Who can apply

The F visa is issued to foreign nationals entering China for exchanges, visits, study tours, or other relevant activities.

How to apply

Follow the requirements of the Chinese embassy or consulate in the place where you are applying, complete the visa application form online, and submit the required application materials.

Documents required

Please refer to the "Guidance on Visa Application" section on the China Online Visa Application website or the website of the Chinese embassy or consulate handling your application. Basic application materials include the applicant's passport and photograph.

You will also need an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation letter must contain the following information:

• Personal information about the invitee, including name, gender, and date of birth;
• Information about the invitee's visit, including purpose of visit, dates of arrival and departure, places to be visited, relationship with the inviting entity or inviter, and source of funding;
• Information about the inviting entity or inviter, including name, contact telephone number, and address, plus the entity's official seal and the signature of its legal representative, or the inviter's signature, as applicable.

Click here for more details on required materials.

Visa extension, replacement, and reissuance

If you want to have your visa extended, replaced, or reissued after entering China, you can submit your application to the Exit-Entry Administration Corps of Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau or an exit-entry administration office of a district branch of the bureau.

Related: Shanghai exit-entry bureau locations, business hours

Find more details about having your visa extended, replaced, or reissued on the website of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau.

Service hotline

If you have questions about immigration or visa services in Shanghai, please call +86-21-12367.

Updated Aug 17, 2026

Sources: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China Online Visa Application, Exit-Entry Administration Corps of Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau