Chinese visa is a permit issued to a foreigner by the Chinese visa authorities for entry into, exit from or transit through the territory. The Chinese visa authorities may issue a Diplomatic, Courtesy, Service or Ordinary Visa to a foreigner according to the identity and purpose of visit of the applicant and their passport type.

 

Ordinary Visa consists of eight sub-categories, which are respectively marked with Chinese phonetic letters L, F, Z, X, C, J-1 and J-2.

 

L-Visa: Issued to an alien who goes to China for sightseeing, family visiting or other private purposes.

F-Visa: Issued to an applicant who is invited to China for a business visit, research, lecture, scientific-technological and cultural exchange or short-term advanced studies or intern practice for a period of no more than six months.

Z-Visa: Issued to an applicant who goes to China for employment.

X-Visa: Issued to an applicant who goes to China for the purpose of study, advanced studies or intern practice for a period of more than six months.

G-Visa: Issued to those who transit through China.

J-1 Visa: Issued to foreign correspondents in China.

J-2 Visa: Issued to foreign journalists on temporary assignment in China.

 

Validity of visa: Usually, the validity of a Single Entry or Double Entry (L) visa is 90 days from the date of issue, which means the holder of the visa shall enter into China no later than 90 days from the date of issue. Once for Single Entry/ twice for Double Entry. Otherwise the visa expires. The duration of stay of a (L) visa is 30 days, which means the holder of the visa may stay in China for up to 30 days from the date of entry.

 

The overseas Chinese visa authorities are Chinese embassies, consulates, and other offices authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. If a foreigner intends to enter into, exit from or transit through Chinese territory, he/she shall apply to the above-mentioned Chinese visa authorities for a Chinese visa.

 

According to the relevant international law, a sovereign state has the exclusive rights to decide whether or not to allow a foreigner to enter its territory, and accordingly to issue visa, reject visa application and cancel an issued visa according to its national law without providing specific reasons.