Visa Types

A visa is a travel document issued by authorized government agencies to foreign citizens applying to enter, exit from or transit through the host country's territory based on the host country's laws and regulations.

1. Visa is required for a foreign citizen to visit China
Foreign citizens must obtain a Chinese visa before entry into China, with the exception of visa-free entry based on relevant agreements or regulations.
Please check the validity of your visa before traveling to China. If the visa has expired or the number of entries is not enough, you must apply for a new visa.
2. Visa Types
Chinese visas fall into four types: diplomatic visa, courtesy visa, service visa and ordinary visa. Ordinary visas are further divided into the following categories:
1) A Tourist Visa (L Visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who comes to China for a short stay for tourism, family visit or other personal affairs.
2) A Business Visa (F Visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who is invited to China for a visit, research, lecture, business, exchanges in the fields of science, technology or culture, advanced study, or internship for a period of no more than 6 months.
3) A Student Visa (X Visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who comes to China for the purpose of study, advanced study or internship for a period of more than 6 months.
4) A Work Visa (Z Visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who comes to China for the purpose of commercial performances or academic exchanges, and to his/her accompanying spouse and minor children.
5) A Crew Visa (C Visa) is issued to a crew member of an international train, airliner or vessel who is a foreign citizen and comes to China for business.
6) Journalist Visas (J-1, J-2 Visa)
A J-1 Visa is issued to a resident foreign journalist in China and his/her accompanying spouse and minor children.
A J-2 Visa is issued to a foreign journalist who visits China for temporary news coverage.
7) A Transit Visa (G Visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who is to transit through China on his/her way to a third country or region and will stay at a Chinese airport for more than 24 hours or will need to leave the airport.
8) A Permanent Resident Visa (D Visa) is issued to a foreign citizen who has been authorized to reside permanently in China.