A visa is a type of entry permit issued by a country’s authorized government agencies in accordance with its laws and regulations for foreigners entering, exiting or transiting through the country. According to international law and practices, any sovereign state has the right to independently decide whether to allow a foreigner to enter or exit from its borders, and whether to issue a visa, reject a visa application or revoke an issued visa according to its national laws.
In accordance with the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners and other relevant regulations, Chinese visa offices abroad are entitled to make the decision on visa type, number of entries, period of validity, and duration of stay, and to decide whether to reject a visa application or revoke an issued visa. Except for cases where visas are exempted according to relevant agreements and regulations, foreigners are required to apply for and obtain Chinese visas before entering China.
Foreigners traveling to the Chinese mainland, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, and the Macao SAR of China are required to apply for corresponding visas separately.
Categories Description of Visa
Visa Type | Purpose | Required Documents |
L | Tourist | Itinerary documents including air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of hotel reservation, or an invitation letter issued by an entity or individual in China |
M | Business and trade | An invitation letter issued by a trading partner in China |
F | Non-commercial activities such as exchanges, visits, and study tours | An invitation letter issued by the relevant entity or individual in China |
Z | Work | The original of the Notice for the Work Permit for Foreigners or the Work Permit for Foreigners |
X1 | Long-term study (for more than 180 days) | (1) A photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Study in China (Form JW201 or Form JW202) and the original or a photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by the school in China (2) The original or a photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Elementary-Stage Foreign Students to Study in China, if the applicant is a foreign student of the primary/elementary or junior/senior high school level |
X2 | Short-term study (for no more than 180 days) | The original or a photocopy of the Admission Notice issued by the receiving institution in China |
Q1 | Family reunion (for more than 180 days) for family members of Chinese citizens, or family members of foreigners with Chinese permanent resident status , and for those who intend to enter and stay in China for the purpose of foster care
“Family members” refers to spouses, parents, parents-in-law, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, and granddaughters. | (1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent resident status residing in China (2) A photocopy of the inviter’s Chinese ID card or foreign passport and the permanent resident ID card (3) The original and a photocopy of the certification (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate) showing kinship between the applicant and the inviter
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Q2 | Short-term family visit (for no more than 180 days) to a relative who is a Chinese citizen residing in China or a foreigner with Chinese permanent resident status residing in China | (1) An invitation letter issued by the Chinese citizen or foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent resident status residing in China (2) A photocopy of the Chinese ID card or the foreign passport and the permanent resident ID card of the inviter |
S1 | Long-term family visit (for more than 180 days) to a foreigner working or studying in China, to whom the visitor is a spouse, parent, son or daughter under the age of 18, or parent-in-law, or long-term stay in China for other private affairs | (1) An invitation letter from the inviter (the foreigner residing in China) (2) A photocopy of the inviter’s passport and residence permit (3) The original and a photocopy of the certification (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate) showing kinship between the applicant and the inviter
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S2 | Short-term family visit (for no more than 180 days) to a foreigner working or studying in China, to whom the visitor is a family member, or short-term stay in China for other private affairs
“Family members” refers to spouses, parents, parents-in-law, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, and granddaughters. | For family visits: (1) An invitation letter from the inviter (the foreigner residing in China) (2) A photocopy of the inviter’s passport and residence permit (3) The original and a photocopy of the certification (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate) showing kinship between the applicant and the inviter For other private affairs: relevant documents as required |
R | High-level foreign talents or foreigners whose skills are urgently needed in China. | Confirmation Letter for High-Level Foreign Talents |
C | Foreign crew members of means of international transportation, including aircraft, trains and ships, or motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, or the accompanying family members of the crew members of the above-mentioned ships. | Guarantee Letter from the foreign transport company or an invitation letter from a relevant entity in China |
D | Applicants who intend to reside in China permanently | Confirmation Form for Foreigner’s Permanent Resident Status |
G | Applicants who intend to transit through China | An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date to the destination country or region |
J1 | Resident foreign journalists of foreign news organizations stationed in China | Visa Notification Letter issued by the Department of Press, Communication and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China |
J2 | Foreign journalists who intend to enter China for short-term news coverage | Visa Notification Letter issued by the Department of Press, Communication and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or other authorized entities in China |
Group L | Group tourists | Invitation Letter for Tourist Group issued by the authorized Tourism Unit |
★ IMPORTANT:
Please be advised to apply for a visa about one month in advance of the intended date of entry into China. The applicant is held responsible for any consequences resulting from the failure to submit visa application at an appropriate time.