China Launches Its First E-Visa in Shanghai

Key Takeaways

  • China's first electronic visa (e-visa) has been issued in Shanghai in a bid to digitalise the nation's visa process.
  • Singapore citizen Chung became the first to enter China with an electronic visa, eliminating the need for a physical visa.
  • An e-visa is valid for a single entry, with a 15-day entry validity and a 30-day stay limit.

As part of the Asian country’s efforts to promote the use of electronic visas, Shanghai has recently issued China’s first e-visa.

In a statement issued on July 13, China’s government announced that Singaporean traveler Chung became the first to enter China with an e-visa, which arrived at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport by plane at around 1 p.m. Friday, VisaGuide.World reports.

Citizens With an E-visa Can Enter China Within 15 Days, Staying a Maximum of 30 Days

The e-visa is valid for a single entry within 15 days, with a maximum stay of 30 days. Holders can enter and exit through any Shanghai or national port. The Shanghai Public Security Bureau currently issues e-visas for visitors, business, talent, work, and personal affairs.

The application and use of the e-visa are very convenient. I no longer have to renew a paper visa.

Singapore man Chung

Electronic visa, also known as “e-visa”, is the digitization of the traditional paper visa. The visa information is stored digitally and issued to the applicant as an electronic document, so there is no need to paste the visa on paper or passport. At the same time, the applicant can enter the border and stay with a passport and electronic visa.

The National Immigration Administration decided to pilot the issuance of e-visas in the Lin-Gang Special Zone of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone (Shanghai FTZ) to optimize the country’s visa system and improve efficiency and service.

In the early stage, we have made full preparations under the guidance and support of the National Immigration Administration. With the cooperation of the Lingang new area, we have registered over 1,300 enterprises. Next, we will continue to promote our pilot work in a larger scope and more fields.

Director of the Port Visa Department of the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau, Ye Wei

New Application Process for an E-visa Deemed Simple

According to the government, the application process for the e-visa is entirely online. After registration and approval by the management committee, the invited enterprise or institution can submit visa application information on behalf of the applicants. The department will process and approve applications, issuing electronic visas to eligible foreign nationals.

Moreover, introducing electronic visas is expected to attract foreign talent, encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, and further enhance the area’s investment and trade liberalization capabilities.

In August 2023, the Philippines also launched the e-visa system targeting Chinese tourists in Shanghai. During this period, a Chinese mother who was given the first electronic visa or e-visa from the Philippine government arrived in the country. She and her female toddler were onboard a China Eastern flight from Shanghai.

More News