A Chinese visa is a permit issued by
Chinese visa authorities to non-Chinese citizens for entry into,
exit from and transit through China. American citizens and
citizens of most countries are required to obtain a China visa
before entering China. There are eight categories of ordinary
Chinese visas, which are respectively marked with the letters C,
D, F, G, J-1, J-2, L, X and Z.
L
Visa: The most popular type of China visa, an L visa is
also known as a tourist visa. It is issued to those who visit
China for tourist purposes, family visit or other personal
matters.
F
Visa: Also known as business visa, an F visa is issued
to applicants who are invited to China for business, research,
lecture, scientific-technological and culture exchanges,
short-term advanced studies or intern practice for a period of no
more than six months.
Z
Visa: A work visa, it is issued to those who are hired
by Chinese companies to work or teach in China, and their
accompanying family members.
X
Visa: A student visa, issued to applicants who go to
China for the purpose of study, advanced studies or intern
practice for a period of more than six months.
C
Visa: Issued to crewmembers on international aviation,
navigation and land transportation missions and family members
accompanying them on China-bound flight.
G
Visa: Issued to those who transit through China.
American passport holders must obtain a transit visa to transit
through all Chinese airports except Pudong International Airport
in Shanghai.
D
Visa: Issued to applicant who is to reside permanently
in China.
J-1
Visa: Issued to foreign resident correspondents in
China.
J-2
Visa: Issued to foreign correspondents on temporary
interview missions in China.
Validity of Visa:
A single entry Chinese visa is valid for 3 months from the date of
issue, and a double entry visa is valid for 6 months. A China visa
holder must enter China before the expiration date for the visa to
remain valid.
Duration of
Stay: The
duration of stay is specified on a Chinese visa. Chinese visa
holders must not stay beyond the specified date without extending
their visas. Otherwise, they will be subject to stiff penalties.
Overseas
Chinese Visa Authorities:
Foreign citizens can obtain a China visa from Chinese embassies,
consulates, visa offices, and the consular department of the
office of Chinese Foreign Ministry. For further information,
please consult the nearest China visa authorities in your country.
Links to
China Visa Authorities in U.S.A.:
Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C.
Chinese Consulate in Houston
Chinese Consulate in New York
Chinese Consulate in Chicago
Chinese Consulate in San Francisco
Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles
Links to China Visa Offices (List of Embassies and
Consulate Generals) in Other Regions
More Information and Links about China Visa
Application.
China
Visa Application FAQ
|
