New Version of The Chinese Visa Issued from June 2019

To improve the management of Chinese visas for foreigners, China has issued a new policy that introduces a new version of the visa and residence permit starting June 1st, 2019.

Here’s the new policy notice from Chinese National Immigration Bureau:

The new versions will be applied to both Visas and Residence Permits, including M/L/F/ visas and any other kind of visa issued by the Chinese Immigration Bureau.

F visa for visiting purposes

M visa for business purposes

L visa for tourism

R visa for high level talents

Q visa for reunion purposes

S visa for personal matters

X visa for study

C visa for flight crews 

G visa for transit

J visa for journalism 

Here is a sample of the new visa version 

                                     New version China Visa

                             

                             New version China Resident Permit

The new version is made according to the Machine-Read standard of the International Civil Aviation Organization which introduces a more advanced anti-counterfeit technology which will simplify the immigration process at Chinese borders, as it allows it to be automatically read by border machines.

What is the differences between the old version and new version visas?

1. The applicant's photo will be printed on the visa

The application will be the same as before but the applicant will need to provide a photo to be printed on the visa, which can be taken for free at every Immigration. Applicants can also provide their own if it fulfills the following requirements:

1. Must be taken within the last six months

2. Must have a white background

3. Must be two inches high 

4. No hats allowed  

5. Must not present any kind of modification or blots 

6. Must be printed in photographic paper

2. New issuing bureau

The new visa will be issued by the China National Immigration  Administration Bureau instead of China Public Security Bureau

3. Electronic Receipt 

The Chinese visa fee receipt will be electronic instead of paper. The electronic receipt can be downloaded via the following link for applicants in Shanghai: 

Shanghai Online Platform For Government Affairs of Exit-Entry Administration

All Chinese visa holders who still have the old version will not need to upgrade to the new version until the visa expires. All application documents, place of issue and visa fees will be the same as before. 

China recently announced new policy about 144-hrs Transit Visa for China

Good News: China announced new visa policy for transit visa 2019

From 31st Jan 2016, Foreigners come from 51 countries who transit (destined for a third country or region - HK, Macau, Taiwan with booked a through air ticket) in Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang within 144 hours (6 days) are exempted from visas for China. During the visa exemption period, the passenger is allowed to move around within Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang. see the details below:

China Visa News stated now the Travelers from following 51 countries can apply for the 144-hour transit visa exemption, which are:

24 Schengen countries in Europe:	Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherland, Poland, Portugal, Slovak, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
13 other European countries:	Russia, Great Britain, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania.
6 American countries:	The United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Chile.
2 Oceania countries:	Australia and New Zealand.
6 Asian countries:	Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

The China Visa News will guide you how to get 144 hours visa-free transit.

The 144 hours visa will be granted a visa-free stay of up to 144 hours while in transit via following:

• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
• Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
• Shanghai Port of International Cruise Terminal
• Shanghai Wusongkou Port of International Cruise
• Port of Shanghai Railway
• Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG)
• Hangzhou International Airport (HGH) 

How to apply the 144 hrs China Transit visa for yourself ?

Here is how: After getting off the plane you will head for immigration. Look for a counter that says "144 hours Transit visa exemption", you need to provide following documents:

• Your valid passport
• Air ticket with confirmed date of flight and seat for a third country (region)   traveling within 144 hours.
• Arrival & Departure Card form (completely filled).

The immigration officer may ask you questions to confirm your travel plan, if everything is correct, he/she will stamp the transit visa on your passport immediately.

Be smart to calculate that 144 hrs to avoid any overstay?
So after you enter China, start from the next day 0am for 6 days. For example, you enter Shanghai on 7am at 1st March 2016, then you can stay maximum till 12pm at 7th March.

If visitors are unable to depart on time due to unavoidable reasons, such as flight cancellation or treatment of sudden disease, they need to apply for a visa from Municipal Public Security Bureau (PSB).

Are there any Restrictions of the 144-hour Visa-free Transit?
Yes : Transit visa regulation does not apply to passengers who travel on a single return flight (e.g., Hong Kong – Shanghai - Hong Kong), which means the destination and place of departure can not be the same. For example:
USA - Shanghai - Taiwan is available to apply 144 hrs transit visa in shanghai.
USA - Shanghai  - USA is NOT available to  apply 144 hrs transit visa in shanghai.

USA - Singapore - Shanghai - USA is available to apply 144 hrs transit visa in shanghai.

which city can I visit with 144-hour Visa-free Transit?
You can go to Shanghai and any city in Jiangsu and Zhejiang province.

Can I enter China from shanghai (apply the transit visa) and leave China from Hangzhou?
Yes, Hangzhou is a city in Zhejiang, as we mentioned above, during that 144 hours, you can travel to Zhejiang and leave China from there.

China Visa News is official news channel of Elite Travel Arrangements.
for latest news and updates, subscribe to our channel.