864,000 Indians visited China in the year 2018 compared to 799700 in the year 2016. While 30,453,000 accounted as the overall visitors in 2018 as compared to 28,150,120 in 2016, making China one of the popular tourist hot spots in the world. With a lot in store for a broad spectrum of travellers, there is a lot to do and see in China. Needless to say, except for the Chinese visa-exempt nations, others need a China Visa. Accordingly, the China visa requirements vary for the 16 categories of visas.

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Understanding the Different Types of China Visa

Earlier, we stated, China has 16 types of visas not including the diplomatic visa category. They are marked with the Chinese phonetic letters as follows;

  • L Visa or Tourist Visa/Visit Visa
  • F Visa or Non-commercial Visit Visa
  • M Visa or Business Visa
  • Z Visa or Work Visa
  • X Visa or Student Visa
  1. X1 – Student visa for study stay periods more than six months
  2. X2 – Student visa for study stay periods under six months
  • C Visa or Crew member Visa
  • J Visa or Journalist Visa
  1. J1 – Issued to journalists posted in China for at least one year
  2. J2 – Issued to journalists on assignments to China for short periods of up to 30 days
  • G Visa or Transit Visa
  • D Visa or Residence Visa
  • Q Visa or Family Visa or Personal Visit Visa
  1. Q1 (Long-term) – for stay periods exceeding 180 days
  2. Q2 (Short-term) – for stay periods up to 120 days
  • S Visa or Relatives of Foreigners Visa
  1. S1 (Long-term) – for stay periods of 180 days and above
  2. S2 (Short-term) – for stay periods in between 30 to 90 days
  • R Visa or Visa for Highly Qualified Persons

Apply China Visa

What are the Requirements for the Different Visa?

While the list of common mandatory documents remains the same, certain additional documents may apply based on the purpose served. For instance, company invitation letter issued by the host company is mandatory for a business visa. So, let us what are the common list of documents and what are the additional requisites.

List of Common Documents

  1. Original passport
  2. Two passport-sized photographs taken against a white or light blue background
  3. Confirmed flight tickets (round-trip or onwards)
  4. Proof of accommodation
  5. Last three months’ bank statement as proof of sufficient funds
  6. China travel itinerary*

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Chinese tourist visa requirements

The tourist visa is also referred to as a travel visa as it serves multiple purposes. For instance, it can be used to transit via China when the layover period exceeds 24 hours. And, when specifically used for visiting friends/family based in China for short stay periods, it is referred to as China Visit visa.

For the complete information, read China Tourist Visa

China tourist visa requirements

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Additional requirements for a tourist visa

  • The original leave sanction certificate and 3 months’ salary slips if employed
  • If self-employed: Company registration certificate or 3 months’ bank statement or last 3 years’ IT returns
  • For retired individuals: Pension payment certificate or 6 months’ bank statement
  • Copy of ID card for students along with applicable bonafide certificates
  • Minors/children need a copy of birth certificate and parents’ passport copy.
  • Children also need NOC from the non-accompanying parent, as applicable

Requirements for China visit visa

When travelling to China for tourism but planning to stay with a relative/friend residing in China, then the tourist visa may be termed as a visit visa. All the requirements of a tourist visa are applicable for a visit visa except for the following;

  • Invitation letter, copy of inviter’s passport/PR
  • Address proof of the inviter
  • Copy of the host’s identity card, passport, residence permit, etc. as applicable

China business visa requirements

A Chinese business or M visa may be the single, double, or multiple-entry type where the stay periods may range from one month to one year. Accordingly, based on the processing time, there is a China business visa and China express business visa. For more information, read China Business Visa

China business visa requirements

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China transit visa requirements

The application process and requirements are similar to those of an L visa or tourist visa. Thus, most often travellers from the non-visa-exempt nations choose to apply for a tourist visa for layover periods exceeding 24 hours. It is also because there are entry restrictions and specific port of entries for different countries.

For more information, read China Transit Visa

China work visa requirements

  • Your valid passport, residence permit, and employer’s employment permit as applicable
  • Three passport-sized photographs
  • Your valid work permit
  • Two copies of your employment application form
  • A release letter from your previous employer

Note: If you are relocating to Shanghai from a different Chinese city, government-released proof of work permit relocation/cancellation shall be provided.

  • Valid business license, organization code certificate, or FIE approval certificate is applicable
  • Your curriculum vitae in Chinese, including your highest academic degree obtained and complete work experience
  • Work-related qualification certificates or proof of past work experience (issued by previous employers)
  • Academic qualifications
  • Employment contract with your new employer

China student visa requirements

  • Your original passport with a validity of at least 6 months and at least two blank pages for visa
  • Colour photocopy of the first and last pages of your passport
  • Form JW201 or Form JW202, which are the study in China forms
  • Student Visa Application Form

Note: The application form must be typed in black, with only capital letters. Hand-written application forms are not acceptable.

  • One passport-sized photograph taken against a light background
  • Original admission notice issued by the school/college/university based in China
  • Previous Chinese visa if any

Requirements for Personal visit visa or Q Visa

  • Original passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Photocopy of the passport
  • Two passport-sized photographs taken against a light background
  • Personal visit visa application form
  • An invitation letter issued by the relative working, studying or residing in China stating the applicant’s relationship and purpose of visit
  • Proof of kinship
  • Inviter’s passport and residence permit

Requirements for R visa issued to highly-qualified individuals

  • Your original passport
  • Latest passport-sized photograph
  • Your organization code certificate or business license as applicable
  • Certificate of registration of the resident representative office of a foreign enterprise or social insurance registration as applicable
  • Power of Attorney if applicable
  • Identity proof of your employer or manager
  • China Work Permit Application Form
  • Proof of previous work experience
  • Certificates of your highest level of education
  • Official proof of no criminal record from your residence country
  • Medical certificate
  • An employment contract or other proof of employment

Requirements for a residence visa

  • Your original passport
  • Latest passport-sized photograph
  • Residence visa application form
  • Original Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China
  • Photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status

Visa requirements for non-commercial visits

  • Original passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Photocopy of the passport
  • Two passport-sized photographs taken against a light background
  • Personal visit visa application form
  • An invitation letter issued by the relative working, studying or residing in China stating the applicant’s relationship and purpose of visit
  • Inviter’s passport and residence permit
  • Detailed itinerary including arrival, departure, the purpose of visit, etc.

Requirements for a journalist visa

  • Your original passport
  • Latest passport-sized photograph
  • Journalist Visa Application Form
  • A Visa Notification Letter
  • Official cover letter issued by the media organization you are employed with

Important

The applicant must get in touch with the press office of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance for the J visa proceedings

We have tried our best to provide you with the list of Chinese visa requirements for the major categories of China visa. For more information or assistance with visa proceedings, you can visit us at www.blinkvisa.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is China visa fee for the different categories?

The fee varies for each category and is dependent on the Chinese Embassy. Here is the updated fee structure for the common types of Chinese visa;

Type of China Visa Visa Fee Blinkvisa Charges SGST + CGST Total Avail Cashback
Tourist Visa INR 8999 INR 500 18% INR 9589 INR 9589
Express Tourist Visa INR 14499 INR 500 18% INR 15089 INR 15089
Business Visa INR 10499 INR 500 18% INR 11089 INR 11089
Express Business Visa INR 14499 INR 500 18% INR 15089 INR 15089

We suggest you read China Visa Price to understand how cashback works. 

2. How to apply for a China visa?

The China visa application process is as follows;

  1. Visit www.blinkvisa.com
  2. Select the country and visa type, enter your email id, city, etc and click on the ‘Get Visa’ button
  3. You will be directed to the specific visa page of the country chosen
  4. Fill in the basic details like the number of applicants, tentative travel date, return date
  5. Make the payment of INR 500 and receive the complete visa fee as cashback
  6. Share your documents
  7. Receive your visa in seven to ten working days (the processing time may vary as per the courier service)

Also, read Apply for China Visa

3. Is there a China visa on arrival for Indians?

Presently, there is no China visa on arrival for the non-visa-exempt nations like India. For more information, read China Visa for Indians

4. Do Indians residing in Hong Kong or Macau need a visa to China?

Hong Kong residents with a valid Hong Kong id card may apply for single-multiple entry 6 or 12 months visa. Non-permanent Macau residents may apply for a 6-months (validity) multiple-entry visa while the permanent residents may apply for a 12-months (validity) multiple-entry visa.

5. Is there a China eVisa?

China visa in advance is a sticker visa. Thus there is no China eVisa as such. However, you may apply for a China visa online with Blinkvisa.