Shanghai Port Visa (Landing Visa): How to Apply for a Port Visa in Shanghai
The port visa, also known as a landing visa or visa on arrival, refers to obtaining a visa at the port of entry in Shanghai. It can be divided into two types: individual application, applicable when there is no time to apply for a visa for emergency entry, and group application, applicable when tourist groups enter for tourism through travel agencies. This article mainly focuses on the latter.
Who Can Apply for a Port Visa
- Tour groups that are organized by a travel agency in China.
- People for urgent needs but have no time to apply for a visa at the Chinese embassy.
- People who find it troublesome to apply for a visa or cannot make an appointment at the Chinese embassy.
Which Open Port Can You Enter From
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport are two major open ports where foreigners can obtain port visas. In the case of a group application, the entry port must be either of these two airports.
Shanghai has a well-developed public transportation system, and you can travel to local tourist attractions by taking the subway or taxi. If you are traveling with a tour group, you do not need to worry about transportation at all.
What Materials You Should Prepare Before Applying
- Round-trip flight tickets
- Orders for reserving hotels in China
- A 2-inch photo with white background (48mm×33mm)
- A scanned passport valid for more than 6 months
How to Apply for a Port Visa in Shanghai
If you are traveling to China as a member of a tour group, the port visa will be applied by the travel agency. The process to apply for a port visa is as follows:
Step 1. Contact an authoritative travel agency in China beforehand, such as China Travel.
Step 2. Members submit the scanned passport and digital photo a month before departure to the travel agency.
Step 3. The travel agency submits the application to port visa authorities.
Step 4. Port visa authorities verify the application.
Step 5. Port visa authorities issue a port visa notification.
Step 6. The travel agency receives the visa at the port of entry with the notification.
Step 7. The travel agency in China sends the visa to the foreign travel agency.
Step 8. The tour group enters from the designated port within 15 days after the issuance of the visa.
Step 9. Start your happy traveling in China.
Requirements for the Port Visa
- The entry port for the tour group must be Pudong Airport (PVG) or Hongqiao Airport (SHA), while the exit can be from any open port in China.
- The tour group must enter and exit together, and its tour must span over 2 days in the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai regions.
- The tour group must consist of a minimum of 2 people, and once the visa is issued, the number of members cannot be increased but can be decreased.
- The tour group must enter China within 15 days after the visa issuance, and the longest duration of stay in China should not exceed 30 days.
Do You Need a Visa When Transit Through Shanghai
China has implemented a 240-hour-visa-free-tansit policy. Those who meet the requirements, do not need a visa when arriving in Shanghai.
1. You have to possess a valid international travel document to prove your nationality and identity, such as a valid passport.
2. You need to have a connecting flight to a third country with a confirmed departure date and seat within 240 hours.
3. You can enjoy 240-hour visa-free transit if you come from these countries:
- Americas (6 countries): United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile
- Europe (40 countries): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway
- Oceania (2 countries): Australia, New Zealand
- Asia (6 countries): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar
FAQs for Shanghai Port Visa Application
Q1: What are the types of Port Visa in China?
A1: There are 7 types of port visa in China, including crew visa (C), visitor visa (F), tourist visa (L), business visa (M), talent visa (R), short-term family reunion visa(Q2) and short-term private business visa(S2).
Q2: How much does it cost to apply for a port visa in Shanghai?
A2: The cost is about 28-55 dollars (CNY200-400) per person, excluding the postage.
Q3: How long does it take to get a visa to Shanghai?
A3: It will take about 8-10 days in total. Applying for the port visa will take 2-3 days, and mailing the port visa notification will take 5-6 days. For other visas, the time is normally 4 working days.
The Most Popular Itineraries for Shanghai and Nearby
- 2-day Hangzhou tour from Shanghai - discovering the scene of the West Lake, exploring ancient temples, and indulging in local cuisine.
- 3-day Suzhou and Hangzhou tour from Shanghai - high-speed trains are available from Shanghai to the cities near it.
- 3-day Shanghai relaxing tour - visiting the Bund and Yuyuan Garden and wandering in the water town after having dinner to appreciate the old buildings in Shanghai.