The guide to applying for a Chinese visa
Whether you want to come to Shanghai for business, work, or travel, you will likely need a Chinese visa.
How to apply
Fill out an application online at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center. The visa center's websites provide up-to-date information, online consultation, forms and application status services.
Click the type of visa to see what documents you need to prepare:
| M (business) | Q (family reunion) | L (tourist) | Z (work) | R (talent) | X (study) |
| F (visitor) | C (crew) | G (transit) | J (journalist) | S (private matter) |
Please visit the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General's websites for more details based on your country or state of residence.
Click here for more information about visa applications.
Visa-free policies for foreign nationals entering China
Extending your visa
If you are in Shanghai and want to extend your visa, you can submit an application to the Exit-Entry Administration of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau.
Address: No 1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area
Open: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
You can make an appointment on the Government Online-Offline Shanghai website.
Service hotline
If you have issues with your visa application, call the service hotline of the Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau at 021-12367.
How to apply for a port visa
Foreign ordinary passport holders with an urgent need to travel to China but 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.
Sources: National Immigration Administratinon, Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of Shanghai Public Security Bureau