China

China visa guide

  • 11 visa types
  • checked 25 October 2026

How visas for China work

China issues twelve ordinary visa categories, each identified by a letter: L for tourism, M for business, F for exchanges and visits, Q and S for family, X for study, Z for work, R for high-level talent, J for journalists, C for crew, G for transit and D for permanent residence, plus the K visa for young science and technology talent added on 1 October 2025. Long-stay visas (Q1, S1, X1, Z, D) are entry visas only: within 30 days of arrival you must obtain a residence permit from the local public security bureau.

Until 31 December 2026 ordinary passport holders of 45 countries, including France, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Monaco, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Uruguay, can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for business, tourism, visiting family or friends, exchanges or transit; the Chinese consulate in Montreal states that Canadians are covered too. Work, study and journalism still require a visa. Other nationalities need a visa unless a transit rule applies: airside transit of up to 24 hours is visa-free for all, and nationals of 57 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit.

Applications start with an online form; the passport and documents are then handed in person at the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence, or at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center it uses. Fees depend on your nationality, the number of entries and the mission, and several missions apply a temporarily reduced fee until 31 December 2026.

Which visa do I need?

Holiday: L visa, unless your nationality already allows a 30-day visa-free stay. Meetings, trade fairs or buying goods: M. Official exchanges, research visits, study tours or non-commercial events: F. Visiting relatives who are Chinese citizens: Q2; visiting foreigners working or studying in China: S2.

Moving to China: Z with a work permit, X1 for study over 180 days, Q1 to join a Chinese spouse or relative, S1 to join a foreign family member who works or studies there, R for high-level experts and K for young STEM graduates. Passing through: visa-free airside transit of up to 24 hours, 240-hour visa-free transit for eligible nationalities, otherwise a G visa.

Visa types for China

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa L visa (tourism)

    The L visa is China's tourist visa.

    Maximum stay: Duration of stay printed on the visa (short-stay visas allow up to 180 days per entry)
  • Culture, sports and events visa F visa (exchanges, visits, study tours and research)

    The F visa covers non-commercial exchanges, visits, research and study tours, for example academic or cultural exchanges, conferences hosted by public bodies, sports or arts events without commercial performance, and official delegations.

    Maximum stay: Duration of stay printed on the visa, up to 180 days per entry
  • Family and friends visit visa Q2 and S2 visas (short family visits)

    Q2 is for short visits of up to 180 days to relatives who are Chinese citizens living in China or foreigners with Chinese permanent residence.

    Maximum stay: Up to 180 days, as printed on the visa
  • Transit visa G visa (transit) and 24-hour visa-free transit

    Foreigners of any nationality may transit through China without a visa for up to 24 hours on a through ticket to a third country if they do not leave the port.

    Maximum stay: 24 hours visa-free without leaving the port; G visa: duration printed on the visa

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa M visa (commercial and trade activities)

    The M visa is for commercial and trade activities in China, such as meetings, negotiations, trade fairs and buying goods.

    Maximum stay: Duration of stay printed on the visa (short-stay visas allow up to 180 days per entry)

Study and training

  • Student visa X1 and X2 visas (study)

    X1 is for study in China longer than 180 days and is followed by a study residence permit within 30 days; X2 is for courses of up to 180 days.

    Maximum stay: X2: up to 180 days; X1: entry visa followed by a residence permit valid 180 days to 5 years

Work

  • Work visa Z visa (employment) with Foreigner's Work Permit

    Foreigners who work in China need a Foreigner's Work Permit and a work-type residence permit.

    Maximum stay: Entry visa; the work residence permit is valid from 90 days to 5 years
  • Skilled worker visa R visa (high-level foreign talent) and K visa (young science and technology talent)

    The R visa is for high-level foreign experts and specialists urgently needed by China and requires a high-level talent confirmation letter from the competent Chinese authority.

    Processing time: Set by the mission or visa application centre where you apply

Family

  • Family reunification visa Q1 and S1 visas (family reunion and long stays with family)

    Q1 is the long-stay visa for family members of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence who want to live in China, and for children entering for foster care.

    Maximum stay: Entry visa only; the residence permit then runs from 180 days to 5 years

Residence

  • Residence permit Foreigner's residence permit (work, study, family, private affairs)

    A long-stay visa only lets you enter China.

    Maximum stay: Work type 90 days–5 years; non-work types 180 days–5 years
  • Permanent residence Foreigner's Permanent Residence ID Card (China 'green card')

    China grants permanent residence to foreigners who make a remarkable contribution or meet other conditions set by the Ministry of Public Security, such as stable investment, long high-salary employment, high-level talent status or family reunion.

    Maximum stay: Permanent; the ID card itself is renewed when it expires

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for China?

It depends on your nationality. Until 31 December 2026 ordinary passport holders of 45 countries, including France, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Monaco, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Uruguay, can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for business, tourism, visits, exchanges or transit. Work, study and longer stays require a visa, and other nationalities should check with the Chinese embassy in their country.

How much does a Chinese visa cost?

The fee depends on your nationality, the number of entries (single, double, or multiple over six months or a year) and the mission handling the application. Several Chinese missions have extended a temporary fee reduction until 31 December 2026, and visa application centres charge their own service fee. Check the current table on the competent mission's website before paying.

How long does processing take?

Processing times are set by the mission or visa application centre where you apply. Extra documents or an interview can extend them, so apply well before your trip.

Do I have to give fingerprints?

Until 31 December 2026, applicants for visas with a stay of 180 days or less are exempt. Applicants for visas that lead to a residence permit (D, J1, Q1, S1, X1, Z) still give fingerprints, unless another exemption applies.

Embassies and consulates

Last checked 25 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.