China pilots port e-visa for Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area

China has launched a port e-visa service in Shanghai for foreigners invited by enterprises at China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Lin-gang Special Area from July 12, according to China's National Immigration Administration.

According to the pilot policy, the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau can issue five categories of port e-visa for eligible foreigners for purposes including visits and businesses. The whole visa application process can be conducted online by the invitation side for the applicants.

The e-visa will be valid for 15 days upon approval and holders can stay for 30 days. They can enter from any entry-and-exit ports in Shanghai and exit through any entry-and-exit ports nationwide.

Gu Yingjie contributed to the story.