There are basically nine different types of China visa applicable for foreigners and they are divided into two main groups – the ordinary visa and the diplomatic visa. Whether you are from London, UK or Los Angeles, USA; you will need to apply for a China visa unlike in the case of a Hong Kong visa.

Here is an insight into the 9 types of China visas:

ORDINARY CHINA VISA

There are 8 different China visas that you can apply for and they include:

L Visa: This is also known as the Tourist visa. If you are traveling from London, UK or Europe for vacation, you will need to apply for the L visa unlike Hong Kong where you won’t require a Hong Kong tourist visa. This visa is issued to individuals and families who are visiting China as a tourist. You can choose between a single-entry and double-entry tourist visa. The maximum stay per entry is 30 days. If you are planning to travel to Tibet then you will need an approval notice from China Tibet Tourism Bureau prior to applying for a tourist visa.

F Visa: This is also known as the Business visa or Visit visa. Whether you are from the UK, US or any other country in the world, you will need this China visa for business visits or visits related to lecture, research, and cultural scientific and technological exchanges. You can choose from Single-entry, double-entry, 6-month-multiple-entry, and one-year-multiple-entry business China visa. Maximum stay permissible per entry is 30 days.

Z Visa: This is known as the Work visa. It is issued to foreigners entering China in relation to employment, posting, job search etc. This China visa is also provided to any accompanying family members.

X Visa: Known as the Student visa, it is issued to foreigners who want to visit China for study or intern practice for a time period of 6 months or more.

C Visa: Known as the Crewmember visa, it is issued to crewmembers of all international aviation companies, land transportation missions, navigation personnel’s as well as their accompanying family members.

J Visa: This is the Journalist visa and the two types of visas available are J-1 and J-2. J-1 China visa is issued to foreign journalists posted to China for a minimum of one year. J-2 China visa is issued to foreign journalists on temporary projects or mission in China.

G Visa: Known as the Transit visa, it is issued to foreigners transiting through China.

D Visa: Known as the Residence visa, it is issued to foreigners planning to live in China permanently.

DIPLOMATIC AND SERVICE VISA

The diplomatic and service visa is issued to foreign government officials, staff of United Nations and diplomatic missions traveling to China on an official mission.