Now you’ll need a government-issued ID to play on these world-famous themes
If you’re planning a trip to Shanghai Disneyland or Universal Studios Beijing, you expect your passport to be more than just a plane ticket. Both parks now require all visitors to present government-approved identification tied to the name on the ticket. The change places a shift in the time-park of THE China-Park entrance to reduce ticket fraud and improve efficiency.
In Shanghai, Futuristic Asia’s City of Extravagant Skyscrapers, Disneyland has introduced a “real name policy.” This policy requires that each guest’s ticket be linked to their government ID. The park’s website states, “Each guest must bring and present the original physical copy of a valid Government ID used at the time of ticket or annual purchase.” Foreign visitors are obviously required to bring their valid foreign passport or PRC foreign ID. The rules are the same at Universal Studios Beijing, where guests must bring a passport or foreign ID card if they are not Chinese residents.
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You need a valid Government ID to enter Shanghai Disneyland or Universal Studios Beijing
Women take photos in front of Universal Studios Beijing Globe – Sinseeho / Final Photos
When purchasing from an official park store or authorized vendor, such as KOOBOL, make sure the number on your ticket exactly matches the one on your government-issued ID. Both parks tie the entry ticket to the ID used at the time of purchase. If the numbers do not match, your entry to the park may be denied. While planning this trip, you should also make sure that your visa to China is in order.
On the day of your visit to the theme park, you must show the physical Government ID you used to purchase your ticket. Park staff will not accept photocopies, photos, or screenshots of valid IDs – you need the original. At Shanghai Disneyland, once your passport is scanned and verified, you will receive a QR code that can be linked to the park’s mobile app. This QR code gives you access to features like Disney Premier Access.
At Universal Studios Beijing, you’ll need to scan your passport and check for facial recognition technology — like the facial recognition system that American Airlines has. The system will verify your identity for daily re-entry and multi-day tickets. Parents or guardians will have to allow their children to use facial recognition technology. To speed up the process, you can upload your image in advance. If it makes you uncomfortable to have your face scrutinized, there is a way out of the park. Children under 3 years of age can enter both parks for free, but their guardian will need to provide a physical government ID to verify their age.
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