The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) will be held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, 2025, once again welcoming exhibitors, business leaders, and visitors from around the world.
To provide more efficient, convenient, and people-centered services, the Shanghai Public Security Bureau (PSB) has introduced 20 new administrative measures across five major areas, focusing on immigration, enterprise services, traffic management, venue access, and accreditation. These initiatives aim especially to make it easier for foreign exhibitors, visitors, and enterprises to attend and conduct business during the CIIE.
1. Electronic Port Visa for Foreign Exhibitors and Visitors
For the first time, Shanghai’s immigration authorities are launching an electronic port visa system specifically for foreign exhibitors and buyers participating in the CIIE.
Who can apply:
Shanghai-based enterprises and organizations can invite and apply for port visas on behalf of foreign participants through the official CIIE website or the Shanghai “One-Stop Online Government Service” platform.
Paperless processing: Applicants can complete the entire procedure online. There is no need to submit paper materials, provide a passport in person, or affix a paper visa.
Faster entry: With an Electronic Port Visa Confirmation Letter, travelers can enter China directly through designated ports and enjoy expedited immigration clearance.
This marks the first time that the electronic port visa service has been made available for an international exhibition in China. It reflects Shanghai’s commitment to improving the business environment and promoting international trade exchanges.
Additionally, the visa facilitation scope has been expanded beyond Shanghai, allowing enterprises from other provinces and municipalities that invite foreign exhibitors to also use the port visa channel.
Foreign visitors traveling to China in organized groups to attend or observe the Expo can also apply for group tourist port visas, making it easier for overseas trade missions to participate.
For returning exhibitors or professional visitors from previous CIIEs, the PSB has introduced streamlined documentation and shorter processing times. Eligible participants can also apply for multiple-entry visas, allowing them to make repeated business trips between China and other countries during the event period.
To provide further assistance, a Foreign Participants Service Station has been set up inside the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), offering on-site support for visa and residence-related matters. Foreign exhibitors can apply for or extend stay and residence permits directly at the venue. Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan participants can also use an express service for document renewal or replacement.
2. Improved Immigration and Residence Convenience Services
The PSB has also upgraded its “Integrated Immigration Service Package” for overseas talents and enterprises participating in the CIIE:
Through the Overseas Talent Direct Connection Platform, international professionals and employees of multinational companies can access 24-hour smart visa services for Hong Kong and Macao.
Foreign exhibitors entering China under visa-free arrangements (such as citizens from countries with reciprocal visa exemption agreements) can apply to convert their temporary stay into short-term residence permits, allowing them to continue their business activities beyond the initial visa-free period.
Holders of China’s Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card can now use it directly in the official CIIE registration system, streamlining the registration process and identity verification for long-term foreign residents in China.
3. Efficient Registration and Accreditation
To further simplify participation, the Expo will continue the badge reuse program piloted in previous years. Exhibitors holding valid credentials from the 5th to 7th editions of the CIIE can reactivate their old badges, saving time and reducing production costs.
In addition, the registration deadline has been extended from mid-October to October 31. For exhibitors who make last-minute personnel adjustments, the system now includes a temporary “green channel” for urgent registration requests.
The document production cycle has also been significantly shortened:
Applications received before October 30 will be processed within five working days.
Applications received after October 31 will be processed within 48 hours.
These measures aim to ensure that even late-registering international exhibitors can obtain credentials in time.
4. Enhanced Access and Mobility at the Venue
To improve the flow of visitors, the CIIE will add new security and verification checkpoints at Halls 4.1H and 8.1H (Gates 12 and 13), open during off-peak hours to reduce waiting times.
A new electronic verification channel will be set up at the InterContinental Shanghai Hongqiao NECC Hotel, allowing guests to enter the exhibition halls directly without leaving the hotel — a convenient option for many foreign delegations staying on-site.
Within the NECC, 2,803 parking spaces will be available — an increase of 5% from last year — along with 900 parking spots dedicated to exhibitor vehicles in the North Square area.
The number of on-site shuttle carts and “drop-and-go” points will also be expanded to shorten travel times between different halls and entrances.
5. Improved Traffic Management and Accessibility
Given ongoing construction along Zhuguang Road, traffic authorities will maintain a 2–3 square kilometer control zone around the NECC from November 4 to 10, between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. daily.
Residents and businesses within the control area can register to receive free vehicle passes, ensuring daily commuting and logistics needs are not disrupted.
To enhance local mobility, E Yinggang East Road will no longer restrict non-motorized vehicles, making it easier for nearby residents and visitors to access metro stations or shuttle routes by bicycle or e-scooter.
Ride-hailing and taxi operators will continue to have access to five designated “drop-and-go” zones, while navigation platforms such as Gaode (Amap) and Baidu Maps will offer real-time “Police Traffic Alerts” to help drivers choose the best drop-off points and balance parking lot usage.
6. Dedicated “Police–Enterprise Fast Track” Support
At the Expo site, the “Blue Whale Business Support Station” will provide on-site services including incident reporting, business consulting, and security guidance for exhibitors.
The PSB has also launched a CIIE Security Service Section on its official website, collecting feedback from exhibitors and addressing concerns in real time. The CIIE customer hotline now features a dedicated “Police–Enterprise Fast Track” service column, offering quick responses to business-related requests.
