If you come to Shanghai on holiday, you might need to apply for an L (tourist) visa before you arrive. Here is what you need to do to apply.

Who can apply

Foreign nationals traveling to the Chinese mainland for tourism. 

How to apply 

Where applicable, fill out an application online through the website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center serving your area.

Documents required:

• Passport
• Visa application form and passport photo
• Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable for those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship)
• For former Chinese citizens who have acquired foreign citizenship: the original Chinese passport and a photocopy of its data page when applying for a Chinese visa for the first time; or, if a Chinese visa was previously issued and the applicant is using a new foreign passport, photocopies of the data page of the previous foreign passport and the previous Chinese visa.

In addition to the documents above, provide either:

• Round-trip flight and hotel booking confirmations and other itinerary documents; or
• An invitation letter issued by an entity or individual in China. 

Additional documents may be required depending on the applicant's circumstances and consular jurisdiction. Check the website of the Chinese embassy, consulate general, or visa application center serving your area. 

Click here for more details about materials to be prepared.

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

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

Service hotline

If you encounter any problems with your visa application, call 021-12367. 

Updated July 24, 2026

Sources: Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Chinese Visa Application Service Center; Exit-Entry Administration Corps of Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau