Google Chrome.png (Photo : chinaissey.com)
Beginning Jan. 2, the Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration will introduce five new services that will streamline the process of applying for travel documents while shortening the wait time for results.
The five services focus on resident permit extensions for expatriates, passport applications for Chinese citizens, Mainland Travel Permits for Taiwan residents, and travel documents for Chinese residents that have already visited Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. Taiwan residents will also be allowed to apply online for Mainland Travel Permits and can expect to have their permits in hand in less than a week.
According to reports, the key factor making the new services possible is online access. Once the new services begin, Chinese residents who apply online can expect to receive their passports within 15 days rather than the 30 days previously required. Moreover, Shanghai residents who apply online can expect to receive their passports within 7 days.
Online applications will even be available to expatriates. Expats who need to extend their residence permits will now be allowed to first submit their applications online, then bring in any supporting documents to the Pudong New Area Exit-Entry Administration office. If done using this method, residence permits will be available within an hour.
Not all of the new services are tied with online access, however. Chinese residents who have already traveled to Taiwan and want to return can apply for re-entry permits from self-service machines at any Exit-Entry Administration offices.
Naturally, for those who dislike or are otherwise not inclined to use the online services, walk-in applications will still be available at Exit-Entry Administration offices around the city.
