Tourist Port Visa in 2025
—Abztrip
Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining a Tourist Port Visa in 2025
Have you ever dreamed of exploring China’s rich history, captivating culture, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine? The only hurdle might be navigating the complexities of obtaining a visa. But worry no more! Introducing the port visa—a quick and hassle-free option for entering China. To help you embark on your journey, we’ve provided all the essential details about the China port visa below.
What Is a Port Visa?
For those planning to enter China with a port visa, it is a convenient type of visa issued directly at the port of entry. This allows travelers to enter China without needing to secure a visa beforehand from a Chinese embassy or consulate.
Much like the “visa on arrival” policies in other countries, the China Port Visa offers an alternative for travelers seeking entry. The application process is often more straightforward than obtaining a visa through an embassy. Visitors can rely on a qualified travel agency to handle the port visa application at the designated entry port in China.
*Beijing Daxing International Airport.
What Are the Advantages of Appling for a Port Visa?
The port visa is particularly convenient for travelers residing in cities without a Chinese embassy or consulate. It eliminates the need for repeated trips to an embassy to submit application forms or attend interviews, saving you valuable time, money, and effort during the visa application process.
For those unfamiliar with the application procedures, obtaining a port visa is simpler and more straightforward than applying in advance through an embassy or consulate. You only need to provide the necessary documents and personal information to the travel agency handling the application.
Additionally, the port visa is an excellent option for tourists making last-minute travel plans to China, as it requires significantly less time to process compared to other types of visa applications.
Who can Apply for a Port Visa?
Port visas are exclusively available to foreign tour groups organized and invited by authorized travel agencies with the necessary qualifications, meaning individuals cannot apply for a port visa independently.
To proceed, simply locate a qualified travel agency to assist with your visa application. Follow their guidance and provide all the required documentation to ensure a smooth process.
What Should I Do to Apply for a Port Visa?
Step 1: Find a Travel Companion
As per the regulations of the China National Immigration Administration, a tour group applying for a port visa must consist of at least two people. Ensure you know who will join you on your China trip.
Step 2: Select a Qualified Travel Agency
Choose a travel agency authorized to assist with port visa applications. Collaborate with your consultant to finalize your travel itinerary. They will guide you on how to format the itinerary information required for submission to the port authority.
Step 3: Make Your Reservations
Once the itinerary is confirmed, proceed with making all necessary reservations, including round-trip flight tickets and accommodations. Clearly communicate your preferences to the travel agency, and your consultant can assist in booking a suitable hotel. Note that international flight bookings are typically not included in the travel agency’s services. However, at Odynovo, our travel experts are ready to assist with recommendations and guidance for your flight reservations.
Step 4: Gather the Required Electronic Documents
Prepare the necessary personal documentation, such as a scanned copy of your passport’s information page and a digital ID photo.
List of Information You Should Prepare
To make it clearer, here’s a list of all the required information:
- Tour Itinerary in China
- Name List of the Tour Group
- Hotel Booking Confirmation (electronic copy)
- Round-Trip Flight Booking Details (electronic copy)
- Passport Information Page (electronic copy)
- ID Photo (electronic format)
Tourists are responsible for providing the above details. The travel agency will then gather all application forms and submit them to the local port authority for processing.
How Much Does a Port Visa Cost?
The total cost of applying for a port visa is approximately 274 USD for American and Canadian citizens, and 169 euros for European citizens. This includes the visa fee, the visa agency’s service fee, and the service fee charged by the travel agency.
The cost of the port visa varies based on the tourist’s nationality, in accordance with China’s visa reciprocity policy. For American and Canadian citizens, the visa fee is 140 USD for a single entry, while for European citizens, it is 60 euros.
Typically, local Chinese visa agencies at the ports charge a service fee ranging from 20% to 30% of the visa fee.
Additionally, the travel agency’s service fee for processing the port visa is around 106 USD per person, depending on the exchange rate.
How Long Does It Take to Apply for a Port Visa?
You should submit the required documents at least 15 days before your planned arrival (preferably no less than 10 working days). The visa application typically takes 2 to 3 days to process. According to port visa regulations, travelers must enter China within 15 days of the visa issuance date.
Expedited service is available, but it comes at a higher cost, approximately 1.5 times the regular service fee.
How Long Can Tourists Stay in China With a Port Visa?
Travelers with a port visa can stay in China for up to 30 days. This duration provides ample time to plan an unforgettable trip and fully explore the rich culture and beauty of China.
Valid Ports of Entry
There are numerous ports where port visas can be issued. Below, we’ve listed some of the main cities that offer this service. If the city you wish to arrive in is not included, you can refer to the official list on the National Immigration Administration of China’s website (https://en.nia.gov.cn/n167/n247/n10178/c68203/content.html).
| City | Valid Ports |
| Beijing | Beijing Capital International Airport Beijing Daxing International Airport |
| Shanghai | Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Shanghai Pudong International Airport |
| Xi’an | Xi’an Xianyang International Airport |
| Guilin | Guilin Liangjiang International Airport |
| Guangzhou | Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport |
| Shenzhen | Shenzhen Baoan International Airport Shenzhen Shekou Port |
| Zhangjiajie | Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport |
| City | Valid Ports |
| Beijing | Beijing Capital International Airport Beijing Daxing International Airport |
| Shanghai | Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Shanghai Pudong International Airport |
| Xi’an | Xi’an Xianyang International Airport |
| Guilin | Guilin Liangjiang International Airport |
| Guangzhou | Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport |
| Shenzhen | Shenzhen Baoan International Airport Shenzhen Shekou Port |
| Zhangjiajie | Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport |
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How to Get to China With a Port Visa?
We recommend that travelers first confirm whether the original copy of the port visa is required for departure from their country. If the original is needed, please inform us in advance about the time it will take for package delivery, so the travel agency can adjust the schedule accordingly.
Typically, passengers can depart using a copy of the port visa, while a designated person will bring the original visa to the immigration area at the Chinese port of entry and hand it to the travelers. A pick-up guide will be waiting at the airport exit gate.
Tour groups may enter China through any of the open ports. However, individuals with a port visa must enter through the port where the issuing authority is located. To minimize risks, we recommend entering China via the port that issued your visa.
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