Beijing Introduces 30-Days "Visa on Arrival"

In June, the Beijing Port Visa Office published an article on the introduction of China’s newly added Port Visa (“Visa-on-arrival”) types F and M. Visitors who wish to stay for a period of up to 30 days for ‘business’ or ‘visit’ purposes, can apply online for this Port Visa. This is different from the 144-hour Transit Visa and Visa Free rule, since this Port Visa grants access for a period up to 30 days and are not bound to specific nationalities.

Travelers who enter China through Beijing and who are in a ‘state of emergency’ and therefore can’t apply for an F or M visa through the overseas Chinese visa centres, are eligible to apply for a Port Visa. This can be done by sending the following documents to bjcrjka@nia.gov.cn :

-        Explanation letter of the Business Purpose;

•        Personal Details;

•        Proof of Emergency;

•        Main itinerary arrangements;

•        Copy of Passport.

Travelers who pass the online pre-inspection, will receive a ‘Pre-Acceptance Receipt’, which allows them to board a plane to China. After landing in Beijing, applicants should head to the Port Visa Office to complete the process. This Port Visa Office is opened 24/7 and can be found in T2 and T3 of both PEK and PKX.

Earlier this month, there was also news about a similar process in the Lingang-area of Shanghai. We expect this method to be rolled out fairly soon to other big international airports in Mainland China, namely airports in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Shanghai.

FAQ

1.     Do China's port visas equal the commonly known "visas on arrival"?

China's port visas are similar to the "visas on arrival" of some other countries. The term refers to a "way" or "method" to apply for visas, rather than a specific type of visa like "business visa" or "tourist visa" According to the relevant Chinese laws and regulations, foreign nationals holding ordinary passports, who have urgent needs to enter China but do not have enough time to apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates abroad, can apply for port visas for entry.

2.     What are the "situations of urgent needs of entering China" that are eligible to apply for port visas?

Any foreign ordinary passport holder who has an urgent need to travel to China for business cooperation, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, visiting relatives and handling private affairs, etc., or for humanitarian reasons such as attending funerals or visiting critically ill patients, and are unable to obtain a visa from Chinese embassies or consulates abroad in time, can apply for a port visa at a port visa authority in China.

3.     What documents are required to apply for a port visa in China?

A foreign national who plans to apply for a port visa at a port visa authority is required to submit his/her valid passport or any other international travel document, along with relevant supporting documents that evidence the urgent reason(s) for his/her entry into China. Once the visa is issued, he/she may enter China from the port where the visa application is made. As for the supporting documents, a foreigner entering China for urgent business activities, for example, shall submit the inviting party's invitation letter explaining the business purposes, details of emergency, and main itinerary arrangements, as well as relevant proof of the emergency. For more information, please contact the port visa authority at the intended port of entry.

4.     How can I take a flight to China without a Chinese visa?

When making an application, provide the required documents by e-mail. Once the port visa authority completes the initial review and approves it, you will receive a pre-acceptance receipt. Visa applicants can use this receipt to board flights to China from abroad.

For further information, we suggest readers to reach out to the Port Visa Office before your departure to China (bjcrjka@nia.gov.cn).