What is a port visa?
China's port visa is similar to the "visa on arrival" offered by other countries. The term "port visa" refers to a method of visa application, rather than denoting a specific visa category such as "business" or "tourist."
Foreigners holding ordinary passports with an urgent need to enter China but insufficient time to apply for a visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate may apply for a port visa for entry. It is advisable to submit the application in advance to the port visa authorities.
The port visa allows a stay for up to 30 days and permits a single entry.
As of now, port visa services have been provided at 99 ports in 72 cities nationwide with a large number of international flights and a high volume of foreign nationals entering China. (For the details of the major port visa authorities in China and their contact information, please visit the official website of the National Immigration Administration.)
Where to apply in Shanghai?
1.Pudong International Airport
Contact information
- Mail: shcrj3@163.com
- Tel: +86-21-28951610
2.Hongqiao International Airport
Contact information
- Mail:crjhqkaqz@163.com
- Tel: +86-21-22351575
The port visa application window in Shanghai opens 24/7.
Who can apply?
Foreign ordinary passport holders with an urgent need to travel to China for business cooperation, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, visiting relatives, handling private affairs, or for humanitarian reasons such as attending funerals or visiting critically ill patients, and who are unable to secure a visa from a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad in a timely manner, are eligible to apply for a port visa to China.
What documents are required?
- A foreigner intending to apply for a port visa must submit a valid passport or any other international travel document, along with supporting documents that substantiate the urgent reason for entry into China.
- A foreigner entering China for urgent business activities, for instance, should provide an invitation letter outlining the business purposes, details of the emergency, main itinerary arrangements, and relevant proof of the emergency.
- The Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau has been rolling out an online pre-application service for port visas aimed at foreign nationals, making the process smoother and more efficient.
- Foreigners coming to China for business, trade shows, or investment can have their inviting organizations in Shanghai submit the visa application online.
- This streamlines the application process and cuts down on paperwork. As of August 6, more than 70 percent of all port visas for foreign nationals have been issued through this online pre-application system.
What types of visas can be extended, renewed, and re-issued to foreigners in China?
Foreigners visiting China for short-term non-diplomatic and non-official purposes such as business cooperation, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, visiting relatives, tourism, or private matters, and who have valid reasons for extending their stay are eligible to apply for extensions, renewals, and re-issuance of their business visa (M), visit visa (F), short-term private affair visa (S2), and short-term family visit visa (Q2), as well as for the extension and re-issuance of the tourist visa (L) at the nearest exit-entry administration of the public security organ in the area where they are residing.
How to apply for group tour port visas?
Foreign tour groups comprising two or more individuals applying for group tour port visas are required to have the Chinese travel agency responsible for organizing and receiving such groups submit invitation letters, personnel lists, and tourist reception plans to the relevant port visa authorities in advance. Upon meeting these requirements, the tour groups can enter and exit from all open ports in China.
About the port e-visa
China has launched a port e-visa service in Shanghai for foreigners invited by enterprises and institutions at the Lingang Special Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, effective July 12, 2024.
An electronic visa, or "e-visa," is a digital version of the traditional paper visa. Instead of a physical sticker in your passport, the visa information is stored electronically and sent to you as a digital document. With an e-visa, you can simply use your passport and the digital visa to enter and stay in the country.
Over 1,300 eligible companies and institutions can now apply for port e-visas for expats.
A Singaporean arrived at the Shanghai Pudong Airport and passed border control, becoming the first to enter China with an e-visa.
How to apply for a port e-visa?
Registered enterprises can submit visa applications on behalf of applicants at the Online Platform for Government Affairs of the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau.
After the visa is issued, enterprises can download the PDF file for the “Port E-Visa Confirmation Letter.”
Applicable Visa Categories
Visit visa (F)
Talent visa (R)
Work visa (Z)
Private affairs visa (S2)
Number of entries allowed: single
Entry validity: 15 days from date of issuance
Duration of each stay: Not exceeding 30 days
Port of entry: All open ports in Shanghai
Port of Exit: Any open ports in China
A sample of the port E-visa confirmation letter.