Shanghai issued the first e-visa: an important step in the digitalization of China's visa system

Shanghai authorities have issued China's first e-visa, an important step for the country in promoting the use of e-visa system and simplifying processing procedures.

This year, China's national immigration administration decided to issue e-visas in the Lingang Special Zone of the China Pilot Free Trade Zone (Shanghai) in order to optimize the country's visa system and improve the quality of service for foreigners. Currently, e-visas are already available for foreigners entering the area at the invitation of local companies.

A citizen from Singapore has reportedly become the first foreigner to receive an e-visa to Shanghai. He successfully crossed the border at Pudong International Airport, noting the convenience of applying for, as well as obtaining and using the e-visa.

The electronic visa (e-Visa) is a digital version of the familiar paper visa. Visa issuance through online service allows applicants to save time on visa issuance or extension and excludes personal visits to embassies and consulates to submit and receive documents. All visa information is stored digitally and issued to the applicant as an electronic document.

The China e-visa is a single-entry visa and is valid for 15 days from the date of receipt. Visa holders can stay in Shanghai for a maximum of 30 days. The e-Visa holder can enter China through any of Shanghai's open checkpoints and exit through any open port in the country. The e-Visa will be available for foreign nationals traveling to China for tourism, business trips, for professionals planning employment and for entering the country on personal business.

Thus, the transition to e-Visa makes China a more open and attractive destination for foreign tourists, business travelers and highly skilled professionals.

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