China Visa Guide: Types, Requirements & How to Apply
Everything you need to know about Chinese visas — the main visa types, visa-free ways in, how to apply, what documents you need, and the mistakes to avoid.
Types of Chinese visas
China issues visas by purpose. These are the ones most travellers and medical visitors use.
L — Tourist visa
For sightseeing and leisure travel. Usually single or double entry, valid for 30–60 days per stay.
M — Business visa
For commercial and trade activities. Requires an invitation letter from a Chinese company or partner.
S2 — Private affairs / medical (short-term)
For short stays to visit family, handle private matters, or receive medical treatment. This is the visa most medical travellers use.
S1 — Private affairs / medical (long-term)
For longer stays with family members working or studying in China, or extended medical treatment.
Q2 — Family visit (short-term)
For visiting Chinese citizens or permanent residents who are relatives, for up to 180 days.
F — Exchange & non-business visits
For exchanges, study tours, cultural visits and other non-commercial activities.
Visa-free ways into China
Many travellers do not need a visa at all — if they meet the conditions below.
30-day unilateral visa-free
Citizens of dozens of countries can enter without a visa for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits and other short stays. Most arrangements run to 31 December 2026.
240-hour visa-free transit
Travellers from eligible countries transiting to a third country can stay up to 240 hours (10 days) within permitted areas, with a confirmed onward ticket.
Hainan 30-day visa-free
Citizens of eligible countries can enter visa-free for up to 30 days, limited to Hainan province, entering and leaving through Hainan ports.
Group & cruise visa-free
Organised tour groups from certain countries, and cruise passengers on approved routes, can enter under special visa-free arrangements.
How to apply for a Chinese visa
Choose your visa type
Match your purpose — tourism, business, medical, family — to the correct visa category.
Prepare your documents
Passport, application form, photo, tickets, accommodation, and any invitation or medical documents required.
Complete the application form
Fill in the visa application form online, print it and sign it.
Submit and pay
Submit your documents at a Chinese embassy, consulate or visa application centre and pay the fee.
Collect your passport
Processing usually takes a few working days to a few weeks. Collect your passport with the visa.
Documents you'll need
- A passport valid for at least six months, with blank visa pages
- A completed visa application form with a recent passport-style photo
- Round-trip flight tickets and hotel reservations (or an invitation letter)
- For medical visas: a hospital appointment or medical records from a Chinese hospital
- For business or family visits: an invitation letter from your Chinese host or company
Important things to know
Apply early
Processing can take days to weeks, and appointments at visa centres can fill up. Start at least a month ahead.
Never overstay
Overstaying leads to fines, detention and a ban on re-entry. Visa-free and transit entry cannot be extended in China.
Don't work on a tourist visa
A tourist (L) visa does not allow employment. Working without a work (Z) visa is illegal.
Register your accommodation
Visitors staying in private homes must register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival.
Policies change
Visa and visa-free rules change often. Always confirm the latest requirements with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country before travelling.
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