Chinese visa is a permit issued by the Chinese visa authorities to those foreigners who want to enter into, exit from or transit through the Chinese territory. According to the applicants' identity, visiting purpose and passport type, the Chinese visa falls into four categories, namely, diplomatic, courtesy, service and ordinary visas.
The ordinary visa consists of eight sub-categories, which are respectively marked with Chinese phonetic letters F, L, Z, X, C, J-1, J-2, G, and D.
Tourist visa—L visa
Issued to those who enter China temporarily for touring, family visiting or other personal affairs (multiple-entry is not granted for this category).
Business/visit visa—F visa
Issued to those foreigners who are invited to China for visit, research, lecture, business, scientific-technological and cultural exchanges or short-term advanced studies or intern practice for a period of less than six months.
Work visa—Z visa
Issued to foreigners who are to take up a post or employment in China , and their accompanying family members.
Study visa—X visa
Issued to those who come to China for study or intern practice for a period of six months or above.
Crewmember visa—C visa
Issued to crewmembers on international aviation, navigation and land transportation missions and their accompanying family members.
Journalist Visa (J-1) and (J-2)
J-1 visa is for journalists who are posted to China for at least one year. And the J-2 visa is issued to foreign correspondents on temporary interview mission in China.
Transit visa—G visa
Issued to those who transit through China.
Residence visa—D visa
Issued to people who are going to live in China permanently.
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