As of November 2024, China provides port visa (visa on arrival) services at 99 designated open ports across 73 cities. Foreign nationals holding ordinary passports may apply for a port visa entry if they urgently need to enter China for purposes including but not limited to business cooperation, exchanges, investment, entrepreneurship, family reunions, private affairs, or due to humanitarian reasons (e.g., attending funerals or visiting critically ill relatives) and have insufficient time to obtain a visa abroad. Additionally, foreign tourist groups organized and hosted by Chinese travel agencies are eligible for group port visas upon arrival.

Application Materials

(1) Valid passports or other international travel documents;

(2) Port Visa Application Form;

(3) Photo;

(4) Invitation letter, certification materials or travel agency invitation letter related to the reason for entry.

A port visa is valid for only one entry and the stay period shall not exceed 30 days.