Visa for China

China offers several types of visa, each catering to different purposes of visit. Here are the main categories and details relevant for travelers that need visa for China:

Types of Chinese Visas

Tourist Visa (L Visa):

• Purpose: For tourism, visiting family or friends.
• Duration: Usually up to 30 days, but can be longer (60 or 90 days) depending on the applicant’s itinerary.
• Entries: Single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry (valid for 6 months, 1 year, or more).
• Documents Required: Passport, visa application form, passport-size photo, itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and sometimes a return ticket.

Business Visa (M Visa):

• Purpose: For business activities like attending meetings, conferences, or trade fairs.
• Duration: Varies, typically up to 30, 60, or 90 days.
• Entries: Single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry.
• Documents Required: Passport, visa application form, invitation letter from a Chinese business partner, passport-size photo, and proof of business activities.

Student Visa (X Visa):

• Purpose: For studying in China.
• Duration: X1 Visa for long-term study (more than 180 days), X2 Visa for short-term study (up to 180 days).
• Documents Required: Passport, visa application form, passport-size photo, admission letter from a Chinese educational institution, and JW201 or JW202 form (visa application form for foreign students).

Work Visa (Z Visa):

• Purpose: For those taking up employment in China.
• Duration: Typically issued for 30 days to allow the holder to obtain a residence permit once in China.
• Documents Required: Passport, visa application form, passport-size photo, work permit from the Chinese employer, and invitation letter.

Family Reunion Visa (Q Visa):

• Purpose: For visiting family members who are Chinese citizens or permanent residents.
• Duration: Q1 Visa for long-term stays (more than 180 days), Q2 Visa for short-term stays (up to 180 days).
• Documents Required: Passport, visa application form, passport-size photo, invitation letter from a family member in China, proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificate).

Transit Visa (G Visa):

• Purpose: For transit through China to a third country.
• Duration: Up to 7 days.
• Documents Required: Passport, visa application form, passport-size photo, onward travel tickets, and visa for the destination country (if required).

Crew Visa (C Visa):

• Purpose: For crew members of international airlines, trains, or ships.
• Duration: Varies.
• Documents Required: Passport, visa application form, passport-size photo, and an official letter from the employer.

Journalist Visa (J Visa):

• Purpose: For journalists and media professionals.
• Duration: J1 Visa for long-term stays (more than 180 days), J2 Visa for short-term stays (up to 180 days).
• Documents Required: Passport, visa application form, passport-size photo, and official letter from the media organization.

China has mutual agreement with several countries to travel visa-free for 30 days (only tourism purpose or family visiting):

1. Armenia
2. The Bahamas
3. Barbados
4. Belarus
5. Bosnia and Herzegovina
6. Dominica
7. Fiji
8. Grenada
9. The Maldives
10. Mauritius
11. San Marino
12. Serbia
13. Seychelles
14. Suriname
15. UAE

There are new announcements from China’s National Immigration Administration that in 2024 Australia, New Zealand, and many EU countries can travel to China visa-free for 15 days for travel and leisure purposes. Also Singapore citizens can travel without a visa for 30 days to China.

If you travel for business or other purposes, or if your stay in China needs to be longer than 15/30 days you still need to apply for a visa.

How to apply for Chinese Visa

Use this link to apply for visa for China.

Determine Your Visa Type:

• As a tourist, apply for the L Visa.

Prepare Required Documents:

• Valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
• Completed visa application form.
• Recent passport-size photo.
• Detailed itinerary including accommodation bookings.
• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements).
• Return flight ticket.

Submit Your Application:

• Apply at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.
• Some countries may allow online applications or submissions via a visa service center.

Pay the Visa Fee:

• The fee varies by country and visa type. Check with the local Chinese consulate or embassy.

Wait for Processing:

• Processing times vary but typically take 4-10 working days.