If you’re planning a trip to China soon, whether for business or leisure, then you’ll need to be prepared to apply for a China visa. Regular China visas have eight sub-categories according to your purpose of travel. In some cases, you can apply for port visas when you arrive at specific entry points.
You can also apply for the 144-Hour Convenience Visa or the Guangdong Convenience Visa to enter the Pearl River Delta area if you are coming from Hong Kong and Macau. While this isn’t a visa in the traditional sense, it’s a formality required to enter a less-restricted area.
The Types of China Visa
The eight different types of Chinese visas are the following:
- The C visa, which is issued to crew members on international aviation, land transportation missions, and navigation. Family members who accompany them also benefit from the visa.
- The D visa, which is a permanent resident visa.
- The F visa, which is for business travel. It is issued to applicants invited to China to research, visit, lecture in the country or conduct business and scientific-technological and culture exchanges. Applicants who intend to pursue short-term advanced studies or intern practise for no more than six months are eligible for the visa.
- The G visa, which is a transit visa that allows applicants to travel through China to reach their final destination.
- The J-1 visa, which is issued to foreign resident correspondents in China.
- The J-2 visa, which is issued to foreign correspondents on temporary interview assignments in China.
- The L visa, which is a tourist visa. This is issued to applicants who want to visit China for tourism purposes, visit family, or other personal reasons.
- The X visa, which is a student visa issued to applicants who want to study or take up intern practise for more than six months.
- The Z visa, which is a work visa issued to applicants who intend to take up a post or employment in China. Their accompanying family members also benefit from the visa.
Required Documents for Each Type of Visa
Unless you are exempt or you intend to apply for a Port Visa upon your arrival in China, you’ll want to work with a visa agency at least six weeks before your travel. Doing so will ensure you get the necessary permits to enter the country and fulfil your intentions, whether work, study, or travel. Your passport must also be valid for more than six months with at least two blank pages.
If you are applying for an L-visa, you must provide evidence of your intention to stay for a short period, like a round-trip air ticket booking or hotel accommodation. You can also present an invitation letter from a Chinese individual or institution. The letter must include your personal information, including your name, sex, and birth date; your itinerary, and the host organisation or individual’s information, like names, addresses, and telephone numbers.
Meanwhile, if you are applying for a G-visa, you must show evidence of booked seats demonstrating your transit from China. A prime example is an air ticket that indicates your seat on a connecting international flight out of the country.
If you are applying for a Z-visa, you must present a set of documents according to your invitation’s nature. One of this may be an Alien Employment Permit and an invitation letter issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the People’s Republic of China. It can also be a certificate issued by the Resident Representative Office of Foreign Companies. You must also apply for residence permits from the Public Security Entry-Exit Administration in your city of work within 30 days after arriving in China.
Suppose you want to apply for an X1 or X2 visa. In that case, you need to provide the original letter of admission issued by an educational institution in the People’s Republic of China, along with a copy. If you need only the X1 visa, you must also submit the original Visa Application Form for Foreigners Studying in China.
Conclusion
China has many different types of visas tailored for various purposes, so it’s crucial to know which one you need to visit the country. By understanding the classes and requirements, you can prepare the documents you need beforehand to ensure a smooth visa application process.
If you need help with your China business visa application, let us know at Travcour! We are a visa agency comprised of visa and passport application specialists, giving you a seamless and quick way to get your visa. Contact us today to find out how we can help you with your visa needs!