'We Were Illegally In China': UK Family Shares How A Visa Mistake Led To Fines And A Stressful Forced Exit From Shanghai

A UK family's travel adventure turned into an unexpected nightmare in Shanghai, China, when a simple visa oversight led to their detention, fine, and forced exit from the city after just one night. Nadia, Irfan, and their young son Zakariya, who document their journeys for over 55,000 followers on TikTok (@fieldofvisions), shared their unsettling experience, providing both an informative and cautionary tale for travellers regarding China's strict visa regulations.

Denied Check-In and a Search for Shelter

The incident began shortly after the family arrived in Shanghai via bullet train from Beijing, where they had been exploring the historic sites. As they attempted to check in at their pre-booked hotel, they were stopped at the reception desk. "You cannot stay in Shanghai," the staff informed them, explaining that their presence would be considered an illegal stay.

With luggage in hand and facing unexpected rejection, Nadia and Irfan sought alternative accommodation for the night and found a nearby hotel willing to let them check in. "We thought it was just a mix-up," Nadia said, describing their relief after finally securing a room, albeit temporarily. "We didn't understand what had gone wrong, but we hoped to sort it out in the morning."

A Knock at the Door and a Frightening Visit from Police

The next morning, their brief respite was interrupted by a call from the hotel reception. "Someone is coming upstairs to speak with you," they were informed. Moments later, hotel staff arrived at their door with troubling news: the police were waiting for them in the lobby. Shocked and fearful, the family was escorted to a waiting police van. "We were absolutely terrified," Irfan told IBT UK. "Our first concern was for our son, Zakariya. The thought of being taken to a prison cell with him was overwhelming."

The family was transported to a local immigration office, where they were questioned extensively. Officers asked detailed questions about their travel plans, their intentions in Shanghai, and whether they understood the conditions of their visa. Nadia recounted the intensity of the experience, saying, "We had no idea what would happen next. The language barrier only added to our anxiety."

Hours of Questioning and a Harsh Realisation

Over several hours, the family gradually learned the root of their predicament. They had entered China using a 144-hour visa-free transit permit, which allowed them to explore the Beijing area for six days without a formal visa, provided they stayed within the region and left through the same entry point. By travelling to Shanghai, they had unknowingly violated the visa's strict regional boundaries. According to China Briefing, these boundaries are strictly enforced, allowing no exceptions for tourists travelling to different regions within China.

"Although the whole process took half a day – we left our hotel at 11 a.m. and didn't leave the immigration office until around 4:30 p.m. – we were treated respectfully throughout the ordeal," Nadia explained.

"The immigration officer who handled our case explained the situation clearly as to why we were brought to immigration and how they would process the case, and he assured us that there was nothing to worry about. It would just be a small fine and take a little time to prepare the paperwork. He also assured us that we would be allowed to continue with our trip as long as we didn't overstay our visa and leave from the designated port (Beijing), which we had planned to do anyway, and that we could return to China again in the future."

"While immigration was processing our case, we were even allowed to go outside and get something to eat, which made things easier — Zakariya even got a chance to run around in a play area at a nearby shopping centre... It made things a bit easier, especially for Zakariya," Irfan shared. "But it was still one of the most stressful moments of our travels."

The Fine, Forced Departure, and Financial Setback

By the end of the day, the family was issued a fine and instructed to leave Shanghai the following day. "We feared being detained in a cell or holding place with our child – it wasn't clear at first what was actually going on given the language barrier," Nadia explained. The fine, along with the hasty travel arrangements to exit the city, placed an unexpected financial burden on the family. They described the ordeal as a logistical nightmare, with significant disruptions to their travel plans and expenses.

Despite the frightening experience, the family has maintained an optimistic outlook and expressed a desire to return. When asked by IBT UK if they would consider visiting China again, they responded enthusiastically, "Absolutely, 1000%! Shanghai looked like an incredible city, and we'd love to explore it further – we definitely need more time there."

Navigating China's Visa-Free Transit Policy

This experience serves as a critical reminder for tourists navigating China's 144-hour visa-free transit policy. As China Briefing reports, the policy, which has been expanded to attract more foreign visitors, allows travellers from specific countries to enter China without a full visa, provided they remain within designated areas and exit to a third destination. Travellers, however, must adhere strictly to the regional restrictions, and even a short trip outside the permitted area can be considered a violation, as Nadia, Irfan, and Zakariya learned firsthand.

The family shared their advice for future travellers to China or any foreign country: "Make sure you read and research everything thoroughly – check multiple websites to get clear, definitive information. If in doubt, ask immigration directly upon arrival," Nadia advised, emphasising that even seemingly minor misunderstandings can lead to significant consequences.