China’s biggest annual trade show is about to get a lot easier to attend. On 22 October 2025 the Shanghai Public Security Bureau announced a package of entry-exit measures for the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), to be held 5-10 November at the National Exhibition and Convention Center. For the first time, the city’s one-stop “port e-visa” will cover all accredited CIIE participants. Shanghai-based hosts can upload invitation lists through the official CIIE portal or the municipal e-government platform; overseas invitees then receive a digital confirmation letter that functions as an electronic visa. Travelers present the QR code on arrival and clear immigration in a single, paper-free channel, cutting processing time from 10 minutes to under two.
The facilitation has been expanded beyond local companies. Foreign exhibitors invited by firms outside Shanghai—as well as organized delegations of overseas buyers—may now apply for the same port visa, eliminating the need to visit a Chinese embassy. Repeat visitors can even reuse passes from the 5th-7th expos during registration. A dedicated Foreign Service Station inside the venue will convert on-arrival passes into short-term residence or stay permits for those who need to remain in China after the show.
Behind the scenes, Shanghai police are also installing 24-hour smart endorsement kiosks so domestic exhibitors can instantly obtain Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao business side-trips. Exhibitors’ booths will feature “one-click” emergency call buttons linking directly to the police command center, while registration forms now accept China’s Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card—an additional nod to long-term expatriates.
CIIE organisers say more than 3,200 firms from 110 countries have confirmed, occupying 360,000 m² of floor space. By smoothing immigration formalities, authorities hope to lift attendance above last year’s 394,000 in-person visits and cement Shanghai’s status as China’s most open port of entry for business travellers.
For multinationals the message is clear: China is doubling down on targeted visa facilitation for high-profile commercial events even as geopolitical headwinds persist. Companies sending staff should begin the online visa request at least two weeks before departure and remind travellers that the e-visa is valid only for entry via the 60 authorised ports listed on the confirmation letter.
The facilitation has been expanded beyond local companies. Foreign exhibitors invited by firms outside Shanghai—as well as organized delegations of overseas buyers—may now apply for the same port visa, eliminating the need to visit a Chinese embassy. Repeat visitors can even reuse passes from the 5th-7th expos during registration. A dedicated Foreign Service Station inside the venue will convert on-arrival passes into short-term residence or stay permits for those who need to remain in China after the show.
Behind the scenes, Shanghai police are also installing 24-hour smart endorsement kiosks so domestic exhibitors can instantly obtain Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao business side-trips. Exhibitors’ booths will feature “one-click” emergency call buttons linking directly to the police command center, while registration forms now accept China’s Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card—an additional nod to long-term expatriates.
CIIE organisers say more than 3,200 firms from 110 countries have confirmed, occupying 360,000 m² of floor space. By smoothing immigration formalities, authorities hope to lift attendance above last year’s 394,000 in-person visits and cement Shanghai’s status as China’s most open port of entry for business travellers.
For multinationals the message is clear: China is doubling down on targeted visa facilitation for high-profile commercial events even as geopolitical headwinds persist. Companies sending staff should begin the online visa request at least two weeks before departure and remind travellers that the e-visa is valid only for entry via the 60 authorised ports listed on the confirmation letter.
