How To Apply For A Visa On Arrival/Port Visa In China

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 incresingly strict, with some consulates even closing temporarily in specific high-risk areas. 

Thanks to the government’s response and the commitment of all Chinese people, China has successfully controlled the coronavirus epidemic and as of the last 5 days, there have been no new cases reported, even the city of Wuhan is going back to normal and will lift the quarantine soon. China has now become a safe place once more. Everybody is going back to work and life is going back to normal; restaurants are reopening and the streets have become busy again. 

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 counter measure for this situation, the Immigration Bureau now advices people who are planning to enter China, to apply for a Visa On Arrival or Port Visa. 

Here’s the process for applying for a Port Visa(Visa On Arriva) at Shanghai airport:

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)

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(See the sample below)

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 (some travelers will be required to quarantine for 14 days after enterig Shanghai, see the details here)

These are the documents you (your sponsor or agency) need to prepare to apply for the port visa:

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

2. Booking of flight ticket

3. Scan of Shanghai residence permit (or hotel booking)

4. Application form (download via VisaOfChina offifical WeChat)

5. Documents that detail the reason for application:

1) For business visa: Business invitation letter

2) For work visa: Work permit card copy 

3) For visit visa: Visit invitation letter

4) For other visa: Related visa invitation letter

This is the Visa On Arrival counter in Pudong International Airport

 The visa counter of PuDong International Airport - 

On the left side of the escalator before the entry counter

These visa are available for port visa:

No	Type	Comments
1	M Visa	Trade and Business
2	F Visa	Visitor Visa
3	Z Visa	Working Visa
4	R Visa	Talent Visa
5	S2 Visa	Personal Affairs
6	Q2 Visa	Dependent or Family  visa
7	L Visa	Tour Visa (only valid for  group L visa)

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

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

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Edit by Bill Lucas from VisaOfChina

Proofread by Laura Garcia from WAYWARD Translations

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