Flights / Visas

A lot of airlines companies provide daily flights between Europe and China, we have selected a few for you :

• Airlines Companies:
  • Air France
  • British Airways
  • Lufthansa
  • Air China
  • China Eastern

For the best deals you can check these multinlingual portals :

• In Europe:
  • Lastminute.com
  • Expedia
  • Ebookers
• In China:
  • Ctrip
  • Elong

There a 2 main airports in Shanghai :

1. Pudong International Airport (International Flights)
   Located 50 km east of Shanghai, the airport is very convenient with different options to get to the City :
   
   • Maglev train – very quick way to get to the East side of Shanghai, close to the Expo site. Around 80 yuans and 20 minutes. Maglev is the world fastest train, thanks to the German technology.
   • Taxis – should cost 150 yuan (around 15Euros) depending on traffic. Cheaper if you decide to stay on the Pudong Side of the City. Not all taxis speak English, and we suggest you print the address …
   • Bus – should take 1 hour and around 20 yuan
2. HongQiao Airport – located on the West side of town,
   Less than 10 kilometers from the City Center, HongQiao airport mostly handles flights within China.

The visa issue :

You will need a visa to enter China and it is very well advised to consider this issue a few months before you plan to visit China. Travel agencies can take care of your visa, but make sure about the process, extra-fees and types of visa.

• Tourist Visa (L) Issued to aliens who are going to China for tourism, family visiting or other private affairs.
• Business Visa (F) Issued to aliens who are invited to China for a business visit, an investigation, a lecture, scientific-technological & cultural exchanges, short-term furthering studies or intern practice less than six months.
• Student Visa (X) Issued to aliens who are going to China for study, furthering studies or intern practice longer than six months.
• Work Visa (Z) Issued to aliens who are going to China for a post or employment, and to their accompanying family members.
• Transit Visa (G) Issued to aliens who are going to a third country in transit of China.
• Crew Visa (C) Issued to crewmembers involving international-based transportation by trains, airway and ships and their accompanying family members.
• Resident Visa (D) Issued to aliens who are going to reside permanently in China.
• Journalist Visa (J-1, J-2) Issued to foreign journalists for the purpose of reporting from China

Especially if you are travelling on your own, you should :

1. Get in touch with the Chinese Embassy in your own country. You will find more information on the website for Chinese Embassies in Western Europe or Central and Eastern Europe.
2. Contact your country’s embassy or consulate in China. Most of the EU countries are represented in Beijing and in Shanghai : http://www.embassypages.com/china.php