Depending on your nationality, purpose of travel, and length of stay, you may need a Chinese visa to come to Shanghai.

How to apply

Where applicable, fill out an application online through the website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center serving your area. Local visa center websites provide up-to-date information, online consultation, forms, and application status services.

Check which visa type you need to apply for.

Visit the website of the Chinese embassy or consulate general responsible for your place of residence for requirements specific to your consular jurisdiction.

How to apply for a port visa

Foreign ordinary passport holders with an urgent need to travel to China who are unable to promptly obtain a visa from a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad are eligible to apply for a port visa to China. 

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

You can make an appointment to apply for a visa extension, replacement, or reissuance through the "出入境专栏 (Exit-Entry Services)" section of the Government Online-Offline Shanghai website or through the Suishenban app.  

Government Online-Offline Shanghai

Suishenban app

Service hotline

If you have issues with your visa application, call the service hotline of the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Public Security at 021-12367. 

Updated July 29, 2026

Sources: National Immigration Administration, Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Public Security