China eVisa

The China eVisa, also known as the China electronic visa or China visa online, is a digital travel authorization that allows foreign travelers to enter China for a specific purpose and period. It is an alternative to the traditional visa application process, which requires applicants to submit physical documents to a Chinese embassy or consulate.

The China eVisa can be obtained by completing an online application form and providing personal and travel information. The application is usually processed within 3-5 business days, and if approved, the eVisa is sent to the applicant via email.

There are two types of China eVisas available: the Single Entry eVisa, which allows a traveler to enter China once and stay for up to 30 days, and the Double Entry eVisa, which allows two entries within a period of 90 days and a stay of up to 30 days each time.

The China eVisa is available for travelers visiting China for tourism, business, or to visit family or friends. However, it is not applicable for those traveling for study or work purposes.

Foreign nationals of certain countries are eligible for the China eVisa, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many European countries. However, citizens of some countries, such as Iran, Pakistan, and Syria, are not eligible for the eVisa and must apply for a traditional visa.

It is important to note that the China eVisa does not guarantee entry into China. Upon arrival, immigration officials will conduct a final review and have the authority to deny entry if they determine that the traveler does not meet the entry requirements.

Types of China Visa

Sure, here are some types of China visa:-

• ( L ) Tourism
• ( M ) Commercial trade activities
• ( F ) Exchanges, visits, study tours or other relevant activities
• China Q Visa – Family/Personal Visit Visa
  • (Q1) Family member or relative of Chinese citizen(s) or foreigner(s) with permanent residence status in China (more than 180 days)
  • (Q2) Family member or relative of Chinese citizen(s) or foreigner(s) with permanent residence status in China (no more than 180 days)
• China S Visa – Relatives of Foreigners
  • (S1) Family member of foreigner(s) staying or residing in China or person who needs to come to China for personal matters (more than 180 days)
  • (S2) Family member of foreigner(s) staying or residing in China or person who needs to come to China for personal matters (no more than 180 days)
• ( Z ) Work
• (X1) Long term study (more than 180 days)
• (X2) Short term study (no more than 180 days)
• (J1) Resident foreign journalist of permanent office of a foreign news agency in China
• (J2) Foreign journalist visiting China for short-term news coverage
• ( C ) Crew member
• ( G ) Transit
• ( D ) Permanent residence
• ( R ) Foreigner of high talent or specialist
• Diplomatic visa
• Official visa
• Member of diplomatic missions, consular posts and international organizations and their accompanying family members
• Other purposes

China L Visa – Tourist Visa

If you are planning to visit China and require a visa, then you will likely need to apply for a tourist visa (L visa). This type of visa is intended for people who are traveling to China for sightseeing, visiting friends and family, or group tours. The tourist visa is generally valid for 90-180 days from the date of issue and allows for a maximum stay of 60 days per visit. However, most visas are first issued for 30 days and can be extended upon arrival. It is essential to be clear in the application about your desired length of stay to avoid any issues.

For those planning to visit Tibet, an approval notice from the China Tibet Tourism Bureau is required to apply for a tourist visa. Additionally, there are different fees and document requirements for individual and group visa applications. If you apply as part of a tour group, your visa will be a collective tourist visa (tourist group visa).

China F Visa – Non-commercial Visit Visa

The F Visa is a type of visa issued to foreigners who are invited to China for non-commercial purposes, such as research, lectures, and cultural exchanges. It used to cover a wider range of activities when it was known as China's business visa, but it has since been largely replaced by the M Visa. The F Visa can be single-entry or double-entry, and the duration of stay typically ranges from 30 to 90 days. It is important to note that the requirements and procedures for obtaining an F Visa may vary depending on the individual's circumstances and the type of invitation received. It is recommended to check with the Chinese embassy/consulate or the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in your country for the latest visa requirements and procedures.

( M ) Commercial trade activities

The M Visa, or business visa, was introduced in China in 2013, replacing the F Visa as the country's business visa. To be eligible for an M Visa, the applicant must have an invitation from a Chinese company for business purposes. This visa is particularly useful for foreign nationals who travel to China regularly for short-term business trips.

The M Visa is typically issued for a duration of one month to one year and can be extended under specific conditions. Single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry visas are available, with US and Canadian applicants being able to obtain M Visas valid for up to 10 years.

It is important to note that the M Visa is not suitable for those who plan to work in China for an extended period. In such cases, a Z Visa or work visa would be required. Additionally, there are different fees and document requirements for individual and group visa applications, and it is advisable to check the latest regulations before applying.

China Z Visa–Work Visa

The Z Visa is a type of visa issued to foreigners who are taking up a post or employment in China and their accompanying family members. It is the most common type of visa used by foreigners working in China. When applying for a Z Visa, the employer's business license, organization code certificate, tax registration certificate, and FIE approval certificate (if the employer is foreign-invested) are some of the required documents.

If a foreigner changes their job but continues to hold a valid work permit, they can undertake an "employer change" procedure with the government to renew the work permit. The actual procedure for the renewal may vary from city to city.

It is important to note that the Z Visa allows for a duration of stay of up to 30 days. During this time, the employer will need to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit for the employee for the duration of their work contract with the company. The working visa is typically issued for a period ranging from three months to five years. It is recommended to check with the Chinese embassy/consulate or the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in your country for the latest visa requirements and procedures.

China X Visa – Student Visa

The X Visa is a type of student visa issued by the Chinese authorities to foreign nationals who wish to come to China for studies or fieldwork. It has two subcategories, the X1 Visa and the X2 Visa. The X1 Visa is issued to students who plan to stay in China for more than 180 days, while the X2 Visa is issued to those who intend to stay for less than 180 days. Holders of X Visas do not have working rights, but they may be able to undertake internships if authorized by their educational institution and other relevant authorities. To apply for a Chinese X Visa, applicants must provide proof of admission to a recognized Chinese educational institution, as well as other supporting documents, such as a valid passport, a recent photograph, and a completed visa application form.

China C Visa – Crew-member Visa

The C Visa is specifically issued to crew members who are engaged in international aviation, sea navigation, and land transportation missions, as well as their accompanying family members. This visa allows crew members to stay in China for a short period while they are on transit or performing their work duties.

For crew members to obtain the C Visa, their employers or airlines must submit an application on their behalf to the Chinese embassy or consulate. They will need to provide proof of their job and travel itinerary as well as other supporting documents. The visa typically allows for a stay of up to 30 days, and extensions can be applied for if necessary.

China J Visa – Journalist Visa

The J Visa is issued to foreign journalists who work in China either on a temporary or permanent basis. There are two types of J Visas: J-1 and J-2.

The J-1 Visa is issued to foreign journalists who are posted to China for a minimum of one year. Holders of the J-1 Visa are required to apply for a residence permit from the Immigration Department of the Local Public Security Authority within 30 days of entering China.

The J-2 Visa is issued to foreign journalists who are on temporary assignments in China for up to 30 days.

It is important to note that the Chinese government maintains strict control over the activities of foreign journalists in the country. Journalists who fail to comply with these regulations risk having their visas revoked and may face other legal consequences. It is advisable to check the latest regulations and guidelines before traveling to China as a journalist.

China G Visa – Transit Visa

The G visa is issued to foreigners who are transiting through China to another country. This type of visa is suitable for those who have layovers in China on their way to a final destination. The G visa is valid for a maximum of three months and allows for a stay in China of up to seven to ten days. The visa application process and cost are similar to those of the L visa, but travelers usually opt for the L visa since it has a longer validity period and duration of stay. Some cities in China also offer visa exemptions for travelers in transit, allowing them to stay for a certain period without the need for a visa.

China D Visa – Residence Visa

The D visa is the Chinese permanent residency visa, also known as the "Chinese green card." It allows foreign nationals to live in China permanently and enjoy many of the same rights as Chinese citizens, such as access to public services, education, and the ability to work without needing a work permit. However, acquiring a Chinese green card can be a challenging and time-consuming process, and the requirements for eligibility are strict. Generally, the D visa is issued to individuals who have made significant contributions to China in the fields of science, technology, economics, culture, or education, or to those who have invested substantial amounts of capital in the country. Additionally, individuals who have been married to a Chinese citizen for more than five years may also be eligible for a D visa.

China Q Visa – Family/Personal Visit Visa

The Q Visa is a type of visa that is issued to foreign nationals who are visiting family members of Chinese citizens or who are spouses of Chinese citizens. It allows them to enter China for personal purposes, including foster care. There are two types of Q visas: Q1 and Q2.

The Q1 Visa is designed for family members of Chinese citizens or permanent residents who intend to stay in China for more than 180 days. It is a single-entry visa, which means that the holder can only enter China once. Upon arrival in China, the holder must apply for a residence permit within 30 days.

The Q2 Visa, on the other hand, is for family members of Chinese citizens or permanent residents who intend to visit China for a shorter period. This visa can be multiple entry and is valid for up to 10 years for US and Canadian citizens. The maximum duration of each stay is 180 days per visit.

Overall, the Q Visa is a useful option for those who wish to visit family members or spouses in China for personal reasons. It is important to note that the application process and requirements may vary depending on the applicant's nationality and other factors.

China S Visa – Relatives of Foreigners

The S Visa is a type of Chinese visa issued to family members or dependents of foreigners who are working or studying in China. The S Visa has two subcategories: S1 Visa and S2 Visa. The S1 Visa is for family members of foreigners who plan to stay in China for more than 180 days, and it has a single entry. Holders of an S1 Visa must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of their arrival in China. The S2 Visa is for family members of foreigners who plan to stay in China for less than 180 days, and it can be multiple entry with a validity of up to 10 years for US and Canadian citizens. The duration of stay for each visit cannot exceed 180 days. Both S1 and S2 Visa applicants must provide proof of their relationship with the working or studying foreigner in China.

China R Visa–Highly Qualified Persons

The R Visa is a type of visa issued to highly skilled individuals who are urgently needed in China. These individuals are classified as Tier A talents under China's tiered work permit classification system, and the determination of who qualifies as high-level personnel is strictly regulated.

Recently, the Chinese government has made changes to the rules for foreign top talents, making it easier for them to obtain multiple-entry R Visas valid for either five or 10 years, with a maximum stay of 180 days per entry. In addition, spouses and children of R Visa holders are now allowed to enter China on an R Visa. The visa processing time for this category has also been expedited.

How to Apply for a China Visa

There are two ways to apply for a China visa: online or through the embassy/consulate. Here's a brief overview of each method:

Online application:

1. Visit the official website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) for your country.
2. Fill out the online visa application form and submit it.
3. Print out the completed application form and sign it.
4. Prepare the required documents, such as a passport, photo, and supporting documents.
5. Make an appointment with the CVASC to submit your documents and biometric data (if required).
6. Pay the visa application fee.

Applying through the embassy/consulate:

1. Visit the website of the Chinese embassy/consulate in your country to download the visa application form.
2. Fill out the form and sign it.
3. Prepare the required documents, such as a passport, photo, and supporting documents.
4. Submit the application and documents in person or by mail to the embassy/consulate.
5. Pay the visa application fee.

Please note that the specific requirements and procedures for applying for a China visa can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your individual circumstances. It is recommended to check with the CVASC or embassy/consulate in your country for the latest visa requirements and procedures.

China Visa Requirements

The requirements for a China visa vary depending on the type of visa being applied for, but generally include:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity and blank visa pages.
• A completed visa application form.
• A recent passport-sized photo.
• Proof of travel arrangements such as flight tickets and hotel bookings.
• A letter of invitation from a host in China for certain visa types, such as the M and F visas.
• Proof of financial ability to cover the costs of the trip, such as bank statements.
• For work visas, a work permit and other documents proving the legality of the employment.
• For study visas, an admission letter from a school in China and other relevant documents.

It is important to note that the specific requirements may vary based on the nationality of the applicant and the visa type being applied for.

China Visa Processing Time

If you are planning to travel to China, it is important to know the approximate processing time for a China visa. Generally, the processing time for a China visa is about 4 working days, including the day of submission. This means that if you submit your visa application on a Monday, you can expect to receive your visa on Thursday.

However, if you are in a hurry and need your visa faster, you can pay an additional fee for express service. With express service, you can expect your visa to be processed in 3 working days, which means that if you submit your visa application on a Monday, you can receive your visa on Wednesday.

It is important to note that the processing time may vary depending on various factors, such as the type of visa you are applying for, your nationality, and the workload of the visa processing center. Therefore, it is recommended that you apply for your China visa well in advance of your planned travel dates to ensure that you have enough time to receive your visa.

China Visa Fees

The fees for a China visa are:

Visa fees for China vary based on nationality. The cost of a China visa may differ depending on the country where you apply for it and your citizenship. 

Generally, the cost of a China visa varies based on factors such as the type of visa you are applying for, the duration of your stay, and the number of entries. For example, a single-entry tourist visa may cost less than a multiple-entry business visa, and a visa with a longer validity period may cost more than a visa with a shorter validity period.

Additionally, some countries may charge an additional service fee for processing visa applications, so it is important to factor in these costs as well when planning your trip to China.

China Visa Validity and Duration

The validity of a China visa is determined by the dates indicated on the visa itself. The validity period of a China visa is usually indicated by the "Enter Before" date and the "Issue Date" on the visa.

The "Issue Date" is the date when the visa was issued by the Chinese embassy or consulate, while the "Enter Before" date is the last day on which you are allowed to enter China using that particular visa. The validity period of a China visa can range from 3 months to 10 years, depending on the type of visa and your nationality.

For example, a single-entry tourist visa may have a validity period of 3 months, which means you must enter China before the "Enter Before" date shown on your visa. If you do not enter China before this date, the visa will no longer be valid and you will need to apply for a new one.

On the other hand, a multiple-entry visa may have a longer validity period, such as 6 months, 1 year, or even 10 years. This means that you can enter and exit China multiple times within the validity period, as long as each stay does not exceed the duration of stay allowed by your visa.

It is important to note that the validity period of your China visa does not necessarily determine the length of your stay in China, which is usually indicated on the visa as well. Therefore, it is important to plan your trip accordingly and make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your visa before entering China.

China Visa Extension and Renewal

If you are currently in China and your visa is about to expire, you may be wondering about the process of extending or renewing your visa. Here is some information on China visa extension and renewal:

Visa Extension: If you are already in China and your visa is about to expire, you can apply for a visa extension at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) before your visa expires. This process can take several days, and you will need to provide a valid reason for your extension. Common reasons include work, study, or family visits.

Visa Renewal: If you need to stay in China for an extended period of time, you can apply for a visa renewal at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country. This process involves submitting a new visa application, and you will need to provide updated documentation to support your visa request.

Overstaying: It is important to note that overstaying your visa in China can result in fines, detention, or even deportation. If your visa has already expired, you should contact the local PSB or the Chinese embassy or consulate for assistance.

Visa Types: The process for extending or renewing your visa will vary depending on the type of visa you currently hold. For example, the process for extending a tourist visa may be different from the process for extending a work visa. It is important to check with the local authorities or the Chinese embassy or consulate for specific requirements and procedures.

In summary, if you need to extend or renew your China visa, you should consult with the local authorities or the Chinese embassy or consulate for guidance and assistance. It is important to follow the proper procedures and provide all necessary documentation to avoid any issues or delays in your visa extension or renewal.

Can I Get a 10-Year Visa for China?

The 10-year China visa is a type of visa that allows citizens of certain countries to enter China multiple times during a 10-year period. Currently, this visa is available for citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. However, the Australian government is reportedly working on introducing this visa for its citizens as well, although it is unclear when this will be implemented.

This visa is particularly beneficial for those who frequently travel to China for business or personal reasons. It eliminates the need to apply for a new visa every time they visit, which can be time-consuming and costly. With the 10-year China visa, travelers can enter and exit the country as many times as they wish within the validity period.

To apply for the 10-year China visa, applicants must submit the required documents, including a valid passport, a recent passport photo, and proof of travel arrangements. They must also provide evidence of their eligibility, such as proof of employment, business ownership, or family relations with Chinese citizens or residents.

It is important to note that while the 10-year China visa allows for multiple entries during its validity period, each entry is still subject to the discretion of Chinese immigration officials. Therefore, it is essential for travelers to have all necessary documentation and to comply with all relevant regulations when entering and exiting China.

In summary, the 10-year China visa is a convenient option for frequent travelers to China from certain countries. It allows for multiple entries during a 10-year period, eliminating the need to apply for a new visa every time. However, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and comply with all relevant regulations when traveling to China.

What if My Visa Gets Rejected?

The process of obtaining a visa can be challenging, and it can be disappointing when your visa application is rejected. However, there are some options available to you in the event of a visa rejection. Firstly, you may appeal the rejection by adding more details to update your application. Depending on the situation, consular officers may review the application again.

Another option available is to reapply for the China visa. It is recommended that you use a visa agency if you decide to reapply. They have professionals who are familiar with the process and can guide you through it. However, you can only reapply after three months of rejection. It is important to note that the visa fee is not refundable if your visa is denied, regardless of whether you choose to appeal or reapply.

It is important to identify the reason(s) for the visa rejection and address them in your appeal or reapplication. Some common reasons for visa rejections include insufficient funds, incorrect documentation, lack of strong ties to your home country, and a previous criminal record. It is advisable to seek assistance from a visa agency or a lawyer to help you with the appeal process or reapplication process, especially if you are unsure about the reasons for your visa rejection.

In conclusion, a visa rejection does not necessarily mean that your travel plans are over. You have the option of appealing the rejection or reapplying for the visa after three months. Seeking assistance from a professional such as a visa agency or lawyer can also help you navigate the process and increase your chances of a successful visa application.