What are visa types for China visas and how do i know which one to apply for?

To determine which China visa type you need to apply for, you should consider the purpose of your visit. Here’s a detailed guide to the major visa categories and how to choose the right one:

🇨🇳 Main China Visa Types

1. Tourist Visa (L)

• Purpose: Tourism, visiting friends, or casual family visits.

• Stay Duration: Typically 30 days per entry.

  Requirements:

  • Flight itinerary
  • Hotel reservations or invitation letter from a host in China

2. Business Visa (M)

• Purpose: Business-related travel like meetings, trade fairs, or negotiations.

• Stay Duration: Usually 30–90 days per stay, sometimes with multiple entry options.

  Requirements:

  • Invitation letter from a Chinese business or trade partner

3. Work Visa (Z)

• Purpose: Employment in China

• Stay Duration: Issued as a single-entry visa; must convert to a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.

  Requirements:

  • Employment license or work permit from a Chinese employer
  • Invitation letter

4. Student Visa (X)

• Types:
  • X1: For long-term study (over 180 days)

  • X2: For short-term study (under 180 days)

    Requirements:

  • Admission letter from the school
  • JW201 or JW202 form (for X1)

5. Family/Private Visit Visa (Q & S types)

• Q1: Long-term family reunion (over 180 days) with Chinese citizens or permanent residents
• Q2: Short-term family visit (up to 180 days)
• S1: Long-term visit for relatives of foreigners working/studying in China
• S2: Short-term visit

6. Transit Visa (G)

• Purpose: Transiting through China to another country
• Note: May not be necessary for layovers under 24/72/144 hours depending on city

7. Journalist Visa (J1 & J2)

• J1: Long-term resident foreign correspondents
• J2: Short-term reporting

8. Crew Visa (C)

• For airline, train, or ship crew members

🧭 How to Know Which Visa You Need

Ask yourself:

• Why am I traveling to China?
  • Tourism = L
  • Business = M
  • Working = Z
  • Studying = X

  • Visiting family/friends = Q/S

    How long will I stay?

  • Short-term = L, M, Q2, S2, X2

  • Long-term = Z, X1, Q1, S1

    Do I have required documents?

  • Invitations or permits are often needed for non-tourist visas.

📝 Pro Tips

• Multiple-entry options may be available for business and family visas.
• Apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) or consulate based on your location.
• Some cities may offer transit visa exemptions (24/72/144 hours) — useful for short layovers.