Last updated 2025-05-26
Visa on arrival, VoA, Port visa
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Issued to foreigners who need to visit China for emergency business purposes and do not have time to apply for a visa at Chinese embassies or consulates abroad. Applicants must present an invitation letter from the relevant authority confirming the emergency situation that requires their presence.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
from 1 day to 1 month
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
An urgent port visa is issued at the checkpoint upon presentation of documentary evidence of the need for urgent entry into the PRC and is valid only for the duration of the stay. A new visa must be obtained upon re-entry. The validity period of the visa is determined by the checkpoint staff, depending on the individual situation of the applicant and the documentary evidence of the purpose of the visit. The maximum validity period is 30 days. In order to ensure that applicants can obtain visas at checkpoints without any problems, it is recommended that foreigners apply in advance to the visa issuing authority at the checkpoint through which they intend to enter China and arrive at the checkpoint to apply for a visa after preliminary examination and approval by this authority. The application can be submitted in any convenient way, independently or with the help of the inviting party.
from 1 day to 1 month
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
The length of stay for a specific visa is determined by the checkpoint staff, depending on the individual situation of the applicant and documentary evidence of the purpose of the visit. The maximum permitted length of stay for such a visa is 30 days.
from 1 day to 1 month
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
The maximum extension period for such a visa is 30 days. Foreigners who need to remain in China after their visa expires must apply for a visa extension at the Entry and Exit Reception Office of the Public Security Bureau no later than 7 days before the visa expiration date. Applicants must provide supporting documents justifying the need for the extension. This procedure can only be done once.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
Any port visa is valid for one entry.
Not applicable
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
A port visa is available for foreigners who urgently need to enter China and do not have enough time to apply for a visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate. It does not require any preliminary steps or procedures, and is issued directly at the checkpoint on the day of application.
$180
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
The amount of the port visa consular fee may vary depending on the applicant's nationality and the specific purpose of the visit.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Original passport and colorful scan of the information and extension page valid for at least 6 months, with 2 or more blank visa pages.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Invitation letter
An invitation letter outlining the visit purpose(s).
Proof of the emergency
Relevant proof and details of the emergency.
Itinerary arrangements
Main itinerary arrangements.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Travel health insurance
Valid for the full duration of stay, covering at least €30,000, and include emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation, including in case of death.
Documents for minor children
Birth certificate, adoption certificate, or guardianship certificate evidencing parental or guardianship rights; certified power of attorney or permission from parents or legal guardians for minors traveling abroad.
Financial evidence
Proof that the applicant can support themselves financially during their stay in China is required. Bank statements may be submitted as evidence.
Proof of accommodation
A hotel reservation, lease, or rent documents.
Return ticket
Return air ticket booking.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Port visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Urgent visit
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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terranusuppor@outlook.comValidity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
from 1 day to 1 month
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
$180
