China Visa Types

A visa is an authorization issued by a country’s government agency according to its own laws and regulations. It serves as a permit for foreign nationals to enter, exit, or transit through that country. China offers various types of visas for tourists, and you need to choose the appropriate visa category based on your main purpose of visiting China. Below, we’ll introduce the different types of Chinese visas, their categories, and the required documents for each.

Types of Chinese Visas

Chinese visas generally include diplomatic visas, courtesy visas, official visas and ordinary visas. Among them, people often apply for is ordinary visas.

Diplomatic Visa: Issued to diplomatic personnel for official purposes.
Courtesy Visa: Granted for diplomatic courtesies.
Service Visa: Intended for individuals providing services.
Ordinary Visa: The most common type, which includes several sub-categories. People commonly use the ordinary visa, which includes the following categories: C/D/F/G/J/L/M/Q/R/S/X.

Chinese Visa Category

1. C Visa—Crew Member

Issued to international train attendants, aircraft crew members, seafarers on international voyages, and drivers engaged in international road transport.

♦Required documents:

1. Passport
2. Completed visa application form with photo
3. Proof of legal stay or residence (applicable to non-citizens applying for a visa)
4. Guarantee letter from a foreign transportation company or an invitation letter from a relevant Chinese entity.

2. D Visa—Permanent Residence

For permanent residence in China.

♦Required documents:

1. Passport
2. Completed visa application form with photo
3. Proof of legal stay or residence (applicable to non-citizens applying for a visa)
4. Original and photocopy of the Foreigner Permanent Residence Confirmation issued by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security.

3. F Visa

For individuals visiting China for exchanges, visits, or investigations.

4. G Visa—Transit Visa

For individuals transiting through China.

5. J Visa—Journalist Visa

Available in long-term (J1) and short-term (J2) categories for foreign journalists.

6. L Visa—Tourist Visa

For tourists visiting China. If not eligible for China’s visa-free entry policy, travelers need to apply for an L visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate abroad.

♦Required documents:

1. Passport: Validity must be at least 6 months and with at least 2 blank visa pages.
2. Visa Application Form: Fill out and sign the “Visa Application Form of the People’s Republic of China” online.
3. Proof of Legal Residence or Permanent Residence (applicable to those who apply for a passport outside their home country): Provide valid proof of legal residence, work, or study in the local area.
4. Itinerary Materials: Round-trip flight tickets, hotel reservations, etc. Also, an invitation letter from a Chinese entity (such as a travel agency) or an individual (with a copy of the inviter’s ID) can be submitted.

For first-time travelers, additional documents are needed, such as proof of financial capability (e.g., 6-month bank statements), tax certificates, employment verification, etc., to ensure sufficient funds for the entire journey. If you plan to hike, cycle, ride horses, or explore China, you’ll also need an “Authorized Tourism Unit” in China to issue an “Invitation Letter for Tourism.”

7. M Visa—Business Visa

For individuals conducting business and trade activities in China.

♦Required documents:

1. Passport
2. Completed visa application form with photo
3. Proof of legal stay or residence (applicable to non-citizens applying for a visa)
4. Invitation letter

8. Q Visa—Family Reunion Visa

Q1 (Long-term): For family members of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residence in China.

Q2 (Short-term): For relatives of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residence in China, for short visits (up to 180 days).

9. R Visa—High-level Talent and Urgently Needed Specialized Talent

For high-level foreign talents or urgently needed specialized talents.

10. S Visa—Private Affairs Visa

S1: For family members (spouse, parents, children under 18) of foreigners residing in China for work or study.

S2: For relatives of foreigners with permanent residence in China.

    - Required documents include an invitation letter and proof of relationship.

11. X Visa—Study Visa

For individuals studying in China.

X1 (long-term) and X2 (short-term) options available.

Required documents include a passport, completed application form, proof of legal stay or residence, and admission notice.