China Visa

Note

With the implementation of the Regulation of the PRC on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreign Nationals on September 1, 2013, new version of Visa Application Form of the PRC (Form V.2013) came into use simultaneously. All visa applicants are required to use the new Form from September 1, 2013. Please fill out the form truthfully and clearly on the computer and then print the completed form. Handwritten forms will no longer be accepted for application.

FAQ about Chinese Visa Application

China and Visas

Number of Entries / Validity / Duration of Each Stay

Single, Double and Multiple Entry
Validity (Enter Before)
Duration of Stay (After Entry)

China Visa Exemption

There are a very few situations where it is not required for entering mainland China.

72-hour Visa-free Transit

Passport holders from 51 countries are allowed free transit in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang and Dalian.

Visa on Arrival (Issued at Entry Ports)

There are certain emergency situations which will permit aliens to get a VOA at entry ports of mainland China.

China Visa Types

Tourist (L) Issued to aliens who are going to PRC for tourism.
Business (F/M) Issued to aliens who are invited to PRC for business visit, an investigation, a lecture, scientific-technological & cultural exchanges, intern practice.
Student (X) Issued to aliens who are going to PRC for study, furthering studies.
Work (Z) Issued to aliens who are going to PRC for a post or employment.
Talent (R) issued to high-level personnel and much-needed highly talented people.
Family Reunion (Q) issued to to relatives of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residence permit residing in PRC.
Private Visit (S) issued to family members of foreigners residing in China for work, study, etc.
Transit (G) Issued to aliens who are going to a third country in transit of PRC.
Crew (C) Issued to crewmembers involving international-based transportation by trains, airway and ships and their accompanying family members.
Resident (D) Issued to aliens who are going to reside permanently in PRC.
Journalist (J-1, J-2) Issued to foreign journalists for the purpose of reporting from PRC.

Basic Information about China visa Application

Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR

Chinese Residence Permit

Required Forms for Download (in PDF format)

Travel China With Me provides the following information to help foreign travelers understand how to obtain visas and the rules for staying in China. We strive to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge. However, it’s important to note that the visa process can be quite complex, with different types of visas available and varying rules depending on your nationality. Furthermore, regulations can change at any time.

Please note that the information we provide is relevant to holders of ordinary passports. If you hold a diplomatic or service passport, different rules may apply, and we recommend seeking advice from your employer.

If you have any doubts about your specific situation, we strongly advise you to contact your local Chinese office directly for clarification.

Conclusion

In general, a visa is a permit granted before traveling to enter a country, usually for a fee. However, it’s important to understand that a visa is only an indication to immigration officials that you have met certain conditions. Upon arrival, the immigration official has the authority to approve or deny your entrance. Therefore, it’s possible to be informed upon arrival that you are not allowed to enter. There are various reasons for this, such as issues with your passport or visa, insufficient funds, intentions to work when your visa type does not permit it, or being deemed “undesirable” for other reasons. Unfortunately, there is usually nothing you can do in such situations, and you will not be permitted to enter. This can pose problems for airlines and passengers, which we will discuss further under the heading “Airline Rules.”

In some cases, a visa can be issued at the border upon arrival. This falls somewhere between requiring a visa and not needing one at all. However, it’s important to note that this option is not available for entry into China in many situations.