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China

Every China visa route, explained

China has a letter category for every purpose — short visits on the Tourist (L) visa (with visa-free and 240-hour transit schemes for some), plus transit (G), study (X1/X2), work (Z), family reunion (Q1/Q2) and talent (R) visas. Routes with verified step-by-step guides link straight to them; the rest link to the official Chinese Visa Application Service Center.

The routes

Visit & tourism

Tourist (L) visa

Short visits for tourism — most foreign tourists need an L visa; some nationalities are visa-free and visa-free transit schemes apply at many ports.

  • Tourism, leisure and short family/friend visits
Typically up to 30, 60 or 90 days per entry

10 verified step-by-step guides →

Transit

Transit (G) visa

For travellers transiting China to a third country; note many travellers qualify for the visa-free transit (up to 240 hours) at eligible ports instead.

official page →

Study

Student (X1 / X2) visa

For studying in China — X1 for long-term study of more than 180 days (leads to a residence permit); X2 for short courses of 180 days or less.

  • Students enrolled at a Chinese institution

official page →

Work & business

Work (Z) visa

For taking up employment in China, paired with a work permit; the Z visa is used on entry to obtain a work-type residence permit. Business trips use the M visa.

  • Employees with a Chinese work permit
  • Business visitors (M visa)

official page →

Family & residence

Family reunion (Q1 / Q2) visa

For family members of Chinese citizens or permanent residents — Q1 for long-term reunion/residence; Q2 for short family visits. S visas cover family of foreigners living in China.

  • Family of Chinese citizens / permanent residents
  • Family of foreign residents (S visa)

official page →

Other routes

Talent (R) visa

For high-level foreign talents and urgently needed specialists invited to work in China under the national talent programmes.

  • High-level professionals and in-demand specialists

official page →

Verified step-by-step guides

Grounded on official sources — documents, fees, timeline, every fact dated and linked.

🇧🇩 Bangladesh → ChinaTourist (L) visa
Bangladeshi citizens need a Tourist (L) visa to visit China — complete the online COVA application, then submit your passport at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom → ChinaTourist (L) visa
British citizens need a Tourist (L) visa to visit China — complete the online COVA application, then submit your passport at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
🇮🇩 Indonesia → ChinaTourist (L) visa
Indonesian citizens need a Tourist (L) visa to visit China — complete the online COVA application, then submit your passport at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
🇮🇳 India → ChinaTourist (L) visa
Indian citizens need a Tourist (L) visa to visit China — complete the online COVA application, then submit your passport at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
🇳🇬 Nigeria → ChinaTourist (L) visa
Nigerian citizens need a Tourist (L) visa to visit China — complete the online COVA application, then submit your passport at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
🇵🇭 Philippines → ChinaTourist (L) visa
Filipino citizens need a Tourist (L) visa to visit China — complete the online COVA application, then submit your passport at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
🇵🇰 Pakistan → ChinaTourist (L) visa
Pakistani citizens need a Tourist (L) visa to visit China — complete the online COVA application, then submit your passport at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
🇷🇺 Russia → ChinaTourist (L) visa
Russian citizens need a Tourist (L) visa to visit China — complete the online COVA application, then submit your passport at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
🇺🇸 United States → ChinaTourist (L) visa
American citizens need a Tourist (L) visa to visit China — complete the online COVA application, then submit your passport at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
🇻🇳 Vietnam → ChinaTourist (L) visa
Vietnamese citizens need a Tourist (L) visa to visit China — complete the online COVA application, then submit your passport at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center.