Launched last July in a pilot phase, the electronic visa (e-Visa) for entry into China is undergoing its first expansion.
On July 12, 2024, China launched a port e-visa system (Port e-Visa) in the Lin-gang Special Area in Shanghai.
The program, designed to facilitate foreign entry into the economic innovation zone, was expanded on October 25 to include the entire Pudong New Area.
“Building on the success of the initial pilot phase, we have worked with relevant departments in Pudong to expand the program,” said Wang Sheng, section chief of the administration’s port visa office.
He added that more than 300,000 eligible companies have been notified of the expansion of the recent policy and have completed the necessary procedures, aimed at further streamlining investment and trade in the region.
The expansion represents a significant step forward in the digitalization of entry procedures in China for foreign visitors invited for business, tourism or professional activities.
How does this new electronic visa for travel to China work?
Digitizing the ordinary paper visa, the new Port e-Visa system allows Chinese companies located in eligible areas to submit visa applications online for their international partners and visitors.
The e-visa application is made on the Shanghai Public Security Bureau’s gaj.sh.gov.cn portal, which issues business visas (M), non-business visit visas (F), work visas (Z), short-term private visas (S2), and high-level talent visas (R).
Once approved, the visa is valid for 15 days for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days.
This visa can be used at all Shanghai entry checkpoints for entry into China and from any authorized Chinese port for departure from the country.
This process simplifies procedures and reduces delays, eliminating the need to affix a paper visa in visitors’ passports, while enhancing the attractiveness of the Pudong area for international business.
This initiative is part of China’s broader efforts to modernize its immigration system and promote international trade in its special economic zones, thereby consolidating Shanghai’s role as a globally competitive economic hub.
This program may also be extended to other regions and visa types in the future, depending on the results observed in the Pudong area.
