A new rule has come into play, affecting how Americans can visit one Disney resort.
While Disneyland Resort may be the OG (and, in some opinions, the best), Disney has added five other resorts to its portfolio since 1955: Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort (which is technically operated by The Oriental Land Company), Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disneyland.
While certain elements, such as the iconic Mickey Mouse, charming merchandise, character meet-and-greets, and an array of fun, immersive attractions, remain consistent across all parks, each resort also showcases unique features that reflect its local culture and interests.
That’s never been more obvious than at Shanghai Disneyland. When Disney set out to build Shanghai Disneyland, the company aimed to create a park that was “authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese” (a term coined by CEO Bob Iger in the process).
The resort was designed to blend Disney’s classic storytelling and magical experiences with elements of Chinese culture, traditions, and values. By incorporating local design influences, cultural symbols, and culinary preferences, Disney ensured that the park resonated with Chinese guests while maintaining the brand’s signature charm and fantasy.
This led to the creation of some of Disney’s most impressive attractions, including TRON Lightcycle Power Run (which has since been replicated at Magic Kingdom Park) and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, plus the park’s unique (and sizeable) castle, Enchanted Storybook Castle.
The park also features attractions and designs influenced by Chinese culture, such as the massive Garden of the Twelve Friends, which reimagines the Chinese zodiac with Disney characters. Dining options highlight local flavors alongside classic international fare, catering to diverse tastes. Additionally, entertainment offerings are tailored for local audiences, including Mandarin-language performances and culturally significant seasonal events.
While the park is hugely popular with locals, it doesn’t receive quite as much international attention from Disney fans located in the U.S. as Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disney Resort. Part of the reason why is that it’s much more complicated to visit China. Visas have long been a necessity for U.S. passport holders, making a trip both relatively complex and expensive, with a single entry visa for U.S. citizens costing $140 per person.
But that’s all changed as of this week.
New Visa Rules Hit China
In an effort to boost international tourism, China has introduced brand-new visa rules that make it easier than ever to visit Shanghai Disneyland.
China’s National Immigration Administration announced an expanded visa-free transit policy earlier this week. This policy allows eligible visitors from 54 countries—including the United States—to stay in the country for up to 10 days without purchasing a visa. The previous policy restricted visa-free transit stays to 72 or 144 hours, depending on the destination.
The updated policy includes 21 additional ports for visa-free entry and exit and adds five more destinations to the list of eligible transit locations. According to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center, this move aims to boost international exchanges, enhance cross-border connectivity, and support the nation’s economic and social growth.
There is one catch, though. Tourists can’t just fly direct from the U.S. to China and back. Instead, this transit visa is only eligible to those who are doing just that: transiting.
U.S. citizens, plus anyone else eligible for the visa, can only arrive at specific ports in specific areas (although don’t worry, this covers Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and Shanghai Port in Shanghai Municipality) and must continue on to a third country after China. (Not to be a bad influence, but this is where we start plotting a stop-off at Tokyo Disney Resort on the way home…)
“Individuals from 54 eligible countries… traveling from China to a third country (region), can enter visa-free through any of the 60 open ports in 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), and stay within the allowed areas for visa-free transit travelers for no more than 240 hours,” says the Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
U.S. citizens planning to visit China for purposes beyond transit or for stays exceeding 10 days will still require a visa. Specific visa categories apply based on the nature of the visit, such as tourism or business activities.
These new rules also apply to passports from the following countries: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
Visiting Shanghai Disneyland
Anyone who plans to take advantage of the transit visa to visit Shanghai Disneyland can choose from two unique on-site hotels, each offering its own distinct charm. The Shanghai Disneyland Hotel exudes elegance with its classic Disney-inspired design and luxurious amenities, providing a sophisticated retreat.
Meanwhile, the Toy Story Hotel delivers a playful, family-friendly atmosphere, immersing guests in the whimsical world of Pixar’s beloved characters. Both hotels are conveniently located near the park, offering easy access and a seamless Disney experience. The park also recently debuted Disney’s first Zootopia land and will also introduce a new Spider-Man roller coaster at some point in the coming years.
We recommend checking out Shanghai Disneyland’s unique entry rules – which changed this month – before planning a trip.
Shanghai Disneyland now requires all guests to present valid government-issued identification for park entry. For Chinese citizens, this means a national ID card, while foreign visitors must show their passports. The ID must match the name used when purchasing tickets, ensuring a streamlined and secure entry process.
Do you plan on visiting Shanghai Disneyland any time soon?
The post All Americans Fall Under New Rule To Visit Disney Park, Effective Immediately appeared first on Inside the Magic.
