Are you going to embark on a journey to China? Don’t forget to apply for an appropriate type of visa! China has comprehensive visa policies. Whether you are traveling there for tourism, business, or education, you are required to hold a valid visa of the corresponding type. This guide will walk you through China’s requirements and delineate a step-by-step process for your convenience. Now, follow us to unlock a smooth journey to the vibrant and historically rich country!
Different Types of Chinese Visas
Before kicking off your journey, it is vital to acquire a fundamental understanding of the types of Chinese visas available. Then, you shall pinpoint the category that caters to your needs. This section will explain the visas and who they are tailored for:
- Tourist Visa (L)
L-Visa is designed for those who intend to visit China as a tourist.
- Business Visa (M)
M-Visa is issued to people who plan to go to China for commercial and trade activities.
- Work Visa (Z)
Z-Visa is designated for foreigners going to China for employment.
- Student Visa (X1/X2)
The Student Visa can be divided into two sub-categories, X1- and X2-Visa.
X1-Visa is designed for students intending to study in China for a period of more than 180 days;
X2-Visa is issued to students planning to study in China for no more than 180 days.
- Private Affairs Visa (S1/S2)
The Private Affairs Visa can also be categorized into two types, namely S1 and S2.
S1-Visa is designated for those who intend to visit their spouses, parents, sons or daughters under 18 years old, or parents-in-law, who are foreigners working or studying in China. The S1-Visa can also be issued to those who come for other private affairs. S1-Visa holders are allowed to stay in China for more than 180 days.
S2-Visa is issued to those who plan to visit their family members* who are foreigners working or studying in China, or to those who come for other private affairs. The intended duration of stay is no more than 180 days.
*“Family members”: spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters, and parents-in-law.
- Family Reunion Visa (Q1/Q2)
Q1- and Q2-Visas are the two types of Family Reunion Visa.
Q1-Visa is designed for those who are family members* of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence and intend to go to China for family reunion, or to those who plan to go to China for foster care. Q1-Visa holders are allowed to stay in China for more than 180 days.
*“Family members”: spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters, and parents-in-law.
Q2-Visa is issued to those who plan to visit their relatives who are Chinese citizens living in China, or foreigners who obtained permanent residence in China. The intended stay is no more than 180 days.
- Transit Visa (G)
G-Visa is designed for those who intend to transit through China en route to another destination.
- Crew Visa (C)
C-Visa is granted to international transportation personnel, including those engaged in the operation of aircraft, trains, and ships, or motor vehicle drivers, or to the family members accompanying these crew members.
- Residence Visa (D)
D-Visa is granted to foreigners intending to reside in China permanently.
- Exchange Visa (F)
F-Visa is issued to foreigners going to China for exchanges, visits, study tours, or other activities.
- Journalist Visa (J1/J2)
There are two types of Journalist Visa in China.
J1-Visa, with the intended duration of stay in China of more than 180 days, is granted to foreign correspondents from overseas media outlets based in China.
J2-Visa, with the intended duration of up to 180 days, is allocated to international reporters intending to travel to China for brief media assignments.
- Talent Visa (R)
R-Visa is allocated to high-level talents or those with skills urgently needed in China.
Required Documents for Chinese Visa Application
Basic Documents
- Passport: Your original passport with at least six months of validity with blank visa pages, a photocopy of the passport’s data page, and, if separate, the photo page.
- Visa Application Form and photo: You should complete and submit the Visa Application Form with a recent color passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a light background.
- Proof of legal stay or residence status (for applicants NOT applying in their home country): If you apply outside your home country, you should provide your original and a copy of your valid certificates that verify your legal stay, like your residency, employment, student status, etc.
- Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (for individuals who previously held Chinese citizenship): First-time applicants with previous Chinese citizenship should provide their old Chinese passport and a copy of its data page.
Those who have previous Chinese visas and intend to apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visas should provide a copy of the previous passport’s data and photo pages, together with the earlier Chinese visa page. If you’ve undergone a name change, you shall include official proof of it.
Specific Documents
| Visa Types | Documents Required |
| C | A guarantee letter from a foreign transport company or an invitation from a relevant entity in China. |
| D | Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China AND an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works. |
| F | An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. |
| G | A confirmed onward ticket (air, train, or ship) to the destination country or region. |
| J1 | Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China OR other authorized units in China AND an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works. |
| J2 | Travel itinerary documents, such as air ticket booking records and proof of a hotel reservation, or an invitation letter from a relevant entity/individual in China. |
| L | Commercial activity documents or invitation letters from a trade partner or relevant entity in China. |
| M | An invitation letter is issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. Photocopy of the Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit. Original and photocopy of certification showing the relationship of family members between applicant and inviting individual, such as marriage certificate, birth certificate, or certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship. |
| Q1 | An invitation letter is issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. Photocopy of the Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit. Original and photocopy of certification showing the relationship of family members between applicant and inviting individual, such as marriage certificate, birth certificate, or certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship. |
| Q2 | Same as (1) and (2) required by Q1 application. |
| R | Submit relevant certification as per regulations for high-level talents and special skills urgently needed in China. |
| S1/S2 | An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies). A photocopy of the inviting individual’s passport and residence permit. Original and photocopy of certification showing the relationship of family members between applicant and inviting individual, such as marriage certificate, birth certificate, or certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship. For short visits and private affairs about S2 application, additional documentation may be required. |
| X1 | Original and photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entities in China. Original and photocopy of “Visa Application for Study in China” (Form JW201 or Form JW202). |
| X2 | Documentation (1) required by X1 application. |
| Z | Relevant working permits or invitations from Chinese authorities along with the confirmation letter of the invitation from related Chinese entities. |
In the cases involving invitation letter(s), the letter(s) should include:
- The applicant’s information, including full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
- Information about the visit, including the purpose, arrival and departure dates, the planned places, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, and financial source for expenditures.
- Information about the inviting entity or individual, including the name, address, phone number, official stamp, and signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual.
Reminder for D, J1, Q1, S1, X1, Z Visa Holders
Within 30 days of entry, apply for a residence permit at the local public security organs.
For more details, see the official website of the Chinese government.
How to Apply for a Chinese Visa?
The process and requirements for Chinese visa application are basically the same across countries. Here, we dissect the seemingly complicated steps for your convenience:
Step 1: Log on to China Online Visa Application (COVA), fill in the COVA forms (8-9 pages) and sign on the 8th page. Then schedule an appointment for on-site submission at the Visa Office via Appointment for Visa Application Submission (AVAS).
Step 2: Compile the required documents mentioned in the previous part of this guide with the signed COVA forms for the on-site submission. All the documents should be printed out.
Step 3: The applicant or an agent with the printed “AVAS Confirmation” page should submit the materials on time. If he (she) cannot attend, appointment cancellation should be made at least one business day ahead at the AVAS website.
Step 4: If you choose regular service, you’ll receive the visa in 4 business days; if you choose express service (urgent situation), you’ll need to wait 3 business days. Upon getting your visa, check all the information is correct. Otherwise, ask the staff for help immediately. Credit cards (Master or Visa cards only), money orders, or cashier’s checks are acceptable for on-site pick-up. As for the fees, see the official website.
Before submitting the visa application, please confirm that you live in a region served by a Chinese Embassy. You can check this at the COVA website.
Tips and Advice
- Compliant Application Photo
Ensure that your visa photos meet all the requirements mandated by the Chinese consulate, otherwise, your application will be rejected. You can use online visa photo generating tools to facilitate the process.
- Digital Form Filling
You can try using tools like Adobe Acrobat to fill out the visa application form digitally to ensure readability, thus improving the success rate of your application.
- Organizing Your Documents
To assist the verification process by consulate officers, it is advisable to arrange your documents in a neat manner, possibly with an index.
- Health Regulations
Given the changing global health landscape, you’re advised to stay abreast of health regulations by China, such as vaccination mandates, which might be required during application or upon entry.
Conclusion
Obtaining a visa is your first step towards China. This guide has offered an overview of visa categories—be it tourism, business, study, family reunions, or else—and made clear the documents required for the application of each type. By following the step-by-step process and utilizing the digital tools mentioned in the end, you will definitely have an easy, smooth, efficient, and quick application. Now, with this comprehensive, layman-friendly guide in hand, you are free to unlock your journey to China, the mysterious and attractive oriental country. Nice travel!
Dolores Xiao