Bilig

Travel route

🇺🇸 San Francisco🇨🇳 Shanghai

Plan the journey, review entry requirements and continue to booking sources when available.

Visa requiredOrdinary Passport · US
Route map preview from USA to ChinaSan FranciscoShanghai

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Entry requirements

Passport rules for US → China

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Requirements are shown separately for every modeled passport type. The selected traveler document is highlighted.

Ordinary Passport

Selected passport
1 verified rule
Visa requiredVerified Jul 15, 2026

Stay: Tourist L visa required before ordinary tourism travel; permitted stay follows the issued visa

Conditions: United States ordinary-passport holders are not included in mainland China's current unilateral 30-day visa-free nationality list and must obtain an L tourist visa before ordinary tourism travel. The online application and passport-submission process is handled by the Chinese Embassy or competent Consulate-General in the United States; separate transit exemptions may apply only when their specific conditions are met.

Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States — visa application requirements

Special Passport

Not modeled

No verified rule modeled

Service Passport

Not modeled

No verified rule modeled

Diplomatic Passport

Not modeled

No verified rule modeled

Entry rules and airline schedules can change. Reconfirm the applicable rule with the linked official authority close to departure.

Travel options

How to get from San Francisco to Shanghai

Use these modeled options to start planning. Confirm schedules, fares and availability before booking.

Flight
Route option

Check dates, fares and availability on the carrier site when a carrier candidate is available.

Other route options

More ways to reach China

Canonical alternatives between USA and China.

🇺🇸 → 🇨🇳Los Angeles → ShanghaiView route details🇺🇸 → 🇨🇳New York → ShanghaiView route details🇺🇸 → 🇮🇹Atlanta → RomeATL · FCO🇺🇸 → 🇳🇱Atlanta → AmsterdamView route details🇺🇸 → 🇬🇧Boston → LondonView route details🇺🇸 → 🇮🇹Boston → RomeBOS · FCO

Related links

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Visa detail: USA -> ChinaDestination guide: ShanghaiBuild a travel plan