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.
Key facts
- Code
- F
- Purpose
- Non-commercial exchanges, study tours, lectures, scientific and cultural visits
- Stay per entry
- 30 to 180 days
- Entries
- Single, double or multiple
- Validity
- 3 to 12 months
Who needs it
Invited participants in non-commercial exchanges and visits.
Documents
- Passport, COVA form and photo
- Invitation letter from the inviting Chinese institution or organisation
- Supporting letter from the applicant's own institution where relevant
The general procedure is on the application page; the full document checklist is on the documents page.
Good to know
- Universities, research institutes and cultural bodies are typical inviters.
Sources
- Visa categories and application requirements — Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) (retrieved 6 September 2026)
- Regulations on the Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners — visa categories (Article 6) — National Immigration Administration (retrieved 6 September 2026)
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