China Visa Types, Requirements, and Application
China is one of the most visited countries all over the world. Though, it has one of the hardest visa policies. So how many types of China visas are there? How to apply for a China visa? Let’s find out in this article.
Who needs a visa to enter China?
- The China visa-free policy varies from time to time. According to the latest updates, passport holders from the following countries do not need a visa to enter China in a short-stay period. The list includes:
- Additionally, from the beginning of December in 2023 to the end of November in 2024, passport holders of the following countries are eligible to visit China within 15 days, regardless of the purpose of the stay:
- Moreover, the nationals from the following countries can visit Hainan Province for up to 15 days if they join a tourist group organized by a Hainan-based international tourism agency which is approved by the National Tourism Administration of China:
- As long as the tour representative is present during the trip, citizens from the following countries can be visa-exempt while taking part in a tour which is organized by the agency whose headquarters are in both countries:
- Visitors are waived China visa if they stop over to transit through the airports in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu.
- 🇩🇪 German, 🇰🇷 South Korean and 🇷🇺 Russian nationals can visit China without applying for China visa if they join an international tourist group. The maximum granted period of stay is 21 days.
- Holders of a valid APEC business travel card or Foreigner’s Permanent Residence card are also exempt from visa.
China visa types
There are primarily 4 types of China visa including diplomatic visa, courtesy visa, service visa and ordinary visa.
In the case of ordinary visa, the specific categories are as follows:
F visa (Visitor visa)
This type of China visa is issued for people who visit China to serve one of the following purposes:
- International exchanges.
- Study.
- Cultural visits.
- Scientific research.
- Non-commercial activities.
M visa (Commercial business visa)
You will lodge a China visa application if you wish to visit China for commercial activities.
L visa (Tourist visa)
This China visa is granted for applicants planning to visit China for tourism purposes.
Q visa (Family visa)
This China visa is suitable for international applicants whose family members are Chinese nationals or residue in China permanently.
Based on the duration of the stay and applicants eligibility, Q visa is divided into two different types. They are:
Q1 visa
This visa is granted for foreigners who are the family members of Chinese citizens and plan to visit China in the long run. The eligibility is expanded to international visitors wishing to stay in China for foster care.
The validity of this visa can exceed 180 days.
Q2 visa
This visa is issued for foreigners who are the relatives of Chinese citizens. The validity of this visa is only within 180 days.
S1 visa
You can apply for China visa on this matter if you fall into the categories:
- Family members of foreign nationals who work or study in China in over 180 days.
- Visitors stay in China for private affairs for more than 180 days.
S2 visa
This kind of China is granted for people whose foreign citizens work or study in China. However, the duration of stay is within 180 days.
Z visa (Work visa)
The categories of eligibility include:
- Fields of technical support, Research and Development, Management and Consulting.
- Film, commercials production and fashion show purposes
- Visiting commercial performance or shows.
- Coaches and athletes visiting China to be hired temporarily.
G visa (Transit visa)
This visa allowed foreigners visitors to transit in China at train stations, airports or ports.
C visa (Crew visa)
This China visa is granted for foreigners crew members of means of transports engaging in cross-border activities. This also includes the family members of the aforementioned crews.
X1 visa (Type 1 study visa)
If you want to pursue long-term higher education in China institutions, you will need to lodge this China visa application.
X2 visa (Type 2 study visa)
If you visit China for further education yet within 180 days, you will apply for this visa.
R visa (Professional talent visa)
This China visa is granted for foreigners who are well-qualified talents or work in urgently needed fields in China.
J1 visa (Type 1 journalist visa)
This China visa is issued for international journalists or staff of the foreign media agencies wishing to reside in China for a long-term period. The duration of validity is above 180 days,
J2 visa (Type 2 journalist visa)
This China visa is issued for international journalists visiting China to carry out some short-term media missions. The accepted duration of the stay is within 180 days.
D visa (Permanent residence visa)
This sort of China is granted for people wishing to reside in China permanently.
China visa requirements
General visa requirements
These are some required general documents to submit when you apply for China visa.
- A duly completed application form.
- A physical photo on the white background. It is suggested to be taken within 6 months.
- An electronic photo in the form of JPEG.
- Birth certificate.
- A valid passport which does not exceed 10 years.
- A copy of the former passport’s data page, photo page, and Chinese visas ( only applies to Chinese citizens or current China visa holders).
- A return ticket or flight booking proof.
- Confirmed accommodation documents.
- Proofs of commitment to return after the visit.
- Civil status proofs to justify.
- An invitation letter.
Apart from the aforementioned documents, there are some additional papers you need to submit up to the type of China visa. Specifically, the list includes:
F visa (Visitor visa)
An Invitation letter issued by Chinese agencies.
M visa (Commercial business visa)
An invitation letter issued by a commercial company or business
L visa (Tourist visa)
An invitation letter attached with a copy of the identity card of the inviter.
Q1 visa
Original proof of the relationship between the applicant and their family member as well as its copies.
Q2 visa
An invitation letter attached with a copy of the identity card of the inviter.
S1 visa
- An invitation letter attached with a copy of the identity card and the Residence Permit for Aliens of the inviter.
- Original proof of the kinship as well as its copies.
S2 visa
- Original proof of the kinship as well as its copies.
- Documents justifying the purpose of the short visit.
Z visa (Work visa)
The original and copy of one of the possible following documents:
- Employment Permit for Foreigner
- Foreign Expert Permit
- Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit
- Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Office
- Approval for Commercial Performance.
G visa (Transit visa)
Connecting flight tickets.
C visa (Crew visa)
Guarantee letters issued by the relevant companies or organizations based in China.
X1 visa (Type 1 study visa)
The original and copy of visa application for Study in the form of JW-201 or JW-202.
X2 visa (Type 2 study visa)
The original and copy of China Admission Notice.
R visa (Professional talent visa)
Visa notices granted by Chinese competent organizations.
J1 visa (Type 1 journalist visa)
- Visa notice issued by the Information Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
- The official letters signed by the applicant’s employer.
J2 visa (Type 2 journalist visa)
- Visa notices issued by the Information Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry or other competent Chinese authorities.
- The official letters from the applicant’s employer.
D visa (Permanent residence visa)
The original and copy of Alien Permanent Residence in China issued by the Ministry of Public Security.
How to apply for China visa?
You need to follow these following steps for the China visa application.
Step#1. Make a plan
You will prepare your China visa application, including but not limited to: your duration of visa, your purpose of the stay, your type of China visa and choose the nearest destination of the embassy or consulate to apply.
Step#2. Complete the China application form
You will fill out the form on the official website of China Online Visa Application (COVA) before printing it.
Moreover, applicants from specific countries will be redirected to the VAC website to apply. Otherwise, you will contact the Embassy for the information of guidance.
Step#3. Pay visa fee
Remember, the China visa fee hinges on the types of visa and the nationalities.
This is the list of price based on the categories:
- The fee for Single Entry is $39.49.
- The fee for Multiple Entries is $59.88.
- The fee for Multiple Entries 6 months is $78.99.
- The fee for Multiple Entries 12 months is $118.48.
- Brazilian and American citizens are charged for a fee of $140.
- Argentine citizens are charged for a fee of $150.
- Canadian citizens are charged for a fee of $80.
When it comes to the case of Vietnamese nationals, the list is as follows:
- The fee for Single Entry is $60.
- The fee for Multiple Entries is $90.
- The fee for Multiple Entries 6 months is $120.
- The fee for Multiple Entries 12 months is $180.
Step#4. Set up a visa appointment
You need to book a China visa appointment with your chosen Embassy or Consulate.
Step#5. Attend the visa interview
You will hand in your required and supplement documents to your application destination. This will be the step to confirm your purpose and decide whether you will be granted or rejected.
Step#6. Receive the visa
Once being accepted, you will be informed by the agency and a China visa would be accompanied by your passport.