While applying for a visa, a visa notice issued by an authorized Chinese organization should be presented. Visa notice could be obtained from the Chinese host organization, or the Chinese side of a joint venture, or the warranty company of the foreign representative office and the solely oreign-invested company, after being reviewed by the corresponding supervising commission, office or bureau and approved by the authorized organization.

Who are taking care of the visa matters in Shanghai?

Invitations belonging to foreign trade sector should be submitted to the Municipal Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Commission for examination and approval and issuance of visa notice; invitations belonging to tourist sector should be submitted to the Municipal Tourism Administration Commission for examination and approval and issuance of visa notice; the entities registered in Pudong New Area inviting foreigners to come to China for business activities should submit the application to the Pudong New Area government for examination and approval and issuance of visa notice; the authorized group companies issue visa notices to foreigners invited by their affiliates for trade or investment activities; other visa matters shall be dealt with by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal

People's Government (SHFAO)for the issuance of visa notice.
Department of Responsibility
Foreign Affairs Administration Division of SHFAO
Address: 1418, Nanjing Road (W), Shanghai Zip Code: 200040
Tel:62792387
Fax: 62565485
Office Hour: 9:00-11:30, Monday, Wednesday and Friday

For the convenience of foreigners traveling to China, Shanghai authority offered 48-hour transit visa-free service to foreigners from Japan, Korea, Singapore, USA and some European countries who are connecting flights at Hongqiao and Pudong Airport starting on Jan. 1, 2000.