter Shanghai's future Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone without a visa or other entry permits, and they can stay for up to 30 days per entry and apply for extensions if needed, officials said on Friday.

In addition to the special 30-day stay policy, inbound overseas arrivals can equally enjoy existing visa-free policies during their trips from the business cooperation zone to Shanghai and surrounding areas, while people in China can enter the zone using the relevant pass, said Wu Qunfeng, deputy director of the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone Administration, during a news conference on Friday. 

Occupying a planned area of about 0.88 square kilometers, the zone is adjacent to Pudong International Airport in the east, and the Shanghai East Railway Station in the south.

The municipal government of Shanghai unveiled on Tuesday administrative measures for the zone, effective on Friday. In February 2024, the State Council principally approved the general plan of constructing the zone in Shanghai.

By 2025, the pilot launch zone will be ready for closed operation, with its basic functions becoming operational. By 2028, the entire business cooperation area will achieve fully closed operation and complete the construction of key functional infrastructure. By 2030, the business cooperation area will be fully completed.