Apply for China visa

Before you apply for a China visa, make sure

Select the correct visa category
Collected all the supporting documents according to the requirements.

Visa types

L (Most common): Issued to those who intend to go to China for tourism.
M: Issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities.
F: Issued to those who intend to go to China for exchanges, visits, study, tours, and other activities.
Z: Issued to those who intend to work in China.
S1: Issued to those who intend to go to China to visit the foreigners working or studying in China to whom they are spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 or parents-in-law, or to those who intend to go to China for other private affairs. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.
S2: 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. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.
Q1: Issued to those who are family members of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence and intend to go to China for 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.
Q2: Issued to those who intend to visit their relatives who are Chinese citizens residing in China or foreigners with permanent residence in China. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.
R: Issued to High-level talents
C: Issued to Crew member
X1: Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of more than 180 days.
X2: Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of no more than 180 days.
D: Issued to those who intend to reside in China permanently.
G: Issued to those who intend to transit throughChina.

"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.

Where to apply

There is only one application portal, don't get fooled by some visa application agents. The correct URL is https://cova.mfa.gov.cn/