China Visa Guide

The L Visa is the standard tourist visa for visiting China for leisure, sightseeing, visiting friends or family, or other personal activities. It is the most commonly issued visa type for foreign travelers. The visa can be issued for single, double, or multiple entries with stays ranging from 30 to 90 days per entry depending on nationality and application.

The M Visa is issued to those traveling to China for commercial or trade activities, including attending trade fairs, signing contracts, business meetings, and market research. It does not permit employment in China. For longer business stays or employment, a Z Visa (work visa) is required instead.

The G Visa is issued to those transiting through China to a third country or region. This visa is for travelers who need to leave the international transit area of the airport or stay in China for a short period between connecting flights. Many travelers may qualify for visa-free transit programs instead, so check eligibility before applying.

China offers 144-hour (6-day) visa-free transit to citizens of 54 countries at major entry points including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and several other cities. This generous policy allows travelers to explore select regions of China without a visa, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country within the permitted timeframe. This is one of the easiest ways to experience China.

The X Visa is issued to foreign nationals who intend to study in China. The X1 Visa is for long-term study programs exceeding 180 days, while the X2 Visa covers short-term programs of 180 days or less. China hosts over 400,000 international students and offers programs in Chinese language, traditional medicine, engineering, and many other fields at universities across the country.