The 12 Types of China Visa Made Easy For Your Japa Journey

Have you wondered about the different China visas? China is one of the world’s powerhouses and because of this a lot of people want to move there. China is the world’s most populous country with a population of over 1.4 billion people. Popular for so many things like its Great Wall of China, delicious aromatic tea and its breathtaking temples, delicious cuisine, its architectural wonders and martial arts. China has developed so fast to become the second-largest economy in the world and is known for its various technological advancements.

China has different religions and some of these religions are Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Taoism. China has about 56 ethnic groups and they speak different languages. Some regions speak mandarin, some speak Cantonese, and some speak Wu.

Did you know that China builds a skyscraper every 5 days and also has the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge?

We’ve talked about the difference between a visa and a passport and if you’ve been wondering what types of visas exist in China and which one would be best suited for you as someone who is looking to travel to China then let’s get into it 

Different Types of China Visa

There are different visas for different travel needs in China. There are four major types of visa in China and they are the Chinese Diplomatic Visa, ordinary visa, Courtesy Visa and Service Visa. When people talk about Chinese visas, more often than not they are talking about the ordinary visa type which is made up of 12 subtypes and a total of 16 categories.

The main China visa categories are the L visa, M visa, Z visa, F visa, and X visa.

China Tourist Visa – L visa 

If you intend to go to China for sightseeing and tourist activities then the L Visa is for you. It is called a China Tourist Visa or the China Travel Visa and is given to people who are going to Mainland China for tourist activities. There are the 

three months validity – single entry and 

three to six months validity – double entry 

and also six months to one year – multiple entry categories that you can apply for with the L China Visa.

Required Document For The L Visa 

Letter of your invitation If you have been invited by a person or a unit in China 

 Proof of flight ticket and return ticket and also proof of accommodation like your hotel reservation.

M Visa – China Business Visa

This is for people that intend to go to China for trade and commercial activities. This China visa has the 

single entry for a three to six months validity

and double entry with the six months to one-year validity

and also the multiple-entry categories that can be issued for up to 10 years.

Required Documents For The M China Visa 

You need a business invitation letter from a business or an individual in China 

You also need commercial-related documents issued by a trade partner in China 

 Z Visa – China Work Visa 

If you’re one of those who wants to go to China to earn an income and make a living then this is the visa for you. If you have an M Visa,  you are allowed to conduct commercial performances in Mainland China. You will need to prove that you are legally employed in China with your work permits and other certification materials.

Requirement For The Z Visa

Foreign experts working permits 

Your certificate of registration of residence from the  Representative Office Of Foreign Enterprise given by the Industrial And Commercial Administrative Department In China 

 Letter of invitation 

 An approval document for commercial performance issued by the Chinese Government Authority For Cultural Affairs. 

F Visa – China Non-Commerce Visa

The Non-Commerce Visa also known as the F Visa is issued to people who come to China for research, scientific, study tour, cultural exchange, lectures and other relevant activities. This visa is usually granted for a single or double entry and the duration of stay is usually between 30 to 90 days

Required Documents

Letter of invitation by a relative or institution in China.

 X Visa – China Student Visa.

X Visa or China Students Visa is given to people applying for short-term or long-term study and internship in China. The X Visa is in two categories which are the X1 Visa which is usually more than 180 days and the X2 Visa which is usually less than 180 days. The X1 visa is valid for 3 months and is a single entry.

Required Documents For The X1 Visa 

You need an original copy of your admission letter as given to you by the Chinese school or entity and for X2 Visa you also need original copies of the admission notice issued by the Chinese school or entity 

C Visa – China Crew Visa 

The China Crew Visa is for foreign crew members who are involved in international transportation including aircraft, ships, vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, company and family members of the crew members, and trains. Passport holders from the United States are allowed to apply for a 5-year multiple-entry C China Visa

D Visa – China Resident Visa 

For people who want to reside permanently in China then this is the visa for them. As an applicant, you will need to submit your original copy of your confirmation form of foreigner permanent residence status that is issued to you by the Ministry Of Public Security Of China. You have to register and apply for your residence permit within 30 days from the date of entry.

G Visa – China Transit Visa 

If your travelling through China then this China Transit Visa is what will be issued to you.

You will present your tickets with your confirmed date and seat to the next destination or third country or region be it your ship, train or air tickets.

There is a 144-hour visa-free transit in cities like Beijing, Chengdu, Nanjing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen and in other cities, there is a 72-hour visa-free transit in Changsha, Guilin and Harbin.

J1/J2 Visa – China Journalist Visa 

 The J1 Journalist Visa is given to resident foreign journalists that work for foreign news organisations stationed in China or to the family members and crew members who are with them. This visa is valid for 180 days.

The J2 journalist visa Is a visa issued for foreign journalists who need to go to China for short-term news coverage and the duration for stay and validity is also no more than 180 days.

Q1 / Q2 Visa – China Family Reunion Visa 

The China Family Reunion Visa (Q1 Visa) is meant for family members and relatives of Chinese citizens or foreigners who are now Chinese permanent residents and want to go to China to see their family. The visa is valid for 180 days 

Required Documents 

Original copy or family relationship certificate that is birth certificate marriage certificate. 

A copy of the invited person’s identity card or international passport 

Invitation letter by the Chinese citizen or the foreigner with a Chinese permanent residence permit.

R Visa – China Talent Visa

This China visa is meant especially for people who are high-level foreign talent and professionals coming to China

S1 / S2 Visa – China Private Visa 

This visa is meant for people who are going to China to visit foreigners that are studying or working in China for an extended period of time. These visitors are usually parents, children that are over the age of 18, spouses and parents-in-law. The visa is valid for 180 days 

You can begin your China visa application and get more information here