On October 25, 2024, China’s National Immigration Administration approved that the scope of the e-port visa pilot program was expanded from the China (Shanghai) Free Trade Zone, Lingang New Area to the entire Pudong New Area. This means that foreign nationals invited by enterprises in Pudong New Area who meet the conditions for the e-port visa can apply for F (Visit), M (Business), R (Talent), Z (Work), and S2 (Private Affairs) e-port visas and enter China through Shanghai ports. According to the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau’s Exit and Entry Administration, more than 300,000 enterprises in Pudong New Area meet the filing conditions.
An electronic visa, also known as an “E-visa” digitalizes the traditional paper visa. Visa information is stored digitally and issued to applicants in the form of an electronic document, which holds the same legal validity as a paper visa. Applicants no longer need to affix a paper visa to their passport but can enter and stay in China with just their passport and electronic visa. To further advance the electronic reform of ordinary visas, enhance the efficiency and service level of China's visa management, and continuously optimize the visa system framework, in July 2024, the National Immigration Administration decided to pilot the issuance of e-port visas in the China (Shanghai) Free Trade Zone, Lingang New Area.Since the pilot program for the issuance of e-port visas began in July 2024 in the China (Shanghai) Free Trade Zone, Lingang New Area, invitation units that have been reviewed and filed with the Lingang New Area Administrative Committee can log into the electronic government platform of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau’s Exit and Entry Administration to submit visa application information on behalf of the applicants. The e-port visa is valid for one entry, with a validity period of 15 days for entry, and a stay of no more than 30 days. The entry port is any open port in Shanghai, while the exit port can be any open port in the country.
Specific Process for Applying for the E-Visa
1. Invitation Unit FilingForeign nationals applying for an e-port visa must first have an invitation from an entity in Shanghai. This entity must undergo review and filing with the Lingang New Area Administrative Committee.The steps for the entity to apply for filing are as follows:1) Document Preparation: The inviting unit must prepare the company’s business license, registration information, and other relevant qualification documents.2) Submit Filing Application: The inviting unit logs into the filing platform of the Lingang New Area Administrative Committee or the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau’s Exit and Entry Administration, fills out unit information, and uploads the qualification documents.3) Waiting for Approval: After submission, the unit will wait for the committee’s review, which typically takes about 2 working days. During this period, the unit may be asked to provide additional documents or undergo further verification.4) Filing Approval: Once the filing is approved, the inviting unit will obtain the authorization to apply for e-visas on behalf of foreign applicants.
2. Submit Visa ApplicationThe visa application information for the foreign national will be submitted by the inviting unit through the electronic government platform.The steps are as follows:1) Log into the Platform: The inviting unit logs into the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau’s Exit and Entry Administration’s electronic platform using the approved account.2) Fill in the Application Form: The unit fills out the applicant’s detailed information, including name, nationality, passport number, and the type of visa being applied for (e.g., F, M, R, Z, or S2 visas). The contact information of the inviting unit must also be provided.3) Upload Required Documents: a. A scanned copy of the applicant’s passport (ensure the passport is valid for more than six months). b. The invitation letter issued by the inviting unit, detailing the purpose, duration of stay, and type of visa. c. A letter of authorization from the inviting unit (if required), proving the legitimacy and authority of the inviting entity. d. Other supporting documents (such as work or visit-related proof). e. Submit for Review: After completing the application form and uploading the necessary documents, the application is submitted for review.
3. Approval and IssuanceThe e-port visa is reviewed and issued by the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau’s Exit and Entry Administration. After receiving the application, the Exit and Entry Administration will conduct a material review, which typically takes 3 to 5 working days, depending on the volume and complexity of the applications. If the application is approved, the Exit and Entry Administration will issue the e-visa and notify the inviting unit.
4. Obtain the E-Port Visa Confirmation LetterThe applicant must obtain the “People’s Republic of China E-Port Visa Confirmation Letter” as proof of entry. The inviting unit can download the PDF of the confirmation letter from the electronic government platform. The letter will contain specific visa information, including the entry validity period, length of stay, and visa type. After verifying the accuracy of the information, the inviting unit must send the electronic version of the confirmation letter to the foreign applicant, who must retain it for presentation when entering China.
5. Entry UseThe applicant can download the e-port visa confirmation letter and save it on their mobile device or print it. The applicant can enter from any open port in Shanghai (e.g., Pudong International Airport, Hongqiao International Airport) with their confirmation letter and passport. Immigration officers will verify the authenticity and validity of the applicant’s passport and electronic visa confirmation letter.
6. Entry Validity Period:The confirmation letter specifies a 15-day entry validity period. The applicant must enter China within this validity period, and the stay cannot exceed 30 days. If the applicant intends to stay beyond the permitted period, they must apply for an extension in advance, or they may face fines or other penalties.
[Comment]The e-port visa pilot program in the China (Shanghai) Free Trade Zone, Lingang New Area, and Pudong New Area has streamlined the process for foreigners to apply for visas to enter China, improving the convenience and efficiency of cross-border mobility. By adopting digital technologies, the e-visa eliminates the limitations of traditional paper visas, enabling applicants to undergo entry procedures more efficiently without the need for paper-based approvals and visa stamps.Especially in the post-pandemic era, where global exchange and international cooperation are increasingly vital, the e-visa provides a more flexible solution for multinational enterprises and personnel mobility. The expansion of the pilot program will help more foreign nationals enter Shanghai smoothly, facilitating economic, cultural, and technological exchanges. As the scope of the pilot continues to grow, the e-visa system in Shanghai is expected to serve as a model for further reforms in more sectors, promoting a more open and inclusive China in the globalized world.