FAQs

FAQs

Q: Does an enterprise applying for a port visa on behalf of a foreignnational need to register with the Shanghai port visa authority first?

A: Enterprises operating in specific industries such as model agencies, travel agencies possessing inbound tourism qualifications, shipping agencies, and other relevant entities are required to initiate the process by applying to the Shanghai port visa authority to establish their business registration prior to facilitating visa applications on behalf of foreign nationals.

For registration, enterprises can send emails to shcrj3@163.com for consultation and a list of required materials.

Q: Is a port visa valid for second or multiple entry? What is the maximum duration of stay allowed?

A: In accordance with the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, the port visa issued by the designated port visa authority is valid for a single entry, with a maximum duration of stay not exceeding 30 days.Under special circumstances, port visa authorities may impose restrictive remarks on the locations of foreigners' stays and the ports of departure upon enteringChina.

Q: Tips after entering China with a port visa

A: Upon entry into China using port visas, foreignnationals are obligated to adhere to the laws and regulations of the country. It is mandatory to declare temporary accommodation within 24 hours. For individuals lodging in hotels, the responsibility for declaration lies with the hotel. Alternatively, for those residing in cities, counties, or towns, either the foreignnational or the landlord shallcarry the foreigner's passport to submit the declaration at the local police station or utilize online self-declaration procedures. Furthermore, foreignnationals must depart from China before the expiry of their authorized duration of stay, or alternatively, they shall apply for a residence permit, visa extension, or other necessary procedures at the mainland exit and entry administration departments.

Q: Can I apply for a port visa to visit my relatives?

A:An application for a port visa upon arrival in China is applicable for purposes on visiting the following relatives: the applicant's spouse, parents, parents-in-law, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildrenand the spouse of the applicant's children.

Q: When applying for a port visa, does the invitation letter submitted have a prescribed format?

A: The invitation letter has no specified format requirements, but it must specify the specific purpose of the visit to China and the related itinerary. For personal invitations, the basic information of the inviter and the inviter’s relationship with the foreigner, the contact details of the inviter, and the accommodation address of the foreigner after entry must be clearly specified.

Q: After obtaining the notice of acceptance of port visa, what procedures should foreigners go through to enter China?

A: The Shanghai Port Visa Authority has introduced a pre-application service for port visas. The inviting entity (or inviter) can submit a port visa application on behalf of the foreignnational in advance. Upon approval by the Shanghai Port Visa Authority, a 'PORT VISA NOTIFICATION' will be issued. After affixing the official seal (or signing) on the notice, the inviting entity (or inviter) should forward it to the invited foreignnational. Upon arrival at the Shanghai port of entry, the foreignnationalshall present this acceptance notice at the port visa service counter to obtain the port visa and pay the corresponding visa fee. Following examination by border inspection authorities, the foreignnational is allowed to enter China.

Q: How to pay the visa fee for a port visa?

A: Visa fees for port visas can only be paid in CNY. When applying for a port visa, foreignnationals may settle the payment on-site using cash in CNY. If foreignnationals are able to use the payment function of Alipay, WeChat, and other apps, they can also scan the QR codeon-sitefor electronic payment.