Policy Reference Date: January 1, 2019
Source: National Immigration Administration of China & Chinese Consular Services
Overview
Before traveling to China, foreign nationals must apply for the visa type that matches their primary purpose of visit.
This guide provides an overview of all Chinese visa categories, who they apply to, and the key documents required for each.
It also summarizes general application requirements and special notes for specific visa types.
1. General Application Requirements
All applicants should prepare the following basic materials:
- Passport: Original passport valid for at least 6 months with blank visa pages, plus a photocopy of the information page.
- Application Form and Photo: Completed Chinese Visa Application Form with one recent color photo (front-facing, light background, no headwear).
- Proof of Legal Residence (if applying outside your home country): Valid residence or visa document in the country of application.
- Previous Chinese Passport or Visa (if applicable):
- Former Chinese citizens: provide your previous Chinese passport.
- Applicants with prior Chinese visas: provide the old passport and visa copy.
2. Major Visa Categories
Below is a simplified summary of the main types of Chinese visas and who they apply to:
| Visa Type | Description |
|---|---|
| C | Crew members of international transportation (airlines, ships, trains, etc.). |
| D | Individuals approved for permanent residence in China. |
| F | Visitors for exchanges, visits, or non-commercial activities. |
| G | Travelers transiting through China. |
| J1 / J2 | Foreign journalists: J1 for long-term (over 180 days), J2 for short-term. |
| L | Tourist visa for leisure and sightseeing. |
| M | For business or trade activities. |
| Q1 / Q2 | For family reunion or visiting relatives in China. |
| R | For high-level or urgently needed foreign talents. |
| S1 / S2 | For relatives visiting foreigners working or studying in China. |
| X1 / X2 | For students studying in China: X1 for long-term, X2 for short-term. |
| Z | For employment or work in China. |
3. Key Supporting Documents by Visa Type
L (Tourist Visa)
- Round-trip flight and hotel booking or
- Invitation letter from a Chinese individual or organization, including:
- Invited person’s details (name, date of birth, etc.)
- Travel purpose, dates, itinerary
- Inviter’s contact details and signature
M (Business Visa)
- Invitation letter from a trade partner or event organizer in China
- Business documents or trade fair invitation
X1 / X2 (Student Visa)
- Admission notice from a Chinese institution
- JW201 or JW202 form (for X1 applicants)
Z (Work Visa)
- One of the following:
- Work Permit Notice issued by the Ministry of Human Resources
- Foreign Expert Certificate
- Representative Office Registration Certificate
- CNOOC Offshore Work Invitation
Q / S Series (Family or Private Visits)
- Invitation letter from Chinese citizen or permanent resident
- Proof of family relationship (e.g. marriage or birth certificate)
- Copy of inviter’s Chinese ID or residence permit
4. Important Notes
- Most visa holders entering China for longer than 30 days must register at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 30 days of entry to obtain a residence permit.
- Invitation letters can be faxed, scanned, or printed, but consular officers may request the original.
- Consular officers reserve the right to:
- Request additional documents,
- Conduct interviews,
- Decide visa validity, stay duration, and number of entries.
- For country-specific details, applicants should check the website of the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
