Policy Information

Foreigners applying for visas must answer the relevant questions and complete the following procedures:

lProvide valid passports or documents that can replace passports;

lFill out the visa application form and submit a recent 2-inch half length full face, bareheaded photo;

lEvidence related to the application for entry and transit for inspection.

The relevant proof mentioned in the third item above refers to:

(1) To apply for a D-visa, you must present a confirmation form of residency status. The confirmation form for settlement status shall be applied for and received by the applicant or their authorized relatives in China from the entry and exit management department of the city or county public security bureau in the place of application for settlement;

(2) To apply for the Z visa, one must have a certificate of employment or employment from the Chinese employer, or a letter or telegram from the authorized unit;

(3) To apply for visa X, proof from the receiving unit or competent department is required;

(4) To apply for the F-visa, a letter or telegram from the authorized unit is required;

(5) To apply for an L-visa and travel to China, a reception certificate from the Chinese tourism department is required. If necessary, air tickets, train tickets, or ship tickets for the country (region) after leaving China must be provided;

(6) To apply for a G-visa, you must hold a valid visa for the country (region) you are visiting. If the applicant is exempt from applying for a visa to a country (region), they must hold a connecting ticket;

(7) Apply for a C-visa and provide relevant proof according to the agreement;

(8) To apply for visas J-1 and J-2, a certificate from the competent authority is required. Foreigners who come to China to settle or reside for more than 1 year must also submit a health certificate issued by the designated health and medical department of the host country's government or notarized by a notary office when applying for an entry visa. The health certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance.

Type of visa for coming to China:

Chinese visas are divided into diplomatic visas, courtesy visas, official visas, and regular visas. Among them, there are eight types of regular visas, represented by Chinese pinyin letters:

(1) Tourist visa (L-visa): issued to foreign citizens who come to China for tourism, family visits, or short-term private affairs.

(2) Visitor visa (F-visa): issued to foreign citizens who are invited to China for visits, inspections, lectures, business, scientific and cultural exchanges, further education, internships, and other purposes for no more than six months.

(3) Study visa (X visa): issued to foreign citizens who come to China for study, further education, or internship for a period of more than 6 months.

(4) Work visa (Z visa): issued to foreign citizens who come to China for work, commercial performance, or academic exchange, as well as their accompanying spouses and underage children.

(5) Transit visa (G-visa): issued to foreign citizens who transit to a third country or region, stay at the airport for more than 24 hours, or leave the airport.

(6) Crew visa (C-visa): issued to foreign international train operators, crew members, and sailors who come to China for crew, aviation, and shipping missions.

(7) Journalist visa (J-visa): divided into two types: "J-1" and "J-2". J-1 visa is issued to foreign journalists residing in China, as well as their accompanying spouses and underage children; The J-2 visa is issued to foreign journalists who are temporarily visiting China for interviews.

(8) Residence visa (D-visa): issued to foreign citizens who have been approved to settle in China.

The Chinese visa authorities determine which visa to issue based on relevant laws, the applicant's identity, purpose of arrival in China, and the type of passport.