Shanghai has recently introduced new exit-entry service measures aimed at improving convenience for foreign nationals and overseas business visitors when entering and leaving the city. These measures also provide better access to the special administrative regions, including Hong Kong and Macau.
In 2025, Shanghai processed over 5.3 million exit-entry documents for Chinese citizens, marking the third consecutive year in which the total documents processed exceeded five million. With the new streamlined exit-entry services, it will be easier for foreign nationals to enter Shanghai for business purposes.
Expats working in Shanghai are now eligible to apply for port visas on behalf of foreign invitees, such as business partners or research team members. Applications can be submitted through a "personal invitation plus fully online processing" model, without employer certification documents.
An on-site visa service counter has been launched at the Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone, offering round-the-clock, same-day processing for international visitors arriving for business, family, or leisure purposes, along with support for immigration-related inquiries.
Enterprises across the Yangtze River Delta region can now submit port visa application materials for foreign visitors entering through Shanghai directly to the new "One-Stop Online Platform," which allows companies to submit applications online and have them approved remotely.
This system also facilitates visa issuance upon the visitor's arrival.
The new measures also expand the eligibility for multiple-entry permits to special administrative regions (SARS) such as Hong Kong and Macau. Professionals in the financial and shipping sectors are now eligible to apply for multiple-entry permits for travel to Hong Kong and Macau.
Eligible applicants may apply at any exit-entry service window in Shanghai for permits that will be valid for one year, with stays of up to 30 days per visit.
Shanghai’s exit-entry service windows will now offer faster processing for Hong Kong and Macau permits, single-entry mainland permits for Taiwan residents, and allow eligible local enterprises to complete Hong Kong and Macau business registrations on site.
A staffed service line has been added to the 12367 immigration hotline, offering 24/7 policy advice, application guidance, and one-on-one support for online exit-entry services, enabling applicants to complete procedures without visiting in person.
With Shanghai’s expanded exit-entry services, organizations must be prepared to protect employees who travel often. The right group insurance policy safeguards your team wherever business takes them—Pacific Prime is here to help.
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