A Chinese port visa is a special permit that a foreigner can obtain at one of the airports of the PRC upon arrival, but only if there are valid reasons. Find out who can get a port visa in China and what features this permit has

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In the first seven months of 2024, China issued 846,000 port visas, up 183% from last year. The simplified process of obtaining a port visa helps to increase the number of people entering China. What is China Port Visa? Who can get it and what is the procedure? We tell.

China port visa - what is this permit?

China's port visa is similar to the "visa on arrival" offered by other countries, and characterizes the way the visa is issued, rather than a specific permit category, such as "business" or "tourist".

A port visa can be obtained by foreigners who urgently need to enter China and do not have enough time to apply for a visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate.

A port visa allows you to stay in China for up to 30 days. On the basis of the permit, you can enter China only once.

Who can apply for a China port visa?

Holders of ordinary foreign passports who urgently need to go to China for business cooperation, visits and exchanges, investment and business activities, visiting relatives, dealing with private affairs or for humanitarian reasons such as attending funerals or visiting seriously ill patients, and who cannot obtain a visa in time at the Chinese embassy or consulate abroad.

List of documents for obtaining a Chinese port visa

To obtain a Chinese port visa, a foreigner must submit the following documents:

1. Valid passport or any other international travel document.

2. A document confirming the urgent reason for entering China.

For example, a foreigner entering China for urgent business must provide an invitation letter stating the business purpose, details of the emergency, basic arrangements for the route, and relevant evidence of the emergency.

For more information on the package of documents, please contact the visa office at the port of intended entry.

Where to submit documents?

Currently, port visa services are provided at 99 ports in 72 cities across the country. The service is available for a large number of international flights and many foreign nationals entering China.

For information on China's main port visa authorities and their contact information, please visit the official website of the National Immigration Administration of China.

A port visa in Shanghai can be obtained at one of the following airports:

- Pudong International Airport: [email protected], +86-021-28951610.

- Hongqiao International Airport: [email protected], +86-021-22351575.

The port visa window in Shanghai is open 24 hours a day.

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

Can you be sure that you will get a port visa?

In order to facilitate the application process and avoid the situation where applicants are unable to obtain an entry permit due to legal reasons, such as not being eligible for a visa or entry on arrival at the airport, it is better for foreigners to submit their applications in advance to port visa offices in scheduled destinations to obtain prior authorization from port visa authorities and then proceed to the appropriate ports for visa applications.

Can a foreigner extend his stay in China?

Foreign nationals who are visiting China for short-term non-diplomatic and unofficial purposes, such as business cooperation, exchange of experience, investment and entrepreneurship, visiting relatives, tourism or private business, and who have valid reasons for extending their stay, may apply for one of the following visas:

- for renewing and reissuing a business visa (M),

- visit visas (F),

- short-term visa for private matters (S2)

- short-term visa for visiting family (Q2),

- for the extension and reissuance of a tourist visa (L).

This can be done at the nearest exit-entry office of the public security body in the area of ​​residence.

How to apply for a port visa for a group tour?

Tourist groups consisting of two or more foreigners who plan to apply for port visas are required to submit invitations, staff lists and tourist reception plans to the relevant port visa authorities in advance.

After meeting these requirements, tour groups can enter and leave all open ports in China.

China is actively working to attract foreign travelers. In particular, the relaxation of quarantine restrictions and the simplification of migration legislation led to the fact that 17.25 million foreigners entered the country in 2024, which is 130% more than last year. The port visa also contributes to the increase in the number of visitors.

We will remind you! In recent months, China has been simplifying its migration laws, especially for European travelers. We have already told you which countries' citizens will soon be able to visit China without a visa.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe trip abroad, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations while traveling around the world.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information. Therefore, if you see any error or discrepancy, please write to our hotline.