China visa info

Chinese Visa Application Guide

Foreign citizens must obtain a Chinese visa before entering China, except in cases of visa-free entry based on specific agreements or regulations. You can apply for a visa independently or through a local visa agency. Among the various types of Chinese visas, the “L” tourist visa is the most straightforward option for entering mainland China and Tibet.

Documents Required for Visa Application

Below is a comprehensive list of documents needed for a Chinese visa application, categorized by basic and supporting documents.

Basic Documents

Passport

Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages.
A photocopy of the passport’s data page and, if separate, the photo page.

Visa Application Form and Photo

Complete the Visa Application Form of the People’s Republic of China (available on the Chinese embassy website in your home country).
Type the answers, print the form, and sign it.
Attach one recent color passport photo (bare-headed, full face) against a light background (size: 48mm x 33mm).

Proof of Legal Residence Status (applicable to those not applying in their country of citizenship)

If applying outside your country of citizenship, provide the original and photocopy of valid residence, employment, or student status certificates issued by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.

Photocopy of Previous Chinese Passports or Visas (applicable to former Chinese citizens with foreign citizenship)

For first-time applicants, provide your previous Chinese passport and a photocopy of its data page.
If applying with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain previous Chinese visas, submit photocopies of the previous passport’s data page, photo page (if separate), and previous Chinese visa page.
If your name has changed, provide an official document verifying the name change.

Supporting Documents by Visa Type

C Visa (Crew Members)

A letter of guarantee from a foreign transport company or an invitation letter from a relevant entity in China.

D Visa (Permanent Residence)

Original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners’ Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.
Note: Holders must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry at the exit/entry administrations of local public security organs at or above the county level.

F Visa (Exchanges, Visits, Study Tours)

An invitation letter from a relevant entity or individual in China, including:

Applicant’s details (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.).
Visit details (purpose, arrival/departure dates, places to visit, relationship with the inviter, financial support details).
Inviter’s details (name, contact number, address, official stamp, signature of legal representative or individual).

G Visa (Transit)

An onward air, train, or ship ticket with a confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region.

J1 Visa (Resident Journalists, Stay > 180 Days)

Visa Notification Letter from the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.
An official letter from the applicant’s media organization.
Applicants must contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance to complete formalities.
Note: Holders must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry at the exit/entry administrations of local public security organs.

J2 Visa (Short-Term Journalists, Stay ≤ 180 Days)

Visa Notification Letter from the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or other authorized units.
An official letter from the applicant’s media organization.
Applicants must contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance.

L Visa (Tourist)

Documents showing the itinerary, such as round-trip air ticket booking and hotel reservation, or an invitation letter from a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation letter must include:

Applicant’s details (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.).
Visit details (arrival/departure dates, places to visit, etc.).
Inviter’s details (name, contact number, address, official stamp, signature of legal representative or individual).

M Visa (Commercial/Trade Activities)

Documents from a trade partner in China, trade fair invitation, or an invitation letter from a relevant entity or individual, including:

Applicant’s details (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.).
Visit details (purpose, arrival/departure dates, places to visit, relationship with the inviter, financial support details).
Inviter’s details (name, contact number, address, official stamp, signature of legal representative or individual).

Q1 Visa (Family Reunion or Foster Care, Stay > 180 Days)

For Family Reunion:

An invitation letter from a Chinese citizen or foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit, including:
1. Applicant’s details (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.).
2. Visit details (purpose, intended arrival date, place/duration of residence, relationship with the inviter, financial support details).

Inviter’s details (name, contact number, address, signature, etc.).

Photocopy of the inviter’s Chinese ID or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.
Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or notarized kinship certification) showing the relationship between the applicant and inviter.
1. “Family members” include spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters, and parents-in-law.

For Foster Care:

Foster entrustment notarization from Chinese Embassies/Consulates General or a notarized Foster Care Power of Attorney.
Original and photocopy of the consignor’s passport and certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or notarized kinship certification) showing the relationship between parents/guardians and the child.
A letter of consent from the trustee in China providing foster care services and a photocopy of their ID.
A photocopy of the certificate indicating the permanent residence status abroad of the parent(s) when the child was born, if applicable.

Note: Holders must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry at the exit/entry administrations of local public security organs.

Q2 Visa (Short-Term Family Visit, Stay ≤ 180 Days)

An invitation letter from a Chinese citizen or foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit, including:

Applicant’s details (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.).
Visit details (purpose, arrival/departure dates, places to visit, relationship with the inviter, financial support details).
Inviter’s details (name, contact number, address, signature, etc.).

Photocopy of the inviter’s Chinese ID or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.

R Visa (High-Level Talents or Special Skills)

Relevant certification per Chinese government regulations and requirements for high-level talents or urgently needed personnel.

S1 Visa (Long-Term Family Visit or Private Affairs, Stay > 180 Days)

An invitation letter from a foreigner working or studying in China, including:

Applicant’s details (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.).
Visit details (purpose, arrival/departure dates, place of residence, relationship with the inviter, financial support details).
Inviter’s details (name, contact number, address, signature, etc.).

Photocopy of the inviter’s passport and residence permit.
Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or notarized kinship certification) showing the relationship of immediate family members.

“Immediate family members” include spouses, parents, sons or daughters under 18, and parents-in-law.

Note: Holders must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry at the exit/entry administrations of local public security organs.

S2 Visa (Short-Term Family Visit or Private Affairs, Stay ≤ 180 Days)

An invitation letter from a foreigner working or studying in China, including:

Applicant’s details (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.).
Visit details (purpose, arrival/departure dates, places to visit, relationship with the inviter, financial support details).
Inviter’s details (name, contact number, address, signature, etc.).

Photocopy of the inviter’s passport and residence permit.
Photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or notarized kinship certification) showing the relationship of family members.

“Family members” include spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters, and parents-in-law.

For private affairs, provide documentation identifying the nature of the affairs as required by the consular officer.

X1 Visa (Long-Term Study, Stay > 180 Days)

Original and photocopy of the Admission Letter from a school or entity in China.
Original and photocopy of the “Visa Application for Study in China” (Form JW201 or JW202).
Note: Holders must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry at the exit/entry administrations of local public security organs.

X2 Visa (Short-Term Study, Stay ≤ 180 Days)

Original and photocopy of the Admission Notice from a school or entity in China.

Z Visa (Work)

One of the following:
1. Foreigners Employment Permit issued by Chinese authorities for Human Resources and Social Security, plus an Invitation Letter or Confirmation Letter from relevant Chinese entities.
2. Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts, plus an Invitation Letter or Confirmation Letter.
3. Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of foreign enterprises, plus an Invitation Letter or Confirmation Letter.
4. Approval document for commercial performances issued by Chinese cultural authorities or an Invitation Letter from relevant Foreign Affairs Offices.
5. Letter of Invitation for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation.
Note: Holders must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry at the exit/entry administrations of local public security organs.

Special Reminders

Invitation letters can be submitted as faxes, photocopies, or printouts, but the consular officer may request the original.
The consular officer may require additional documents, supplementary materials, or an interview with the applicant.

Processing Time

Regular Service: 4 working days.
Express Service: 2 working days (visa available on the 3rd working day).
Rush Service: 1 working day (visa available on the 2nd working day).

Fees

Regular Service
1. Single Entry: $50
2. Double Entry: $75
3. 6-Month Multiple Entry: $100
4. 12-Month Multiple Entry: $150
5. Group Visa: $40 per visa
6. Note for US Passport Holders: $140 for individual applications, $120 per visa for group applications.
Express Service: Additional $35 per visa.
Rush Service: Additional $50 per visa.

Other Important Information

The visa application form must be completed accurately, clearly, and fully on a computer, then printed and submitted. False or incomplete information may lead to delays or visa refusal.
Visa officers determine the validity period, number of entries, and duration of stay based on Chinese laws and regulations.
Since June 22, 2012, applications for diplomatic, service (official) passports, and Hong Kong/Macao visas/entry permits are submitted directly to the Chinese Embassy. Other visa applications must be submitted to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Ottawa. Visit www.visaforchina.org for details.

Tibet Group Visa (For Travelers Entering Tibet from Nepal)

Foreigners traveling to Tibet from Nepal by air or overland require a Tibet Group Visa, obtainable only at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. This visa is issued on A4 paper, listing all group members’ details (names, passport numbers, gender, nationality, date of birth, occupation) and precise entry/exit dates. All group members must enter Tibet and exit China together. The embassy issues two copies: one is collected by the immigration office upon entering Tibet, and the other is required at the exit point in China.

Important: If you obtain a standard Chinese visa in your home country or elsewhere, it will be canceled, and you must apply for a Tibet Group Visa in Kathmandu.

Choosing the Right Visa

To determine the appropriate visa category, consider the main purpose of your visit to China. Below is a summary of visa categories:

Visa Category	Description
C	For foreign crew members of international transportation (aircraft, trains, ships) or cross-border motor vehicle drivers, and their accompanying family members.
D	For those intending to reside permanently in China.
F	For exchanges, visits, study tours, or similar activities.
G	For those transiting through China.
J1	For resident foreign journalists stationed in China (stay > 180 days).
J2	For foreign journalists on short-term news coverage (stay ≤ 180 days).
L	For tourists visiting China.
M	For commercial and trade activities.
Q1	For family reunion with Chinese citizens or foreigners with Chinese permanent residence, or for foster care (stay > 180 days).
Q2	For short-term visits to relatives who are Chinese citizens or foreigners with Chinese permanent residence (stay ≤ 180 days).
R	For high-level talents or individuals with skills urgently needed in China.
S1	For long-term visits to foreigners working/studying in China (spouses, parents, children under 18, parents-in-law) or other private affairs (stay > 180 days).
S2	For short-term visits to family members (spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, parents-in-law) of foreigners working/studying in China, or other private matters (stay ≤ 180 days).
X1	For long-term study in China (stay > 180 days).
X2	For short-term study in China (stay ≤ 180 days).
Z	For those intending to work in China.