China is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and a hub for business travellers. To enter China, you need a visa, which is a document issued by the Chinese government that allows you to enter, leave, and stay in China for a specified period. There are different types of Chinese visas, and understanding each one is essential before planning your trip. In this article, we will explore the various types of Chinese visas and their requirements.
L Tourist Visa
The tourist visa, also known as the L Visa, is the most common type of visa for people traveling to China for tourism purposes. This visa allows you to stay in China for up to 30 days and is valid for three months from the date of issue. You can apply for this visa if you are traveling to China for sightseeing, visiting family or friends, or engaging in other non-business activities.
Z Work Visa
The work visa, also known as the Z Visa, is issued to people who are planning to work in China. To obtain this visa, you must have a job offer from a Chinese employer and a work permit issued by the Chinese government. This visa allows you to stay in China for up to 90 days and can be extended after arriving in China.
X Student Visa
The student visa (X visa) is issued to individuals who intend to study in China. This visa is typically valid for the duration of the study program and must be converted to a residence permit upon arrival in China. To apply for an X visa, you’ll need to provide a passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a completed visa application form, a recent passport photo, and an admission letter from a Chinese university or school.
Q Family Visa
The family visit visa (Q visa) is issued to individuals who intend to visit family members living in China. This visa is typically valid for 30 to 90 days and can be converted to a residence permit if the visitor plans to stay in China for more than six months. To apply for a Q visa, you’ll need to provide a passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a completed visa application form, a recent passport photo, and proof of relationship with the Chinese resident.
S Private Matter Visa
The private visit visa (S visa) is issued to individuals who are visiting friends or family members in China for personal reasons. This visa is typically valid for 30 to 90 days and can be converted to a residence permit if the visitor plans to stay in China for more than six months. To apply for an S visa, you’ll need to provide a passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a completed visa application form, a recent passport photo, and proof of relationship with the Chinese resident.
M Business Visa
The business visa, also known as the M Visa, is issued to people traveling to China for business purposes. This visa allows you to stay in China for up to 60 days and is valid for three months from the date of issue. You can apply for this visa if you are attending business meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts in China.
F Visits/Exchange Visa
The non-commercial visit visa, also known as the F visa, is issued to individuals who need to enter China for non-commercial business activities such as attending conferences, conducting business negotiations, or participating in trade fairs. This visa is typically valid for 30 to 90 days and can be used for single or multiple entries. To apply for an F visa, you’ll need to provide a passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a completed visa application form, a recent passport photo, and an invitation letter from a Chinese company or organization. Additional documentation such as proof of business registration or tax records may be required.
J Journalist Visa
The journalist visa (J visa) is issued to individuals who are working as journalists or correspondents for foreign news organizations in China. This visa is typically valid for 180 days and can be used for single or multiple entries. To apply for a J visa, you’ll need to provide a passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a completed visa application form, a recent passport photo, and a letter from your employer or news organization confirming your employment and purpose for visiting China. You may also need to provide additional documentation, such as a press card or proof of professional qualifications.
G Transit Visa
The transit visa, also known as the G Visa, is issued to people who are transiting through China on their way to another destination. To obtain this visa, you must provide proof of your onward travel, such as a flight ticket or visa for your final destination. This visa allows you to stay in China for up to 72 hours or up to 144 hours depending on your itinerary.
C Crew Visa
The C visa is issued to foreign crew members of means of international transportation, including aircraft, trains and ships, or motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, or to the accompanying family members of the crew members of the above-mentioned ships.
R High-level Talent Visa
The talent visa (R visa) is issued to individuals who have been recognized as high-level talents in certain fields, such as science and technology, economics, and education. This visa is typically valid for 180 days and can be used for single or multiple entries. To apply for an R visa, you’ll need to provide a passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a completed visa application form, a recent passport photo, and a certificate of recognition as a high-level talent issued by the Chinese government.
D Permanent Residence Visa
The permanent residence visa (D visa) is issued to individuals who plan to reside permanently in China. This visa requires a more rigorous application process, including a review of the applicant’s background, education, and work experience. Once approved, the D visa holder can apply for a permanent residence permit in China.
Major Purpose of Visit | Visa Categories | Description of Visa |
Exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities | F | Issued to those who are invited to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities. |
Commerce & Trade | M | Issued to those who are invited to China for commercial and trade activities. |
As a tourist | L | Issued to those who are going to travel to China for tourism. |
Family reunion, foster care or visiting relatives with permanent residence in China | Q1 | Issued to those who are family members of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence and intend to go to China for a long-term family reunion, or to those who intend to go to China for the purposes of foster care (intended duration of stay in China exceeding 180 days). “Family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law. |
Q2 | Issued to those who intend to visit relatives who are Chinese citizens residing in China or foreigners with permanent residence in China; the intended duration of stay is limited to no more than 180 days. | |
Visiting relatives working or studying in China or other private affairs | S1 | Issued to relatives of foreigners working or studying in China for the purpose of long-term visit, or to those who intend to visit China for other private reasons (intended duration of stay exceeding 180 days). “Relatives” refer to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 years and parents-in-law. |
S2 | Issued to those wishing to visit family members that are foreigners working or studying in China, or to those who intend to go to China for other private reasons. The intended duration of stay in China is limited to no more than 180 days. “Family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law. | |
Employment | Z | Issued to those taking up a post or employment, or giving commercial performances, in China. |
Commercial performances | ||
Transit | G | Issued to those who are going to transit through China en route to a third country (or region). |
As a crew member or a motor vehicle driver | C | Issued to foreign crew members of aircraft, trains and ships, motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, and also to the accompanying family members of the above-mentioned ships’ crew members. |
As a student | X1 | Issued to those intending to study in China for a period of more than 180 days. |
X2 | Issued to those intending to study in China for a period of no more than 180 days. | |
As an introduced talent | R | Issued to those who are high-level qualified talents or whose skills are urgently needed by China. |
As a journalist | J1 | Issued to resident foreign journalists/media staff of foreign news organizations stationed in China. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days. |
J2 | Issued to foreign journalists/media staff on temporary news coverage missions. The intended duration of stay in China is limited to no more than 180 days. | |
Permanent Residence | D | Issued to those who are going to reside in China permanently. |