China’s Visa Types: Complete World Travelers Guide
There are over 12 different types of visas offered by China to foreigners traveling to their country. These include work visas (visa Z), business visas (visa M), student visas (visas F, X1, and X2), and more. There is a $140 visa application fee for U.S. citizens who apply for a Chinese visa.
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In addition to needing to know which Chia visa type is correct for your travel plans, you need to understand the application fees, which rules expats need to follow when applying for a long-term visa, and which documents you need for your application.
Are you needing to apply for a China visa but aren’t sure which visa you need? Are you unclear about the visa application process or how much money it’ll cost you to apply?
This complete world travelers guide to China’s visas is just what you need! This is a strong resource that is designed to introduce you to many topics related to Chinese visas and direct you to more articles and sites where you can dig deeper into the individual questions you have on the topic.
Be sure to use all the links to our other blog posts about Chinese visas so you can read our whole series!
We also highly encourage you to learn about the Top International Insurance Companies in China for Expats so you can secure medical coverage for your health while traveling abroad. Reach out to us with your questions!
Special Visa Categories in China: The Visa Types
China uses a special visa category system to organize its visa types. Visa categories range from C, D, F, G, J, L, M, Q, R, S, X, to Z. Each visa category describes the type of visa issued to a foreign individual based on their particular purpose of entering China.
Foreigners must apply for the visa category that best describes the planned activities they’ll perform after entering China.
Let’s introduce each visa category below:
- C – Issued to foreign crew members of means of international transportation, including aircraft, trains, and ships, or motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, or to the accompanying family members of the crew members of the above-mentioned ships.
- D – Issued to those who intend to reside in China permanently.
- F – Issued to those who intend to go to China for exchanges, visits, study tours, and other activities.
- G – Issued to those who intend to transit through China.
- J1 – Issued to resident foreign journalists of foreign news organizations stationed in China. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.
- J2 – Issued to foreign journalists who intend to go to China for short-term news coverage. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.
- L – Issued to those who intend to go to China as a tourist.
- M – Issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities.
- Q1 – Issued to 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 intend to go to China for the purpose of foster care. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days. “Family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters, and parents-in-law.
- Q2 – Issued to those who intend to visit their relatives who are Chinese citizens residing in China or foreigners with permanent residence in China. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.
- R – Issued to those who are high-level talents or whose skills are urgently needed in China.
- S1 – Issued to those who intend to go to China to visit the foreigners working or studying in China to whom they are spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 or parents-in-law, or to those who intend to go to China for other private affairs. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.
- S2 – Issued to those who intend to visit their family members who are foreigners working or studying in China or to those who intend to go to China for other private matters. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days. “Family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters, and parents-in-law.
- X1 – Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of more than 180 days.
- X2 – Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of no more than 180 days.
- Z – Issued to those who intend to work in China.
You can learn more about the types of Chinese visas available in our blog post about Special Visa Categories in China. You can also review China’s government website for more details.
Business Visas in China
Foreigners who need a business visa in China should apply for the M visa, and this can be completed online and/or in person at your nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate. The M visa is designated for foreigners entering China for trade and commercial activities.
Activities that qualify as a trade or commercial activity include:
- Business meetings
- Training workshops
- Visiting clients
- Buying and selling products
- Producing and manufacturing-related activities
- Etc.
You can learn more about how to apply for a business visa in China by reading our blog post, which details the step-by-step process, the necessary documents, how much business visa fees are, and some tips for your China application.
Student Visas in China
There are three types of student visas available for students entering China: the F visa for foreign exchange students or study tours, the X1 visa for students studying in China for over 180 days, and the X2 visa for students studying in China for less than 180 days.
Students need to be formally accepted into a study program or university before applying for a student visa to China.
In order to receive a visa, students attending a Chinese university will need to show the original copy of their admission letter or notice and foreign exchange students will need to show information regarding the entity or individual who has invited them to come to China.
To read the full 10-step process to applying for a student visa in China, read our blog post all about it.
Work Visas in China
Foreigners and expats who need a work visa in China should apply for the Z visa. This visa is designed for individuals who work in China or perform commercial and entertainment performances in China. You must be 18 – 60 years old to apply, and you must meet the following requirements:
- Have good health
- Have no criminal record
- Have a valid job offer in China
- Have valid job documents
- Have relevant skills and experience for your specific position
There are a number of China work permit classifications. Let’s introduce these below:
- Class A: High-Level Experts
The Class A work permit is for scientists, technology leaders, international entrepreneurs, and specialized talents who have typically won an international award or widespread recognition.
- Class B: Professionals
The Class B work permit belongs to talents that meet specific educational, professional, or work criteria according to China’s regulations (such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree).
- Class C: Ordinary Foreigners
The Class C work permit is for ordinary foreigners who are employed temporarily or seasonally in a non-technical or service position.
To learn more about how to apply for a work visa in China, read our blog post that outlines the requirements for a China work visa, the steps of application, how much visa fees cost, the work permit classifications, and related FAQs.
Understanding China’s Visa Fees
Foreigners from the United States of America who apply for a Chinese visa will most often pay a visa application fee of $140. This fee is the same for single entry, double entry, and multiple entries in China for up to 12 months or more. U.S. citizens applying for the J1 or J2 visas will pay $171.
The J1/J2 visas are for foreign journalists.
Non-U.S. citizens will pay the following fees for China visas:
- $23 – Single Entry
- $34 – Double Entry
- $45 – Multiple Entries for 6 months
- $68 – Multiple Entries for 12 months
In addition to the visa application fee, you will be charged a service fee and tax. If you choose an expedited visa process, you will be charged $25 for the express service fee so you can pick up your visa quicker.
To learn about when and where you pay your visa fees, which payment methods are accepted, and what happens if you don’t pay your visa application fee, read our blog post dedicated to helping Chinese visitors understand China’s visa fees.
China’s Simplified Visa Application Process
As of September 2023, China has simplified its visa application process, reducing the amount of text needed in the application paperwork to speed up the process and eliminate excessive paperwork. China has also lifted the visa requirement for short visas.
This makes it possible for foreigners from certain countries to enter China up to 15 days maximum without a visa.
In the past, visa applications were required to give a detailed account of their travel history over the past 5 years, but the newer optimized application process requires only a listed version of their travel history.
The new visa application process has 5 strategies targeting inbound travelers:
- Relax requirements for foreigners applying for port visas
- Create easier visa extension and renewal processes
- Smooth over the transition for foreign transits so that foreigners with 24-hour layovers can skip border checks
- Simplify re-entry visas for foreigners who have multiple entries and exits from China
- Shorten the document process for China visa applications
To read more about the changes made to China’s visa application, these 5 targeted strategies, and the expected impacts of these changes, read our blog post about China’s simplified visa application process.
Staying Compliant with China Visa Regulations as an Expat
Expats living and/or working in China must remain compliant with China’s visa regulations. This includes having the correct documents when applying for your visa, filling out the Temporary Residence form within 24 hours of arriving in China, and promptly applying for a long-term residence permit.
You must apply for your residence permit within 30 days of entering China.
If your visa is going to expire soon, you must make sure to apply for an extension before it expires.
To learn more about how to follow the visa laws as an expat, read our blog post: China Visa Regulations – Staying Compliant as an Expat.
International Health Insurance Plans for Expats in China
It is so important for expats in China to have an international health insurance plan that covers their medical expenses. The best health plans for Chinese expats are offered by Cigna, Allianz, NOW Health, AXA, GeoBlue, MSH International, IMG Global, April International, Ping An, Bupa, and ICBC-AXA.
If you’d like to browse plans and health providers by city in China, check out the top international insurance providers in:
You can also discover where the best hospitals in China for expats are located near you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of visa do I need to visit China as a tourist?
Tourists traveling to China need the most common type of visa: the Tourist Visa (L Visa). This visa is for those who plan to travel to China for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, visiting family or friends, or other personal affairs. The Tourist Visa typically allows for a stay of 30 days.
How do I apply for a Chinese visa?
Applying for a Chinese visa includes the following steps: 1) Complete the visa application form, 2) Prepare the required documents, 3) Submit your application, 4) Pay the visa fee, 5) Attend an interview (if required), 6) Wait for processing, 7) Collect your passport with the visa sticker on it.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read our world travelers guide to China’s visa types, you’re hooked up with all the sources you need to get started on your application. It would be helpful for you to learn about the healthcare system in China before you move around the globe so you can arrive prepared.
We also invite you to read our blog post about living abroad in China!
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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