Effective immediately, expats invited to the Pudong New Area by eligible business entities can apply for five types of e-port visas and enter China through Shanghai's ports.

That move was announced on Oct 25 by Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau's Exit-Entry Administration.

The expansion, approved by the National Immigration Administration, extends the pilot program—initially launched in the Lin-gang Special Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone on July 12—to the entire Pudong New Area.

The e-port visa applications process is entirely online. Registered companies can submit visa applications on behalf of applicants via the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau's e-government platform.

On approval, inviting business entities can download the electronic "e-port visa confirmation letter of the People's Republic of China" and forward it to the applicant. Applicants can then present the electronic or printed confirmation letter along with their passports for an entry and stay.

"Building on the success of the initial pilot phase, we have collaborated with relevant departments in Pudong to expand the program," said Wang Sheng, section chief of the port visa office at the administration.

He added that over 300,000 eligible businesses have been informed of the policy and completed necessary procedures, aiming to further streamline investment and trade within the area.

Source: Shanghai Observer