Here is a complete overview of Chinese visa types for 2025. Each visa serves a specific purpose and has its own eligibility requirements and application process. Click the “Guide” link for a detailed explanation of each visa type, including who qualifies, required documents, and special notes.
| Visa Type | Main Purpose | Typical Subcategories/Notes | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | Tourism | Tourism, independent tourist | L Visa Guide |
| F | Exchange, visits, study tours, or other relevant activities | Academic/cultural/religious exchanges, NGO activities, volunteering (≤90 days), foreign expert with pre-approved invitation, geographic surveying, mapping | F Visa Guide |
| M | Commercial trade | Trade, participation in competitions, other commercial activities | M Visa Guide |
| Q1 | Family reunion (more than 180 days) | Family of Chinese citizens or foreigners with Chinese permanent residence, foster care | Q1 Visa Guide |
| Q2 | Family visit (no more than 180 days) | Short-term family visit to Chinese citizens or foreigners with Chinese permanent residence | Q2 Visa Guide |
| S1 | Family visit (more than 180 days) or personal matters | Spouse, parent, child under 18, or parent-in-law of foreigners residing in China for work/study/other; other personal matters | S1 Visa Guide |
| S2 | Family visit (no more than 180 days) or personal matters | Family of foreigners in China for work/study/other, litigation, inheritance, real estate, medical treatment | S2 Visa Guide |
| Z | Work | Foreign expert, commercial performance, company representative, offshore oil operations, volunteering (>90 days), work with Chinese permit | Z Visa Guide |
| X1 | Long-term study (more than 180 days) | University, school, or other long-term study | X1 Visa Guide |
| X2 | Short-term study (no more than 180 days) | Short courses, exchange, or training | X2 Visa Guide |
| J1 | Resident foreign journalist | Permanent office of a foreign news agency in China | J1 Visa Guide |
| J2 | Short-term foreign journalist | Short-term news coverage | J2 Visa Guide |
| C | Crew member | International train/aircraft/vessel crew, accompanying family, international transport driver | C Visa Guide |
| G | Transit | Passing through China en route to a third country | G Visa Guide |
| D | Permanent residence | For those taking up permanent residence in China | D Visa Guide |
| R | High-level talent/specialist | Foreigners of high talent or urgently needed skills | R Visa Guide |
Visa-Free Entry and Transit in China
In addition to the visa types above, China offers several visa-free entry and transit policies for citizens of many countries. These include the 24-hour, 144-hour, and 240-hour visa-free transit programs, as well as short-term visa exemptions for certain nationalities. These policies can be a convenient option for short visits or transits through China.
For the most up-to-date eligibility and rules, always consult official Chinese government sources or your local Chinese embassy or consulate.