If you are planning to visit Shanghai for an exchange trip, it may be necessary for you to apply for a visitor visa before your arrival. Here's a guide on what you need to do to apply.

Who can apply:

Foreigners visiting for exchanges, visits, study tours, or other relevant activities.

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
• Visa Application Form and Photo
• Print out and sign an Online Application Form.
• Proof of legal status (applicable for those not applying for the visa in their citizenship country)
• Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable for those who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)
• For first-time visitors to China, provide an Invitation Letter. For repeat visitors, provide the former Chinese visa and stamp of entry, an invitation letter issued by a relevant unit or individual in China, details of the planned visit, and a Bank Statement if required.

For more detailed information, please visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website.

How to extend your visa 

If you are in Shanghai and want to extend your F 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 business license or relevant registration certificate of the receiving organization, and additionally.

Click here for more information about applying for an F-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.