Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak around the world, people are getting nervous with regards to travel, as many countries have taken extreme measures that limit people’s movements and even stop them from going outside. The visa application process has become increasingly strict, with some consulates even closing temporarily in specific high-risk areas.

Due to the strict measures taken throughout the entire country, some people’s visas have already expired while some of the Chinese consulates around the world have closed in many areas where the situation is only just beginning to worsen. As a countermeasure for this situation, the Immigration Bureau now advises people who are planning to enter China, to apply for a Visa On Arrival or Port Visa.

Process

1. Your sponsor or agency must prepare the necessary documents and apply on your behalf at a Shanghai Port Visa Office (located in both Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao Airport)

Document list (Scroll down for more)

• Scans of ALL pages of the passport (as they need to check that the applicant hasn’t visited high-risk areas in recent weeks)
  

• Booking of flight ticket

• Scan of Shanghai residence permit (or hotel booking)

• Application form (download via VisaOfChina official WeChat)

• Documents detailing the reason for the application:

• For business visa: Business invitation letter

• For work visa: Work permit card copy

• For visit visa: Visit invitation letter

• For other visas: Related visa invitation letter

2. Wait for the approval (1-3 days)

3. Once the visa is approved, the sponsor or agency will receive a copy of the Port Visa Notification*

* Note that you must get the Approval copy (Port Visa Notification) before coming to Shanghai, or you might be not able to check-in or even get a boarding pass.

4. This document must be sent to the visa holder and printed out, as it will be required for check-in and presented upon arrival

5. The paper visa will then be exchanged for an official visa at the visa counter at the airport (details below)

6. Enter Shanghai (quarantine might be required)

If you check in with the Shanghai Port Visa (Visa on Arrival), it can be renewed or transferred to another type of visa in China later. It'll be the exact same as the visa usually issued by Chinese Consulates.

This is the Visa On Arrival counter in Pudong International Airport

The visa counter at Pudong airport - On the left side of the escalator before the entry counter

Visa types available for port visa

Questions?

Visa On Arrival/Port Visa involves many paperwork and strict requirements. Any questions can be directed to our visa specialist Cindy.

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