24 hour visa free transit at Shanghai

For the 72 hour visa free transit which is available only for certain nationalities, I found that the 72 hours starts from 00:00 the day following the entry date in almost all the airports, except Beijing Airport. For example, if an air passenger arrives in Guangzhou at 08:00 on June 2nd, then the latest time for him to leave is 23:59 on June 5. I found this information here-

https://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/visa/free-72hour/

Is the 24 hr period for the 24 hour visa free transit (which applies to almost all nationalities including Indian which is mine) also calculated in the same manner? The time difference between my arrival and departure at Shanghai is 24 hours 10 min. I am wondering if I need to apply for a visa to get out of the airport or whether I can get the visa free transit. Also, if I need to apply for the visa, can I get it on arrival?

Best Answer

The information provided by the Guangzhou Airport authority indicates that (emphasis mine):

Most nationalities require a visa to enter China. A visa is not required, however, if you are in transit for a period not exceeding 24 hours as determined by scheduled flight arrival and departure times, and already have confirmed onward tickets. The FAQs reference the same metric for other transit-without-visas, 72- and 144-hour, i.e., scheduled flight arrival and departure.

That noted, @JonathanReez offered a key observation: you may have difficulty boarding your outbound flight, which you may have overcome before departure, as the airline observes the visa rules of the countries to which and through which you'll travel.

It is not likely that you could surmount the requirements for an emergency visa on arrival, as Chinese officials grant those to individuals whose destination is China. You would have to prove that a genuine emergency prevented you from applying in advance for a visa and have

an invitation letter issued by a government-approved sponsor or Chinese authorities,
confirmation from immigration authorities that the visa will be issued on arrival, and
a government-approved sponsor to meet them at the airport.

Your link to Travel China Guide has similar information, and Trip Advisor China Traveler offers an easy summary of visa-free transits.