Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China – Updated on December 18, 2024:
1.China has recently implemented a 30-day visa-free policy for citizens of 38 eligible countries, including various European nations such as Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland. Additionally, citizens of Australia and New Zealand from Oceania, as well as Malaysia, South Korea, Brunei, and Japan from Asia, are also included in this policy.
This visa-free policy will remain in effect until December 31, 2025. For more information, please visit the official website.
2.The 240-Hour Visa Free Transit program, allowing eligible travelers to stay in China for up to 10 days without a visa, has been launched. A total of 54 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, are included in this program.
Under this new policy, travelers can now easily explore different provinces within China, such as traveling from Beijing to Xian and then to Shanghai. Additionally, the Mohan Railway Port at the China-Laos border can be used as an entry/exit point to Yunnan province.
Furthermore, the Hong Kong High-speed Rail West Kowloon Station has been added to the Guangdong Province 240-hour transit visa-free list. This provides even more convenience for travelers looking to explore the region.
For more information on the 240-Hour Visa Free Transit program and eligible countries, please visit our website.
3.Currently, China has successfully negotiated full visa exemption agreements with a total of 25 countries across various regions. These countries include several Asian nations such as Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, Kazakhstan, the UAE, Qatar, Armenia, and Georgia. In Europe, China has established agreements with Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and San Marino. Additionally, visa exemptions have been secured with African countries Mauritius and Seychelles, Oceania countries Fiji, Tonga, and Solomon Islands, North American countries Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, and Bahamas, as well as South American country Suriname.
4.When applying for a Chinese Tourist Visa, U.S. nationals do not need to provide booking confirmations for flights and hotels, China itineraries, or invitation letters.
5.Appointments are not required for visa applications at many embassies and consulates. China Discovery is dedicated to staying informed about the most recent Chinese visa and entry policies. For further information, you can contact +86 010 12367, the official telephone number of the China National Immigration Administration. We invite you to join our Facebook Groups to stay up-to-date with the latest news!
What are the visa types for China?
China offers various types of visas for foreigners based on their purpose of visit. It is important for applicants to adhere to official laws and regulations by applying for and obtaining the most suitable Chinese visa in order to enter and stay in the country.
How many types of Chinese Visas are there?
It is crucial to understand and determine which type of Chinese visa you should apply for before gathering materials. While the basic requirements are the same, there are specific supporting documents required for each type. Chinese visas are categorized into four main types: Chinese Diplomatic Visa, Service Visa, Courtesy Visa, and Ordinary Visa. When discussing Chinese visas, we are typically referring to the Ordinary Visa types in mainland China, which consist of 12 sub-types totaling 16 categories.
Please follow us as we provide a brief introduction to each type of Chinese visa below. This will help you determine and choose the visa that best matches the purpose of your visit to China. Additionally, we will outline the necessary documents you should prepare for your application, in addition to the required passport, application form, and photo.
Main China Visa Categories – L/M/Z/F/X Visa
● China Tourist Visa – L Visa
The China Tourist Visa, also known as the China Travel Visa, is granted to individuals who plan to visit mainland China for the purpose of sightseeing and touring.
Individual tourists have the option to apply for a single-entry visa (valid for 3 months), a double-entry visa (valid for 3 to 6 months), or a multiple-entry visa (valid for 6 months or 1 year) depending on their specific needs. Additionally, there is a single-entry Tourist Group Visa available with a validity of up to 30 days. The typical duration of stay is 30-60 days per entry, with multiple-entry visas of up to 10 years being issued to US and Canadian passport holders.
This variety of visa options allows tourists to choose the best fit for their travel plans, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience while exploring the wonders of China.
Supporting Documents:
In order to apply for a visa, it is necessary to provide proof of proposed travel arrangements, including a round-trip air ticket booking and hotel reservation record. Additionally, if there is an inviting person or unit in China, an invitation letter for the tour is required.
Useful Links: China Tourist Visa Invitation Letter / How Do I Get An L Visa for China?
China Business Visa – M Visa
The China Business Visa is granted to individuals planning to engage in commercial and trade activities in China. Similar to the China Tourist Visa, the Business Visa provides options for single, double, or multiple entries, with varying durations of stay ranging from 30 to 60 days per visit. Additionally, the M visa can be issued for up to 10 years.
Supporting Documents:
“Commercial documents issued by a trade partner in China, or a business invitation letter from an individual or business entity in China, such as an invitation to attend the annual Canton Fair in Guangzhou.
Experience a 6-day Canton Fair & Guangzhou Essence Tour.”
Useful Links: China Business Visa Invitation Letter
China Work Visa – Z Visa
The China Work Visa is granted to individuals seeking employment or engaging in commercial activities in mainland China.
Applicants for work visas must provide necessary documentation, including a government-issued work permit and other certifications to demonstrate legal employment in China. Additional documents may be requested by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
It is important to note that holders of the China Work Visa must obtain a Foreigner’s Residence Permit from a Public Security Bureau at the county level or higher within 30 days of arrival, unless their stay is limited to 30 days or less and the Work Visa specifies a shorter work period as indicated in the employment certificate.
Supporting Documents (one of the following):
- The Alien Employment License of the People’s Republic of China is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. If the duration of work is less than 90 days, a Short Term Work Certificate in China must be submitted.
- The Foreign Expert Work Permit, also known as the Foreigner’s Work Permit Notice, is issued by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs.
- The Registration Certificate for the Resident Representative Office of a Foreign Enterprise in China has been issued by the Industrial and Commercial Administrative Department in China.
- Invitation Letter for Foreigners to Participate in Offshore Petroleum Operations in China, issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation.
- – Acommercial performance approval document issued by the Chinese government’s cultural affairs authority is required for applicants seeking to perform commercially in mainland China
● China Non-Commerce Visa – F Visa
The China F Visa, also known as the China Visitor Visa, is issued to individuals visiting China for purposes such as research, lectures, scientific endeavors, cultural exchanges, study tours, visits, and other related activities. The F visa is typically granted for single or double entry, with each visit allowing a duration of stay ranging from 30 to 90 days.
Supporting Documents:
A formal invitation letter from a reputable individual or organization in China.
Useful Links: China Non-Commerce Visa Invitation Letter
● China Student Visa – X Visa
The China Student Visa, also known as the Study Visa, is granted to foreign nationals seeking to pursue studies or internships in China, whether for a short-term or long-term period. Depending on the intended length of stay, the Student Visa is categorized into two types: X1 Visa for stays exceeding 180 days, and X2 Visa for stays of 180 days or less. The X1 Visa allows for a single entry and is valid for a period of 3 months.
It is important to note that individuals holding a China Work Visa are required to obtain a Foreigner’s Residence Permit from the Exit & Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau at the national level or higher within 30 days of their arrival in the country.
Supporting Documents:
X1 Visa :Requirements: Please provide both the original and a copy of the Admission Letter issued by the Chinese school or entity. Additionally, include the original and a copy of the “Visa Application for Study in China” form, which can be downloaded as either Form JW201 or JW202.
X2 Visa: Please provide the original and a copy of the Admission Notice issued by the Chinese school or entity.
Other Chinese Visa Categories – C/D/G/J/R/S Visa
① China Crew Visa – C Visa
The China Crew Visa is granted to foreign crew members of international transportation vehicles such as aircraft, trains, ships, or motor vehicles involved in cross-border transport activities. It is also available to the family members accompanying these crew members. US passport holders are eligible to apply for a 5-year multiple-entry China Crew Visa.
② China Resident Visa – D Visa
The Permanent Residence Permit in China is granted to individuals who plan to establish permanent residency in the country. To apply for this permit, applicants must provide both the original and a copy of the Confirmation Form of Foreigners’ Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China. Additionally, registration and application for Residence Permits must be completed within 30 days of entering the country.
③ China Transit Visa – G Visa
The Transit Visa is granted to individuals who plan to pass through China on their way to another destination.
Travelers in transit must provide a valid onward ticket (by air, train, or ship) with a confirmed date and seat to their next destination, which must be a third country or region.
China now offers a 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit option in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Shenzhen, totaling 20 cities in mainland China. Additionally, there is a 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit option in cities like Guilin, Harbin, and Changsha. Furthermore, most cities offer a 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit option for international travelers passing through.
④ China Journalist Visa – J1/J2 Visa
Journalist Visa (J1) is issued to foreign journalists residing in China who work for foreign news organizations or to the family members accompanying crew members. This visa allows for a stay in China that exceeds 180 days.
Journalist Visa (J2) is issued to foreign journalists who plan to travel to China for short-term news coverage. The duration of stay in China is limited to no more than 180 days.
⑤ China Family Reunion Visa – Q1/Q2 Visa
Q1 Visa is issued to individuals who are family members of Chinese citizens or foreigners with Chinese permanent residence. This visa is intended for those who wish to reunite with their families in China or provide foster care. The duration of stay in China with a Q1 Visa exceeds 180 days.
Q2 Visa: This visa is issued to individuals with the same purpose and intended duration of stay in China, which is no more than 180 days.
Family members eligible for the Q2 Visa include spouses, parents, sons, daughters, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and parents-in-law.
Supporting Documents:
Invitation letter from a Chinese citizen or a foreigner residing in China with a permanent residence permit.
Please provide a copy of the inviting person’s ID or a foreign passport with a permanent residence permit. Thank you
An original and a copy of the family relationship certification, such as a marriage, birth, or kinship certificate, are not required for the Q2 Visa application.
⑥ China Talent Visa – R Visa
The China Talent Visa is specifically designed for high-level foreign talents and professionals who are in high demand in China.
⑦ China Private Visa – S1/S2 Visa
S1 Visa is issued to individuals who plan to visit China to reunite with family members who are working or studying in the country for an extended period. This includes spouses, parents, children under the age of 18, parents-in-law, or individuals traveling for other personal reasons. The duration of stay in China with an S1 Visa exceeds 180 days.
S2 Visa: In similar circumstances, the S2 Visa allows for a short-term stay of up to 180 days. Family members eligible for this visa include spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and parents-in-law.
How to Apply for A Chinese Visa?
STEP 1 – Find out what kind of visa you need
Determine which type of Chinese visa you should apply for based on the purpose of your visit, whether it be for travel, business, work, transit, family reunion, or any other reason.
STEP 2 – Preapre Required Documents for Application
Please refer to the official guide and instructions to prepare the necessary materials for applying for a Chinese Visa. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months, complete the most recent version of the Chinese Visa Application Form (2013 version), provide 2 photos (sized 48mmx33mm), pay the required visa fees, and gather any other relevant supporting documents.
Useful Links: | China Visa Required Documents | China Visa Photo Requirements | Apply China Visa Online | Where to Apply for China Visa
STEP 3 – Collect & check your China visa
Thank you for submitting your application. Please be patient while your application is being processed. Typically, this process takes about 4 to 5 business days. The exact collection date will be indicated on the pick-up slip provided to you. Once you receive your visa, please carefully review the visa type, duration of stay, and number of entries to ensure they have been issued correctly.
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Most Recommended China Tours:
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- ● 14 Days Shanghai to Yunnan Wild China Expresses Tour
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If you are interested in a visa-free tour of China, we can customize a personalized itinerary for you in popular cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and more. This option is available to travelers who meet the necessary visa requirements.
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