Visa Information
Participants travelling to Shanghai, China, for the ANR Meeting, taking place from 12–15 May 2027, are responsible for confirming and meeting all passport, visa and entry requirements applicable to their nationality and travel arrangements.
Visa and visa-free entry policies may change before the meeting. We strongly recommend checking the latest requirements with the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate well in advance of your journey.
Do I Need a Visa?
Whether you require a visa depends on several factors, including:
- Your nationality
- The type of passport you hold
- The purpose and duration of your visit
- Your travel route
- Any visa-exemption agreement in effect at the time of travel
China currently offers visa-free entry to citizens of certain countries and maintains separate visa-free transit arrangements for eligible travellers. However, some of the current visa-exemption measures are time-limited and may not remain in effect through May 2027.
Please do not assume that you are eligible for visa-free entry based on current policies. Confirm the requirements that will apply on your travel dates through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center or the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your country of residence.
Applying for a Chinese Visa
Participants who require a visa should begin the application process as early as possible.
The appropriate visa category and required supporting documents depend on the purpose and circumstances of your visit. Attendance at a scientific or professional meeting may fall under a category covering exchanges, visits or other relevant activities. However, the final determination of the appropriate visa category is made by the relevant Chinese embassy, consulate or visa application centre.
Applicants may be asked to provide documents such as:
- A passport valid for the required period
- A completed visa application form
- A recent passport photograph
- Proof of travel arrangements
- Hotel or accommodation information
- Confirmation of registration for the ANR Meeting
- An official invitation letter
- Additional documents requested by the relevant authorities
Requirements and procedures may vary according to the applicant's nationality and place of residence. Participants should follow the instructions issued by the Chinese diplomatic mission or visa application centre processing their application.
Invitation Letter
Registered participants who require an invitation letter to support their visa application may request one from the ANR Meeting Organising Secretariat.
Please note:
- Invitation letters will only be issued to participants who have completed their registration and paid the applicable registration fee in full.
- The participant's name and personal details must be entered exactly as they appear in their passport.
- Invitation letters will be sent electronically.
- An invitation letter does not constitute a commitment by the organisers to provide financial support.
- The organisers cannot contact or intervene with embassies, consulates or immigration authorities on behalf of individual participants.
- Issuance of an invitation letter does not guarantee that a visa will be granted.
Once your registration and payment have been completed, you will receive a Registration Confirmation Letter, which will include a link to request your official Visa Support Letter from the ANR Meeting 2027 Organising Secretariat.
Participants should allow sufficient time for their request to be processed before scheduling a visa appointment.
Visa-Free Transit
China currently operates a 240-hour visa-free transit policy for eligible nationals travelling from one country or region to a different third country or region through an approved port.
The third-destination rule
Country A – Shanghai – Country B may qualify if all other conditions are satisfied.
Country A – Shanghai – Country A would not normally meet the third-destination requirement.
Eligibility depends on nationality, port of entry and exit, onward travel arrangements and the areas the traveller intends to visit. Policies and eligible-country lists may change before the meeting. Participants considering this option should consult the latest information from China's National Immigration Administration and confirm eligibility with their airline before travelling.
When Should I Apply?
Visa processing times vary between countries and may be affected by appointment availability, public holidays or requests for additional documentation. Participants requiring a visa are encouraged to:
- 1
Check the requirements several months before the meeting.
- 2
Ensure that their passport meets the applicable validity requirements.
- 3
Complete their ANR Meeting registration.
- 4
Request an invitation letter, if required.
- 5
Submit their visa application as early as permitted by the relevant authorities.
- 6
Avoid making non-refundable travel arrangements until the necessary travel documentation has been secured.
The Chinese Visa Application Service Center generally recommends applying approximately three months before travel. Participants should nevertheless confirm the permitted application period and expected processing time with their local centre.
Important Information
The ANR Meeting organisers provide invitation letters solely to support visa applications. Responsibility for obtaining the appropriate visa and permission to enter China rests entirely with the participant.
The organisers cannot be held responsible if:
- A visa application is refused
- A visa is issued later than expected
- A participant does not meet the applicable entry requirements
- Travel is disrupted due to incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Visa or immigration policies change before the meeting
Participants are responsible for all expenses associated with their visa application, travel arrangements and entry into China.
Official Information
For current and authoritative information, please consult:
- Chinese Visa Application Service Center
- National Immigration Administration of China
- Official visitor information from the Government of China
- The Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your country of residence.
All visa and entry information should be reconfirmed closer to the ANR Meeting on 12–15 May 2027.