As of 2024, there are many types of visas available in China. In certain cases, a port visa may be obtained for arrival at a specific entry port, but you must produce your genuine signed passport. After discussing the various kinds of visas, we will lead you through the process of applying for a China visa.
Explore Visas in China 2024
L visa- Also referred to as a Tourist Visa
Foreigners who visit the nation briefly for tourism are granted the L Visa. These visas are normally issued on a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry basis, with stay periods ranging from 30 days to around 90 days. Those wishing to visit Tibet will thus need an authorisation notice from the China Tibet Tourism Bureau in order to get a tourist visa.
F Visa — Also referred as as a Non-Commercial Visit Visa.
Foreigners invited to China for non-commercial objectives such as cultural exchanges, research, and lectures are granted the F Visa. Aside from that, when it was known as China’s business visa, it historically covered a broad variety of activities. Prior to being primarily supplanted by the M visa, the normal length of stay ranged from 30 to 90 days.
M Visa – Also referred to as a Business Visa
Foreigners entering the nation for business or commerce are granted the M visa. It is also appropriate for foreigners who go to China on a regular basis for employment but stay less than six months in the country in any given year. Furthermore, they are neither hired or compensated by a Chinese organization.
Z Visa – Also referred to as a Work Visa
The Z Visa, commonly known as the work visa, is provided to foreigners and their accompanying family members who are taking up a job or employment in China. This is the most prevalent form of visa used by foreign workers in China.
X Visa – Also referred to as a Student Visa
Foreigners who travel to China for study or fieldwork are granted this sort of visa. While holders of this kind of visa do not have the right to work, they may participate in internships if approved by their educational institution and other appropriate agencies in the nation.
C Visa — Also known as the Crew Member Visa.
Crew personnel on foreign flights, ground transportation, and sea navigation, as well as their accompanying family members, are granted the C visa. Foreign journalists working in China on a temporary or permanent basis are granted the J-visa. These foreigners are assigned to China for at least one year, and they are also appropriate for foreigners granted to foreign journalists on temporary assignments.
G Visa – Also referred to as a Transit Visa
This kind of visa package is given to foreigners who are passing through China. Because of the expense and application process for obtaining a L Visa, tourists choose it over a G Visa. In other words, you can only apply for this kind of visa if you follow tight laws and regulations.
D Visa – Also referred to as a Residence Visa.
There is no need to be concerned about the alphabet being mentioned since they are titled according to the country’s visa package. This kind of visa is granted to those who want to stay in China permanently. This kind of visa is also known as a Chinese green card, and it is difficult to get in today’s digital environment.
Q Visa – Also referred as as a Family/Personal Visit Visa.
The Q visa is provided to foreigners visiting Chinese citizens in any of their family members, as well as to foreigners who are Chinese citizens’ spouses, including those who plan to visit China for personal reasons. Aside from that, the Q1 visa is also valid for foreigners visiting Chinese nationals’ family members.
S Visa – Also known as Foreign Relatives Visa
The S Visa is granted to relatives of foreigners who work or study in China and have contracts with a certain organization. Furthermore, it is equal to the Q visa for families of foreigners residing in China for an extended period of time. They are given for stays of more than 180 days, and holders must apply for a residence permit within 30 days after entering the country.
R visas are sometimes known as Highly Qualified Persons visas.
Once again, the R visa is granted to highly qualified persons whose abilities are in great demand. Under China’s new tiered work permit categorization system, this sort of person is referred to as a Tier A talent. It is used to determine who is considered high-level individuals. Meanwhile, the government eased restrictions on top foreign talent last year, allowing them to get multiple-entry R Visas.
Visas for Diplomatic and Service
Foreign government officials and diplomatic mission workers who go to China for various official missions or accreditation are granted diplomatic and service visas. Because of the requirements, you must know your objective or goal of travel regardless of the visa you apply for.