China Visa Types

China offers several types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit. Below are the main types of China visas:

1. Tourist Visa (L Visa)

The L Visa is for those visiting China for tourism, visiting family, or participating in activities like sightseeing and recreational activities.

  • Single Entry: Valid for one entry, typically up to 30 days.
  • Multiple Entry: Valid for multiple entries, usually with a validity of 6 months or a year, and allows stays of up to 30 days per visit.

Required Documents:

  • Passport with at least 6 months of validity.
  • Completed visa application form.
  • Passport-sized photo.
  • Flight tickets and hotel reservation or tour itinerary.

2. Business Visa (M Visa)

The M Visa is for individuals visiting China for business, such as attending conferences, meetings, or negotiating contracts.

  • Single, Double, or Multiple Entries: Valid for 30, 60, or 90 days per entry.
  • Invitation Letter from a Chinese company or organization may be required.

Required Documents:

  • Passport with at least 6 months of validity.
  • Completed visa application form.
  • Passport-sized photo.
  • Invitation letter from a Chinese company.
  • Flight and hotel booking.

3. Work Visa (Z Visa)

The Z Visa is for foreign nationals who are employed in China. This visa is required for anyone planning to work for a Chinese company or institution.

  • The Z Visa requires a Work Permit issued by a Chinese employer, and the applicant must meet certain qualifications.

Required Documents:

  • Passport with at least 6 months of validity.
  • Completed visa application form.
  • Passport-sized photo.
  • Invitation letter from a Chinese employer.
  • Work permit and health check-up report.

4. Student Visa (X Visa)

The X Visa is for foreign students who are coming to China for academic purposes. There are two types of X Visas:

  • X1 Visa: For students who plan to study in China for more than 180 days (long-term).
  • X2 Visa: For students who plan to study in China for less than 180 days (short-term).

Required Documents:

  • Passport with at least 6 months of validity.
  • Completed visa application form.
  • Passport-sized photo.
  • Admission Notice from a Chinese educational institution.
  • Visa Application for Study in China (JW201 or JW202 form).

5. Family Visa (Q Visa)

The Q Visa is for foreign nationals visiting family members who are Chinese citizens or permanent residents of China.

  • Q1 Visa: For long-term family reunions (more than 180 days).
  • Q2 Visa: For short-term family visits (less than 180 days).

Required Documents:

  • Passport with at least 6 months of validity.
  • Completed visa application form.
  • Passport-sized photo.
  • Invitation Letter from a Chinese family member.
  • Proof of the relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).

6. Transit Visa (G Visa)

The G Visa is for travelers passing through China to a third country. It is typically issued for short stays of up to 7 days.

  • This visa is used by those transiting through China who do not qualify for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy.

Required Documents:

  • Passport with at least 6 months of validity.
  • Completed visa application form.
  • Passport-sized photo.
  • Flight tickets showing transit to a third country.

7. Journalist Visa (J Visa)

The J Visa is for journalists, reporters, and media personnel visiting China for work-related activities.

  • J1 Visa: For journalists who plan to stay in China for more than 180 days.
  • J2 Visa: For journalists who plan to stay in China for less than 180 days.

Required Documents:

  • Passport with at least 6 months of validity.
  • Completed visa application form.
  • Passport-sized photo.
  • Letter of Invitation from a media organization.
  • Press Card or other media-related documentation.

8. Permanent Resident Visa (D Visa)

The D Visa is for those who plan to live in China permanently, usually through marriage to a Chinese national, or other long-term purposes.

  • This visa is typically granted after the applicant has met the criteria for Chinese permanent residence.

Required Documents:

  • Passport with at least 6 months of validity.
  • Completed visa application form.
  • Passport-sized photo.
  • Application for Permanent Residence in China.
  • Relevant documents such as a marriage certificate (if applicable) or long-term work contract.

9. Crew Visa (C Visa)

The C Visa is for foreign crew members who are working on Chinese-registered ships, aircraft, or trains.

  • It is often used by pilots, flight attendants, and other transport-related personnel.

Required Documents:

  • Passport with at least 6 months of validity.
  • Completed visa application form.
  • Passport-sized photo.
  • Invitation Letter from the employer or relevant organization.

10. Special Visa (S Visa)

The S Visa is for people coming to China to visit family members who are working, studying, or residing in China.

  • S1 Visa: For short-term visits of family members (less than 180 days).
  • S2 Visa: For long-term visits of family members (more than 180 days).

Required Documents:

  • Passport with at least 6 months of validity.
  • Completed visa application form.
  • Passport-sized photo.
  • Invitation Letter from the Chinese family member.
  • Proof of the relationship (e.g., birth certificate).

11. APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)

APEC Business Travel Card holders can travel to China without needing a visa for business trips.

Required Documents:

  • Valid APEC Business Travel Card.

General Requirements for All Visa Applications:

  • Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.
  • Completed Visa Application Form: Available online or at the Chinese consulate.
  • Passport-sized Photos: Usually 2 recent photos.
  • Visa Fee: Varies based on the type of visa and nationality.

It is important to check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country for specific requirements and processing times, as these can vary.