China Visa Introduction

Posted on May 10, 2011

Basic Introduction to China Visa


All visitors traveling to mainland China whether for business or pleasure, require a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the duration of your intended stay. Visas are issued through Chinese embassies and consulates overseas.

Normally it takes 4 working days to get a China visa provided all the documents which are necessary.

It’s very difficult to obtain a China visa at the Chinese border entry points.

Types of China Visa

Ordinary visa consists of eight sub-categories, which are respectively marked with Chinese phonetic letters L, F, Z, X, C, G, D, J-1 and J-2.

L (china tourist visa): Issued to an applicant who comes to China for tourist purposes, family visiting or other personal affairs.

F (china business visa): Issued to an applicant who is invited to China for visit, research, lecture, business, scientific-technological and culture exchanges or short-term advanced studies or intern practice for a period of no more than six months.

Z (china work visa): Issued to an applicant who is to take up a post or employment in China, and their accompanying family members.

X (china student visa): Issued to an applicant who comes to China for the purpose of study, advanced studies or intern practice for a period over six months.

C (china crew visa) Visa: Issued to crewmembers on international aviation, navigation and land transportation missions and family members accompanying them.

G (china transit visa): Issued to those who transit through China.

D (china resident visa): Issued to applicant who is to reside permanently in China.

J-1 (china journalist visa): Issued to foreign resident correspondents in China.

J-2 (china journalist visa): Issued to foreign correspondents on temporary interview missions in China.