How to apply for a port e-visa

China has launched a port e-visa service in Shanghai for foreigners invited by enterprises at China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Lingang Special Area, effective July 12, 2024.

Visa-free policies

China has implemented various visa-free policies to facilitate travel for foreign nationals visiting the country. They include transit visa-free arrangements, unilateral and mutual visa-free policies for certain countries, visa-free entry through shipping cruise ports and more.

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.

FAQs: China's visa-free entry policy

Foreign citizens applying for visa-free entry, upon their arrival in China, can stay 15 consecutive natural days, until the 24th hour of the 15th natural day, before leaving China.

Foreign citizens eligible for the visa-free entry policy, whether in groups or as individuals, can apply for the visa-free entry policy.

144-hour visa-free transit in Shanghai

You can now easily explore the wonders of Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta region with China's 144-hour visa-free transit policy, making the most of your extended layover.

Visa update: No more fingerprints for short stays

To streamline the visa application process, China will waive the requirement for fingerprint collection for all short-term visa applicants from Sept 2, 2024 to Dec 31, 2025.

Video: How to apply for an electronic port visa

China has begun issuing electronic port visas to eligible expats visiting or doing business in Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area. In this video, we'll guide you through the e-visa application process from start to finish.

China pilots port e-visa for Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area

China has launched a port e-visa service in Shanghai for foreigners invited by enterprises at China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Lin-gang Special Area from July 12, according to China's National Immigration Administration.

Visa-free transit policies for foreign visitors

China has implemented a range of visa-free transit policies to facilitate short-term travel. You can now enjoy the 24-hour visa-free transit or the 72/144-hour visa-free transit.

What is a port visa?

China's port visa is similar to a "visa on arrival" offered by other countries. The term "port visa" refers to a method of visa application, rather than denoting a specific visa category such as "business" or "tourist".

Foreigners holding ordinary passports with an urgent need to enter China but insufficient time to apply for a visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate may apply for a port visa for entry.It is advisable to submit application in advance to the port visa authorities.