Chinese Visas
China requires pretty much everyone entering the country to have the appropriate visa. Offered here is a summary of the various visa types and their requirements. It is advisable that you check with your local Chinese embassy to confirm this information and to get country-specific details.
New Visa Requirements
In recent months there have been some major changes to the required documents needed for visas. For information about these new regulations, you are advised to check with your local Chinese embassy. A summary of some of the changes can be got from the following two pages:
- China Visa – Facts and Fiction (May 23, 2008)
- Changes in Chinese Visa Application Policy (April 14, 2008)
Types and Requirements
Tourist/Family
The Tourist/Family (L type) visa is for people visiting China for the purposes of travel, visiting family and friends or for other personal matters.
Specific Requirements: With the exception of travel to Tibet, no additional documents are required for "L" visa applicants.
Business
The Business (F type) visa is for applications coming to China for the purposes of: business, research, lecture, scientific-technological and culture exchanges, short-term advanced studies or intern practice for a period of no more than six months.
Specific Requirements: For Business "F" visa an official invitation letter from the authorized Chinese government departments, companies or institutions.
Note: This visa is a common 'solution' used by the masses of English language schools in China to get around the more difficult to get (but legal) Z visa. Though extremely common, it is technically illegal, and should be used in this way at your own risk.
Student
The Student (L type) visa is for you fine folks that are looking for higher learning in the Middle Kingdom. The student visa is required for those planning to visit for the purpose of study, advanced studies or intern practice for a period of more than six months.
Specific Requirements: (1) Foreign Student Visa Application Form "JW201" or "JW202" issued by the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China. (2) An enrollment letter from the receiving university in China.
Employment/Work
The Employment/Work (Z type) visa is the baby you need if you plan to work (including teaching) in China. It should also be issued to the family members that are accompanying you.
Specific Requirements: (1) An Employment License issued by the Chinese Labor and Social Security Ministry. For applicants to be working in an academic institution, a confirmation issued by the Chinese State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs. (2) An official invitation issued by a concerned authorized agency.
Transit
The Transit (G type) visa is issued to those who transit through China. Generally speaking, this isn't required if you're stay is less than 24 hours, and you're not leaving the airport. Check here for more information on this visa type.
Specific Requirements: (1) A valid visa of the country of destination; (2) an air ticket showing transit through China.
Other Visas
Journalist (J-1/J-2 Visas)
For journalists requiring a J-1 visa (posts longer than a year) or J-2 visa (temporary assignment), you should contact the Press Offices of the Chinese Embassy in your country.
Group Visa
Issued to a tour group of five people or more planning to enter and leave China at the same time and via the same airport or border-crossing.
Specific Requirements: (1) an invitation letter from a Chinese travel agency; (2) an authorized group visa number given by the Chinese travel agency; (3) copies of the information pages of the applicants' passports; (4) one properly completed group visa form, which can be obtained from the Chinese travel agency, the Chinese Embassy or the Chinese Consulates-General.
Requirements For All Visa Applications
The following documents should be submitted when applying for any Chinese visa:
- Passport with at least 6 months remaining validity and available blank pages for a visa.
- One properly completed visa application form.
- A recent passport-size photo stuck on the visa application form.
