China's First Electronic Port Visa Issued in SH! What's Special?

China's First Electronic Port Visa Issued in Shanghai! What's Special?

In a significant move to enhance the efficiency and service quality of visa management, the National Immigration Administration has decided to pilot the issuance of electronic port visas in the Lin-gang Special Area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. This initiative marks a continued effort to optimize China's visa system.

On July 12, 2024, at approximately 1 PM, Mr. Zhong from Singapore arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. He entered China with an electronic port visa issued by the Shanghai Public Security Bureau's Exit-Entry Administration. This visa, confirmed upon inspection by border authorities, makes Mr. Zhong the first foreign national to enter China using an electronic visa. "The application and usage of the electronic port visa are very convenient. There's no need to switch to a paper visa, and the experience is excellent," Mr. Zhong remarked.

An electronic visa, or E-visa, digitizes the traditional paper visa. Visa information is stored digitally and issued to the applicant electronically, eliminating the need for a physical visa sticker in the passport. Applicants can enter and stay in the country with just their passport and electronic visa.

"It simplifies the application process and enhances service efficiency, promoting systematic openness in immigration management," said Ye Wei, the director of the Port Visa Division at the Shanghai Public Security Bureau's Exit-Entry Administration. Under the guidance of the National Immigration Administration, preparations for the pilot were thoroughly made in collaboration with the Lin-gang Special Area's Management Committee. Already, over 1,300 eligible enterprises have been registered.

Yang Wu, Deputy Director of the Human Resources Department at the Lin-gang Special Area Management Committee, highlighted the significance of the E-visa. "The implementation of the electronic port visa is a breakthrough in facilitating the movement of foreign nationals. It unleashes the potential for innovation and economic and trade exchanges by foreign talents, significantly boosting the area's investment and trade liberalization."

The electronic port visa process is entirely online. Inviting entities registered with the Lin-gang Special Area Management Committee can apply on behalf of the applicant through the Shanghai Public Security Bureau's electronic governance platform. The Exit-Entry Administration processes and approves these applications, issuing E-visas for various purposes, including visits (F visa), business and trade (M visa), talent (R visa), work (Z visa), and private affairs (S2 visa).

After issuing an E-visa, the inviting entity can download the "People's Republic of China Electronic Port Visa Confirmation" PDF from the electronic governance platform and send it to the applicant. Applicants can then save or print the confirmation document.

Source: 上海公安出入境管理

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