Quick Links

Applying for a Chinese visa is a necessary requirement for almost all foreign nationals who wish to visit or immigrate to China for any length of time. In China, visas are broadly separated into tourist visas and business visas. However, various options exist under both categories and a range of other Chinese visas are also available.

Find out whether you qualify for a Chinese tourist visa or Chinese business visa by completing our online assessment form today.

At Worldwide Visa Services( TNS), our team of specialist immigration lawyers and immigration consultants can help you to obtain a wide range of visas for travel and work permits for a variety of destinations. We can help you to secure a UK visa or UK work permit, a visa for Canada or Australian visa, a USA visa, a South Africa visa, New Zealand visa and many more. We offer a complete range of immigration services and as a specialist immigration consultancy, we can manage your application from your initial enquiry through to receipt ensuring that you secure the most beneficial immigration service for your needs.

Chinese Tourist Visas

In China, immigration for the purpose of tourism is possible under two types of tourist or visit visas, for either single entry, or double entry. The maximum duration of tourist visas for China is a period of three months. In all cases, candidates must travel to China within three months of being granted entry clearance.

Chinese Business Visas

Applying for a Chinese business visa offers a single entry option similar to that provided in tourist visa applications but also affords a multiple entry variant valid for 6 months, 1 year or 2 years. However, eligibility for these permits is based upon prior visits to China; a first time applicant will be permitted a maximum of a double entry permit. A second time applicant may receive a 6 months multiple entry permit, a third time applicant can get a 1 year permit, and the 2 year permit is available only to 4th time applicants and beyond. It is important to note that a first time applicant will not get a 1 year visa straight away.

When applying for a Business Visa, China requires the same documentation to be provided as outlined above with the addition of a stamped invitation letter from either a Chinese Government authorised host company or a Government department.

In China, visas are given letter designations, with tourist visas being referred to as Chinese L visas and business visas as the Chinese F visa category. In addition to the types already covered, Chinese immigration also issues the following types of permit.

Chinese X visa

This category is essentially a Chinese study visa, issued to those who wish train or study in china for period of six months or more. Along with the documentation outlined above a letter of acceptance must be provided from a Chinese educational institution.

Chinese Z visa

The equivalent of a UK work permit and work permits in a range of destinations, these are designed for those immigrating to China for an extended period of time in order to undertake a position of employment. Spouse immigration and dependent immigration are also provided for the family of candidates relocating to China through this route. Applications must include a letter of invitation from the host company or Government department.

Chinese G Visa

In China, visa applications can be made for this category when a candidate will be entering Chinese territory for a very brief period en route to another destination. This category is effectively an airport transit visa. Candidates must be able to demonstrate valid entry clearance for their ultimate destination.

Chinese C visa

This category is specifically designed for the crewmembers of international aviation, land transportation or navigation missions.

Chinese D visa

These permits are intended for permanent residency. Applied for within China this extended grant of leave is given to those who intend to live and work in China on a long term or permanent basis.

Chinese J Visa

These are issued to journalists and are subdivided into two categories, the J1 and J2. The former is intended for long-term correspondents whereas the latter is for conducting reports in China for a short period.

Processing Times and Fees

Although processing times are subject to change, applications will normally be processed within four working days. A next day service is available at a premium of £15 and applications may be processed on the same day for an extra £20. Costs vary based upon the type of application being submitted and the nationality of the applicant however, costs generally range from around £30 for a single entry visitor visa to around £90 for a 2-year business permit. A Worldwide Visa Services( TNS) will be able to discuss the likely processing times and fees.

Worldwide Visa Services( TNS) online assessment form takes just moments to complete

UK Business Visa UK Immigration US Immigration Australian Immigration New Zealand Immigration Canadian Immigration

Schengen Visas China Visa Ireland Visa World Wide Visas