Who can apply

Journalist visa (J-visa) is issued to foreign journalists/media staff of foreign news organizations stationed in the Chinese mainland or on temporary news coverage missions. 

How to apply

Visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website to fill in your application form and make an appointment for the visa application online.

Documents required

• Passport
• One Visa Application Form completed online and signed by hand
• A recently-taken within 6 months, colour passport photo
• An visa notification issued by the information department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.

Click to see the checklist for applying for a J1 (long-term journalist) visa or J2 (short-term journalist) visa.

How to extend your visa 

If you are in Shanghai and want to extend your J visa, you can apply 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 at the website of Government Online-Offline Shanghai. 

Documents required

• The applicant's original, valid passport and visa
• A completed Visa and Residence Permit Application Form for Foreigners, and then go to the exit-entry administration of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau in person to take a free photograph
• A certificate issued by the information department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government.

Click here for more information about applying for a J-visa extension.

Service hotline

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