How China’s Electronic Visa Program Works for Foreign Visitors
China is planning to introduce electronic visas and online application pilots to significantly reduce processing times for foreign visitors. The government is also simplifying approval procedures for those attending international exhibitions and sporting events.
How China’s Electronic Visa Program Works for Foreign Visitors
China is standardizing its digital entry systems through an expanding e-visa pilot and a suite of online application tools. While traditional paper visas remain the norm for most long-term stays, the National Immigration Administration has shifted key regions like Shanghai’s Pudong New Area and the Lin-gang Special Area to a fully digital workflow.
Under this system, inviting businesses submit applications through local government platforms. Once approved, travelers receive an electronic confirmation letter that allows for entry without a physical sticker in their passport. This transition is part of a broader push to digitize border security, which now includes app-based electronic border permits and online arrival cards.
Who can use these digital tools
The e-visa pilot currently prioritizes business travelers, specialized talent, and those visiting for personal affairs who have a local sponsor. Digital nomads and transit travelers benefit more directly from the expanded 240-hour visa-free transit available at 65 ports as of late 2025.
For those attending large-scale exhibitions or sporting events, the government has simplified the process by removing the requirement for formal invitation letters. Most e-visas issued under the current pilot are single-entry, valid for a 15-day entry window and a maximum stay of 30 days.
Application steps and requirements
To utilize the digital system, travelers must coordinate with their inviting entity in China to submit documentation via the Shanghai PSB platform. For those outside the pilot zones, the China Online Visa Application (COVA) system is the standard requirement.
- Complete the digital form and upload required documents through the COVA portal.
- Download and print the electronic visa confirmation for presentation at the border.
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
- Check the latest visa updates for changes to fee structures, which generally hover around $140 for US citizens.
Read our full China guide for the complete picture.