Is the Chinese port visa commonly referred to as a “visa on arrival”? Which ports offer “port visas”?
中国的口岸签证是常说的“落地签”吗？哪些口岸可以办理“口岸签证”？
答：中国口岸签证与有些国家“落地签”类似，是办理签证的一种“方式”或者说“途径”，而不是像“商务签证”“旅游签证”等是签证的一个种类。无论是口岸签证还是“落地签”，各国都依据各自法律设定相应的申请条件和办理程序。根据中国有关法律规定，持普通护照外籍人员有紧急入境需要、来不及在驻外使领馆办妥来华签证的，可申办口岸签证入境。外籍人员申办口岸签证，可由本人或邀请单位提前向口岸签证机关提出申请，或在抵达口岸后现场向口岸签证机关提出申请。为便利申请人顺畅办理口岸签证，避免申请人在抵达口岸后因具有法定不予签发签证、法定不准入境等情形，无法获批口岸签证入境，影响行程安排、增加经济时间成本，建议外籍人员提前向拟入境地口岸签证机关预申报，经口岸签证机关初步审核同意后再抵达口岸办理签证。外国旅游团申办口岸签证的，应由负责组织接待的境内旅行社提前向口岸签证机关申请。
截至目前，中国在国际航线较多、外籍人员入境量较大的口岸均已开展口岸签证业务，覆盖全国72个城市的99个对外开放口岸。（主要口岸签证机关及联系方式可在国家移民管理局官网查询）（来源：国家移民管理局）
China’s port visa is similar to the “visa on arrival” offered by some countries. It’s a “method” or “channel” for obtaining a visa, not a specific visa category like “business visa” or “tourist visa.” Both port visas and “visas on arrival” have specific application requirements and procedures determined by each country’s laws.
According to relevant Chinese laws and regulations, foreign nationals holding ordinary passports who need to enter China urgently and have no time to obtain a Chinese visa from a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad may apply for a port visa. Foreign nationals can apply for a port visa in person or through their inviting entity in advance at the port visa office, or upon arrival at the port.
To ensure a smooth port visa application process and avoid situations where applicants are denied entry upon arrival due to legal reasons such as ineligibility for visa issuance or entry restrictions, it is recommended that foreign nationals submit a pre-application to the intended port visa office. After receiving preliminary approval, they can then proceed to the port to complete the visa application process.
Foreign tourist groups applying for port visas should have their applications submitted in advance by the domestic travel agency responsible for their reception to the port visa office.
As of now, China has implemented port visa services at major ports with a high volume of international flights and foreign arrivals, covering 99 open ports in 72 cities nationwide. (The contact information for major port visa offices can be found on the official website of the National Immigration Administration) (Source: National Immigration Administration)
Contact Information for Major Port Visa Offices in China
中国主要口岸签证机关联系方式：https://www.nia.gov.cn/n741440/n741542/c1633769/content.html
https://bjvisa8.com/d/136-contact-information-for-visa-authorities-at-major-ports-of-entry-in-china