China Visa

China Visa

 China has resumed issuing all types of visas since March 15, 2023, including tourist visas and Shenzhen Visa on Arrival. The long-term 5-year or 10-year visas suspended because of covid-19 have also been resumed on the same day.

China Visa Types

  • Tourist (L) Issued to aliens who are going to PRC for tourism.
  • Business (M) Issued to aliens who are going to PRC for business and trade activities.
  • Student (X) Issued to aliens who are going for study, furthering studies.
  • Work (Z) Issued to aliens who are going for a post or employment.
  • Transit (G) Issued to aliens who are going to a third country in transit of PRC.
  • Private Visit (S) Issued to family members of foreigners residing in China for work, study, etc.
  • Family Reunion (Q) Issued to relatives of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residence permit residing in PRC.
  • Noncommercial Visit (F) Issued to aliens who are invited to a lecture, scientific-technological & cultural exchanges, study tours, etc.
  • Talent (R) Issued to high-level personnel and much-needed highly talented people.
  • Crew (C) Issued to crewmembers involving international-based transportation by trains, airway and ships and their accompanying family members.
  • Resident (D) Issued to aliens who are going to reside permanently in PRC.
  • Journalist (J-1, J-2) Issued to foreign journalists for the purpose of reporting from PRC.

 

Do you need a visa to travel to China?

If holding an ordinary passport, you need to apply for a visa for China unless you are covered by China’s visa exemption policy, such as the 24/72/144 hours visa free transit schemes, Hainan 30-day visa-free access, visa exemption for tour groups meeting certain requirements, and visa-free entry for holders of APEC Business Travel Card. It’s worth mention that nationals of countries which have reached mutual visa-exemption agreements with China, like Singapore, Brunei, Japan, Qatar and Armenia, can also enjoy free entry to China. Those who hold a Chinese Temporary Residence Permit don’t need a visa for China either within the Residence Permit’s validity.
 

How to apply a visa for China

 Step 1: Fill in China visa application form online, print it out and sign it. Remember to choose the Chinese embassy or consulate, or Chinese Visa Application Centers (CVASC) in charge of your residence district. 

 Step 2: Collect other required documents.

 Step 3: Make an appoinment online for visa application submission with Chinese embassy or consulate, or CVASC in charge of your residence district.

 Step 4: Visit the Chinese embassy or consulate or CVASC at the appinted time, submit your application and pay the fee. You will then be given a pick-up slip. The visa fee in some countries are paid when collecting the visa. 

 Step 5: Collect your passport and visa on the date shown on the pick-up slip. If you use mail service, just wait for your mail.
 

China Embassies

Chinese Embassy in Washington DC, USA
Chinese Embassy in Ottawa, Canada
Chinese Embassy in London, UK
Chinese Embassy in Canberra, Australia
Chinese Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand
 More Chinese Embassies and Consulates
- Last updated on May. 23, 2023 by Brenda Lian -
Questions & Answers on China Visa
Asked by Lim from SINGAPORE | May. 29, 2023 01:03Reply
VOA operating hours in ShenZhen HuangGang port?
Please help to confirm the VOA office operating hours for ShenZhen HuangGang port as I can only reach at 17.00hrs to apply for the VOA from Hong Kong airport?
Answers (1)
Answered by Austin | May. 29, 2023 22:59
00Reply


The opening time is 9:00-16:30 at Huanggang Port. It is suggested to stay overnight in HK and queue up early in the next day morning.
Asked by Adi from INDONESIA | May. 21, 2023 08:53Reply
VOA to Zhuhai for Indonesian
Hello,
Can Indonesian citizen who held china temporary residence permit before, enter zhuhai via gongbei border by VOA?
Answers (1)
Answered by James | May. 23, 2023 01:36
00Reply


It depends. Theoretically, you are eligible for this, however, recently there is still a risk of being rejected. Anyway, it is more recommended to obtain a visa in advance. If you insist VOA, wish you a good luck and hope you can enjoy your experience to help more people.
Asked by goh from SINGAPORE | May. 17, 2023 08:03Reply
Shenzhen Visa on Arrival
Hi dears,
Thank you in advance for the help.
I am a holding a Singapore Passport and traveling from Hong Kong into Shenzhen and would like to apply for the 5day Visa on Arrival
Would like to ask
1. Am I able to apply for the Visa on arrival in advance? For example I would go to the visa office at Luohu/Shekou on Sunday to apply for Visa that starts counting the 5days from Tuesday when I enter Shenzhen. (I have read your replies to other questions and notice the high waiting times hence would like to apply in advance)

2. What are the operating hours for each of the ports that we can apply the Visa on Arrival for?

Appreciate your response
Answers (1)
Answered by Lisa | May. 17, 2023 20:53
00Reply


I'm sorry but you cannot apply it in advance, which means it starts counting once you get it. The operating hours are generally 9:00-16:30, but you are advised to go there early enough.
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