If you’re a seafarer joining a vessel in China, the visa process is likely your biggest concern. I recently joined a ship through Shanghai, and while official information is available online, practical, step-by-step advice from someone who’s actually done it is much harder to find. This blog shares my personal experience—including a few unexpected twists—to help other crew members prepare for a smooth crew change in China.
Before You Travel – What My Office Told Me
My company and their travel desk were upfront with me before departure: they informed me clearly that I would need to pay 210 Chinese Yuan for the port visa upon arrival at Shanghai airport.
However, there was a catch—Chinese Yuan was not available in my hometown, Kozhikode. No matter where I tried, I couldn’t get hold of any RMB before leaving.
What I did:
I luckily managed to exchange currency at Bangalore airport during my connecting flight. That small window saved me a lot of trouble later.
👉 **My advice:
If Yuan is not available in your city, plan to exchange it at a major international airport in India (like Bangalore, Delhi, or Mumbai) before your international leg. Carry at least 500 RMB to cover visa fees, food, and emergencies.
Documents You Must Carry
Before you even think about boarding your flight, make sure you have all documents ready—not just for China, but for **Indian immigration first**.
For Indian Immigration (Departure)
– E- Migrate from mmd
– CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate)
– OK to Board from your company
– Passport
– Joining letter
Keep these in your hand baggage. Indian immigration officers will ask for them before letting you depart.
For China Port Visa
– Valid passport
– Seaman’s Book (CDC)
– Joining letter from your company
– Port Visa Notification
– Invitation letter from the Chinese agent/shipping company
– Flight tickets and itinerary
– Local agent contact details
– Passport-size photo (one attached to application form, plus a spare)
– Printed and digital copies of everything
Arriving at Shanghai Pudong Airport – Don’t Go Straight to Immigration!
This is the most important part of this blog, and it’s where many seafarers could make a mistake.
**Do NOT go directly to the immigration counter after you get off the plane.**
Instead, look for the **Port Visa Office**. It is usually located before the main immigration hall. At Shanghai Pudong Airport, the signage is visible, but if you’re unsure, ask airport staff for “Port Visa” or “Visa on Arrival for Seafarers.”
Step-by-Step Port Visa Process at Shanghai Airport
1. **Locate the Port Visa Office** – It’s separate from the regular immigration counters.
2. **Submit your documents** – You will need to provide:
– Port visa application form (available at the counter)
– One passport-size photo attached to the form
– Your passport
– Joining letter
– Invitation letter
– CDC
3. **Get your photo taken** – In my case, I was asked to get a fresh photo from a **nearby photo studio cubicle** inside the airport. These are located close to the port visa office. Don’t worry—it’s quick and straightforward. Keep some small change handy just in case.
4. **Pay the visa fee** – The fee was **206 Chinese Yuan**, exactly as my company had told me. Payment is accepted only in **cash in Chinese Yuan**. No international cards, no foreign currency.
5. **Receive your visa sticker** – Once payment is made and documents are verified, they will stamp a **port visa sticker** into your passport. Only after this step should you proceed to the regular immigration counter.
How Long Did It Take?
The entire port visa process took about 30–40 minutes, including getting the photo taken and waiting for processing. It was orderly and professional. The key is to stay patient and keep all documents ready.
Internet and SIM Card in China
I didn’t buy a SIM card at the airport. Instead, I arranged one through the ship’s agent:
– **30 GB data**
– **30 days validity**
– **Unrestricted access**
– **Cost: USD 20** If possible, ask your agent before arrival whether they can arrange a SIM card. It saves a lot of hassle.
Summary of Practical Tips for Seafarers Joining in China
| Before leaving India | Exchange Yuan at a major airport (Bangalore, Delhi, or Mumbai) if not available in your hometown |
| At Indian immigration | Keep Emigration Certificate, CDC, OK to Board, and passport ready |
| At Shanghai airport | Go to **Port Visa Office first** – NOT directly to immigration |
| Documents for port visa | Application form + photo + passport + joining letter + invitation letter + CDC |
| Photo | May need to take one at a nearby photo studio cubicle |
| Visa fee | **206 RMB cash only** (carry 500–1000 RMB to be safe) | | After visa sticker | Then proceed to regular immigration |
Final Thoughts
My experience joining a vessel through Shanghai was ultimately smooth, but only because I had been warned in advance about the need for Chinese Yuan and the correct procedure at the airport.
The two biggest lessons from my trip:
1. **Carry Chinese Yuan in cash before you land** – My company told me 210 RMB, and that’s exactly what I paid. But cards are not accepted, so cash is essential.
2. **Do not go directly to immigration** – Find the Port Visa Office first and get your visa sticker. Going to immigration without it will cause delays and confusion.
For any seafarer joining a ship in China for the first time, a little preparation—local currency, documents in order, and knowing where to go at the airport—makes the entire crew change experience much less stressful.
*Author’s Note: This article is based on my personal experience joining a vessel through Shanghai in 2026. Immigration requirements, fees, and procedures may change. Always verify the latest requirements with your company and local agent before traveling.*.
Leave a comment