FAQs About Port Visas for Foreigners in Beijing

Q1: Is China's Port Visa the "Visa on Arrival"? Which Ports Are Authorized to Issue It?

China's Port Visa is similar to "Visa on Arrival" of other countries. It refers to a "way" to apply for visas or "approach" to visa application, rather than a specific category of visas, such as Business Visa or Tourist visa. Regardless of its names, each country has the conditions and procedures for its application corresponding to its laws.
According to relevant Chinese laws and regulations, when failing to obtain a visa for an urgent trip to China at Chinese overseas embassies or consulates, foreign nationals holding ordinary passports may apply for Port Visas. Foreign nationals may submit their applications either in advance to Port Visa authorities by themselves or their inviting parties or upon arrival at entry ports in China. For foreign nationals wanting to obtain Port Visas at entry ports in China, it is recommended that they get preliminary approval from relevant authorities before arrival to avoid possible legal ineligibility or additional expenses; and for foreign tourist groups applying for Port Visas, their Chinese travel agencies should apply to relevant Port Visa authorities in advance.

Q2: Under What Circumstances Are Foreign Nationals Eligible to Apply for Port Visas?
Any foreign ordinary passport holder who has an urgent need to enter China either for business cooperation 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, may apply for a Port Visa at a Port Visa authority in China if failing to obtain a visa in advance at a Chinese overseas embassy or consulate.

Q3: How to Apply for a Port Visa?
Step 1: Consult with the Port Visa Office at a relevant entry port by phone and explain your urgent entry need;
Step 2: Provide all the required documents as instructed by the staff (by courier or email);
Step 3: Once receiving a Pre-approval Notice from the said Port Visa authority, you may fly to China;
Step 4: Upon arriving in Beijing, go to the Port Visa Office at the airport terminal to complete the Port visa application procedures.

Q4: What Are the Types of Port Visas?
Crew Visa (C); Visitor Visa (F); Trade Visa (M); Short-Term Personal Business Visa (S2, internship- marked S2); Short-Term Family Reunion Visa (Q2); Talent Visa (R), Long-Term Study Visa (X1); Work Visa (Z); and Group Tourist Visa (L) (only for travel agencies)
Any Port Visa is valid for one entry and a duration of stay up to 30 days.

Q5: Contact Information of Port Visa Offices in Beijing?
(1) Port Visa Office at Terminal 2, Beijing Capital International Airport (Phone: +86-10-64590454)
(2) Port Visa Office at Terminal 3, Beijing Capital International Airport (Phone: +86-10-64532939)
(3) Port Visa Office at Beijing Daxing International Airport (Phone: +86-10-89290851)

Scan the QR code above for more information on China's port visas