China visa types (16)
Official visa categories with requirements, documents and FAQs. Start from a passport-specific route above for entry rules.
Tourist Visa (L Visa) — Travel to China for tourism; group tours may use a Group L visa.
Transit Visa (G Visa) — Transit through China to a third country or region.
Business and Trade Visa (M Visa) — Commercial and trade activities with a Chinese business partner.
Exchange and Visit Visa (F Visa) — Exchanges, visits, study tours, and other non-commercial activities.
Work Visa (Z Visa) — Employment in China, converting to a work-type residence permit.
Talent Visa (R Visa) — High-level talent and urgently needed specialists.
Crew Visa (C Visa) — International crew duties on trains, aircraft, vessels, and cross-border vehicles.
Resident Journalist Visa (J1 Visa) — Resident foreign journalists at permanent news offices in China.
Short-Term Journalist Visa (J2 Visa) — Short-term news coverage in China of 180 days or less.
Long-Term Student Visa (X1 Visa) — Study in China for more than 180 days, converting to a study residence permit.
Short-Term Student Visa (X2 Visa) — Study in China for 180 days or less.
Family Reunion Visa (Q1 Visa) — Long-term family reunion or foster care with Chinese citizens or permanent residents.
Family Visit Visa (Q2 Visa) — Short visits to Chinese-citizen or permanent-resident relatives.
Private Affairs Visa — Long-Term (S1 Visa) — Long visits to foreign family working or studying in China, plus other private matters.
Private Affairs Visa — Short-Term (S2 Visa) — Short visits to foreign family in China and other private matters.
Permanent Residence Visa (D Visa) — Entry for approved permanent residence in China.