ChinaVisits and short stays

China F visa (exchanges and visits)

F visa (exchanges, visits, study tours and research)

In short

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. It requires an invitation from the Chinese host, in the same forms as for the M visa.

Apply on China Online Visa Application System (MFA) checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Duration of stay printed on the visa, up to 180 days per entry
Fee
The fee depends on your nationality, the number of entries and the Chinese mission where you apply; several missions apply a temporary reduced fee until 31 December 2026, and visa application centres add their own service charge. Check the current table of the embassy or centre responsible for you.
Processing time
Set by the mission or visa application centre where you apply
Work
No paid work; commercial performances need a Z visa
Where to apply
Online form, then documents and passport in person at the Chinese embassy, consulate or Chinese Visa Application Service Center responsible for your place of residence

When to choose F instead of M

Choose F when the purpose is an exchange, visit or investigation without a commercial transaction: universities, research institutes, government bodies, NGOs, cultural and sports organisations. If you sell, buy, negotiate contracts or attend a trade fair, M is the right visa. Commercial artistic performances require a performance approval and a Z visa.

Invitation

Provide a TE invitation letter or invitation verification letter with the host's invitation. Without these, add to the host's invitation a mission letter from your institution, public body, association or employer. The invitation lists your details, the programme, dates, places and who pays.

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport valid for at least six months with at least one blank visa page, plus copies of visas and entry stamps from the last 12 months

Other

  • Online application form completed and approved in the visa system, with a photo meeting Chinese visa photo rules
  • Invitation from the Chinese host (TE letter or invitation verification, or invitation plus a mission letter)

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Identity

  • Copies of your last three Chinese visas, if any
  • If you apply outside your country of nationality: proof of legal residence or stay in the country where you apply (residence permit or visa)

Registration after arrival

Hotels register foreign guests automatically. If you stay in a private home, you or your host must register your accommodation with the local police station within 24 hours of arrival. Visas marked for a residence permit (Q1, S1, X1, Z, D and similar) require an application for a residence permit at the exit-entry administration of the local public security bureau within 30 days of entry; the authority decides within 15 days.

Extending a short stay

For visas with a stay of up to 180 days, an extension can be requested at the local exit-entry administration at least seven days before the permitted stay ends. The total extension cannot exceed the original duration of stay shown on the visa; if refused, you must leave when your stay expires.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Collect the documents for your visa category and check the website of the Chinese mission responsible for you for any additional documents it requires.
  2. Obtain the invitation from your Chinese host institution and a mission letter from your university, ministry, club or employer.
  3. Fill in the online form and upload the documents on the system named by the Chinese mission responsible for you: consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA or, where the mission uses a visa application centre, visaforchina.cn.
  4. Wait for online pre-approval and correct any item the system asks for, then hand in your passport and originals in person.
  5. Give fingerprints if your visa leads to a residence permit (Q1, S1, X1, Z, D); short visas up to 180 days are exempt until 31 December 2026.
  6. Pay the fee as instructed by the mission or visa centre and collect your passport; the processing time depends on where you apply.

Frequently asked questions

Is the F visa suitable for a conference?

Yes, for non-commercial academic or professional conferences. For trade shows and commercial events the M visa applies.

Can I do research on an F visa?

Short research visits and exchanges are covered. Research employment in China requires a work permit and Z visa, and long study requires X1.

Can athletes use the F visa?

Athletes and teams travelling for non-commercial competitions or exchanges can use F with the organiser's invitation; professional paid engagements may require Z.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for China

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Duration of stay printed on the visa (short-stay visas allow up to 180 days per entry)
  • Family and friends visit visa Maximum stay: Up to 180 days, as printed on the visa
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: 24 hours visa-free without leaving the port; G visa: duration printed on the visa

Business and self-employment

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

Study and training

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

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: Entry visa; the work residence permit is valid from 90 days to 5 years
  • Skilled worker visa Processing time: Set by the mission or visa application centre where you apply

Family

Residence

  • Residence permit Maximum stay: Work type 90 days–5 years; non-work types 180 days–5 years
  • Permanent residence Maximum stay: Permanent; the ID card itself is renewed when it expires

China visa guide