Chinese Visa Types Explained
China issues 12 visa categories for foreigners, each tied to a purpose: L for tourism, M for business, F for exchanges, Z for work, X for study, Q and S for family and private visits, G for transit, J for journalists, C for crew, R for talent and D for permanent residence. The letter on the visa decides what the holder may do.
| Code | Purpose | Stay | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | Tourism | Usually 30 days per entry; 60 or 90 days are granted case by case | Single, double or multiple |
| M | Commercial and trade activities | 30 to 90 days per entry | Single, double or multiple |
| F | Non-commercial exchanges, study tours, lectures, scientific and cultural visits | 30 to 180 days | Single, double or multiple |
| Z | Employment in China | 30 days after entry to apply for the work-type residence permit | Single |
| X1 / X2 | Study in China | X1: 30 days to obtain the residence permit, then the length of study; X2: up to 180 days | X1 single; X2 single, double or multiple |
| Q1 / Q2 | Visiting or joining family members who are Chinese citizens or permanent residents | Q1: 30 days to obtain the residence permit; Q2: up to 180 days per entry | Q1 single; Q2 single, double or multiple |
| S1 / S2 | Family members of foreigners living in China; private matters | S1: 30 days to obtain the residence permit; S2: up to 180 days | S1 single; S2 single, double or multiple |
| G | Passing through China to a third country | Usually 7 days | Single or double |
| J1 / J2 | Resident foreign journalists (J1) and short-term reporting trips (J2) | J1: converted into a residence permit; J2: up to 30 days | J1 single; J2 single or double |
| C | Crew members of aircraft, trains and ships, and their accompanying family | Set per operator agreement | Multiple |
| R | High-level talent and specialists in short supply | Up to 180 days per entry; converted into a residence permit for longer stays | Multiple |
| D | Entry to take up approved permanent residence | 30 days to collect the permanent residence card | Single |
Tourist visa (L)
The L visa is for travel to China as a tourist. Nationals of the 50 visa-free countries do not need it for stays of up to 30 days; everyone else, and anyone staying longer, applies for it before departure.
Business visa (M)
The M visa covers commercial visits: meetings, trade fairs, negotiations, factory visits and purchasing. It is the standard visa for buyers, sellers and consultants who are not employed in China.
Exchange and visit visa (F)
The F visa is for non-commercial visits: academic exchanges, cultural or scientific cooperation, study tours and lecture invitations. Commercial activity belongs to the M visa.
Work visa (Z)
The Z visa is the entry visa for foreigners taking up employment in China. It is valid for a single entry of 30 days, within which the holder must convert it into a residence permit for work.
Student visa (X1, X2)
X1 is for study programmes longer than 180 days and is converted into a residence permit after arrival; X2 is for short courses of up to 180 days.
Family visa (Q1, Q2)
Q visas are for relatives of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence: Q1 for long-term family reunion (converted to a residence permit), Q2 for short visits.
Private visit visa (S1, S2)
S visas are for relatives of foreigners who work or study in China, and for other private affairs: S1 for long-term stays converted into a residence permit, S2 for visits of up to 180 days.
Transit visa (G)
The G visa is for travellers who pass through China on the way somewhere else and are not covered by the 240-hour visa-free transit scheme or by airside transit.
Journalist visa (J1, J2)
Journalism is not covered by any visa-free scheme. Resident correspondents hold J1; reporters on a short assignment apply for J2 with the approval of the Chinese authorities.
Crew visa (C)
The C visa is for foreign crew of international transport operating to China and for vehicle drivers in cross-border road transport.
Talent visa (R)
The R visa is issued to foreign professionals classified as high-level talent under China's work permit tiers; it is faster and longer than the standard Z route.
Permanent residence visa (D)
The D visa is the entry visa for foreigners whose application for permanent residence in China has been approved.
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30-day visa-free entry →
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240-hour visa-free transit →
Ten days in China on the way to a third country: eligible countries, ports and rules.
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Digital Arrival Card →
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How to apply →
COVA form, AVAS appointment, fingerprints and processing times.
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Documents checklist →
The core documents and what each visa category adds.
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Visa fees →
Consular fees by nationality, service fees and the current reduction.