China Visa for Indians

China visa for Indians consists of 16 major types, which are respectively marked with Chinese phonetic letters L, M, F, Z, X1, X2, S1, S2, Q1, Q2, C, J-1, J-2, G, D, and R. 

Tourist Visa (L)

A Tourist (L) Visa is issued to those who intend to go to China for touring and sightseeing. Proof of travel such as flight confirmation and hotel reservation are required. Single entry or multiple entry are all available for tourists. The duration of stay (each visit) normally is 30-60 days.

Business Visa (M)

A business (M) visa is issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities. M Visa is usually issued for single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry. M visa can be issued for up to 10 years. The duration of stay (each visit) is normally 30-60 days based on the particular Chinese Consulate.

Non-Commerce Visa (F)

A Non-commerce (F) visa had been used as a business visa before the M visa was introduced. F visa is now changed for the non-commercial visits. This visa is issued to those who intend to go to China for research, lecture, scientific, cultural exchange and study tour. F visa (for non-trade or non-commerce) is normally issued for single or double entry only. The duration of stay (each visit) is normally 30-90 days.

Work Visa (Z)

A Work (Z) visa is issued to those who have obtained employment to work in China. A government-issued working permit or employment license is required. This visa is issued for single entry only. Holders of Z Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of entry, register and apply for the residence permit in Public Security Bureau (police station). A residence permit is good for multiple entry. This visa is also issued to people conducting a commercial performance in China.

Study Visa (X1/X2)

A Student Visa is issued to those who have been admitted to a Chinese college. Student Visa is sub-divided into X1 and X2.

• X1 is issued to foreign students who come to China to study for a long duration i.e. more than 6 months. X1 visa can be issued for multiple entry with validity up to 5 years.
• X2 is issued to those who come to China with the same purpose but for a period of fewer than 6 months. X2 visa is issued for single-entry only. 

Private Visa (S1 & S2)

• S1 Visa (Long Term)

A Private Visa is ssued to those who intend to go to China to live with the immediate family member working or studying in China, or to those who intend to go to China for other private affairs. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days. “Immediate family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 or parents-in-law. Original proof of kinship is required. S1 visa is issued for single-entry only. Holders of S1 visa shall, within 30 days from the date of entry, register and apply for the residence permit in Public Security Bureau (police station). Residence permit is good for multiple entry.

• S2 Visa (Short Term)

Issued to those who intend to visit their family members who are foreigners working or studying in China, or to those who intend to go to China for other private matters such as visiting friends, divorce, inheritance, adoption, marriage or medical services. The intended duration of stay in China is normally granted as 30 – 90 days per visit. Proof of kinship is required for visiting family members. S2 visa is usually issued for multiple entry. Multiple entry up to 10 years is only issued to US passport holder.

Family Visa (Q1, Q2)

• Q1 Visa (Long Term)

Q1 visa is designed for Chinese descendants or foreigners who are spouses of Chinese citizens. Issued to those who are family members of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence and intend to go to China for a family reunion, or to those who intend to go to China for the purpose of foster care. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days. “Family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law. Original proof of kinship is required. An interview may be required. Q1 visa is issued for single entry only. Holders of Q1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of entry, register and apply for the residence permit in Public Security Bureau (police station). A residence permit is good for multiple entry.

• Q2 Visa (Short Term)

Q2 visa is designed for Chinese descendants or foreigners who are spouses of Chinese citizens. Issued to those with the intention of visiting their relatives who are Chinese citizens residing in China or foreigners with permanent residence status in China. The intended duration of stay in China is normally granted up to 120 days per visit. A Q2 visa is usually issued for multiple entry. 

Crew Visa (C)

A Crew Visa is issued to foreign crew members utilizing means of international transportation including aircraft, trains, ships, and motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities. Also issued to accompanying family members of crew members.

Group Visa

Group Visa is a particular type of visa that is issued to a tourist group which comprises at least five (5) members who must travel together in China. Group Visa is issued as a separate sheet instead of on the individual passport. One Official Visa Notification Letter from any head office of the China Travel Service (CTS), China International Travel Service (CITS), or China Youth Travel Service (CYTS), or Chinese National Tourism Bureau is required.

Transit Visa (G)

This is issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter China on transit to other countries