Passport and visa documents

China Visa Guide 2026: Types, Requirements & Application

Understanding visa types, application processes, and required documents for your journey to China.

Visa Types

L Visa (Tourist)

For tourism purposes. Available as single entry (3 months), double entry (3-6 months), or multiple entry (up to 1 year; 10 years for US/Canada citizens). Maximum stay per entry is usually 30-60 days.

M Visa (Business)

For commercial trade activities, including trade fairs and business negotiations. Requires an invitation letter from a Chinese business partner. Validity and entry times vary by nationality and case (single, double, or multiple entry available; up to 10 years for US citizens). Each stay is typically 30-60 days.

F Visa (Non-Commercial Visit)

For non-commercial visits such as cultural exchange, academic research, lectures, and study tours. Requires an invitation letter from the relevant Chinese organization or institution. Note: For formal study or internships, apply for an X visa (student) or Z visa (work) instead.

Q1 Visa (Family Reunion — Long-term)

For family reunion exceeding 180 days with Chinese citizens or permanent residents. Requires proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.). Must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry.

Q2 Visa (Family Visit — Short-term)

For short-term family visits (up to 180 days) to relatives who are Chinese citizens or permanent residents. Proof of family relationship is generally not mandatory but may be requested.

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

Eligible foreign nationals transiting through China to a third country may enter China visa-free and stay in the approved transit area for up to 240 hours (10 days). This policy applies to specified ports of entry and covers designated regions.

  • •Must hold a valid international travel document and a confirmed onward ticket to a third country within 240 hours
  • •Stay is limited to the approved transit region — travel outside the designated area is not permitted
  • •Eligible nationalities and ports of entry are specified by Chinese immigration authorities
  • •Visa-free transit does not apply if the onward destination is the same as the origin country
View Full Policy Details

Required Documents

  • Valid passport (6+ months remaining validity, at least 2 blank visa pages)
  • Completed visa application form (online via COVA system or Form V.2013)
  • Recent passport photo (33mm × 48mm, white or light background, taken within 6 months)
  • Invitation letter or travel itinerary (varies by visa type — L visa: flight/hotel bookings; M visa: business invitation letter; F visa: organization invitation letter)
  • Round-trip flight confirmation (required for tourist visa)
  • Proof of accommodation for the entire stay (hotel reservations or host's accommodation arrangement)
  • Previous Chinese passports or visas (if applicable — required for former Chinese citizens)

Application Process

  1. 1

    Prepare Documents

    Gather all required documents

  2. 2

    Submit Application

    Apply at Chinese embassy/consulate or use visa agency

  3. 3

    Pay Fee & Processing

    Regular processing: 4 business days. Express service: 2-3 business days. Rush service: 1 business day (subject to approval).

  4. 4

    Collect Passport

    Pick up or receive by mail

Quick Facts

  • Processing TimeRegular: 4 business days; Express: 2-3 days; Rush: 1 day
  • Apply AtChinese embassy or visa agency

Official Resources

Important Notice

The information on this page may be incomplete or outdated. Visa policies change frequently and vary by nationality.

Always refer to the official Chinese visa website or consult your local Chinese embassy/consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements before applying.