Want to visit, study or work in China? It all starts with applying for one of the eight different types of visas offered by the Chinese Government. A Chinese visa is a permit issued to a foreigner by Chinese visa authorities for entry into, exit from or transit through Chinese territory. Chinese visa authorities issue diplomatic, courtesy, service or ordinary visas to foreigners according to an applicant's passport type and reason for visiting China. Here are the different types of visas:

› D Visa: This visa is issued to foreigners who wish to permanently reside in China. A permanent residence confirmation form is required as part of the application for a D visa. The applicant must apply for this form personally, or through relatives in China, at the exit-and-entry department of the public security bureau in the city or county where he or she wishes to reside. 

› Z Visa: Foreigners planning to work in China and their accompanying family members are eligible for Z visas. To apply for a Z visa, applicants must submit an Employment License of the People's Republic of China for Foreigners (which can be obtained by the employer in China from the provincial or municipal labor authorities) and a visa notification letter/telegram issued by an authorized organization or company. 

› X Visa: Students and job trainees planning to stay in China for six months or more can apply for X visas. X visa applicants must submit certificates from the receiving unit and the relevant authority, i.e., an Application Form for Overseas Students to China (JW201 Form or JW202 Form), an Admission Notice and a Physical Examination Record for Foreigners. 

› F Visa: This visa is for visitors staying in China for under six months. Eligible applicants include those traveling to China for visits, study, business trips, scientific and cultural exchanges or job-training. F visa applications require an invitation letter from the inviting unit or a visa notification letter/telegram from an authorized unit. 

› L Visa: L visas are commonly called tourist visas, and are given to foreigners traveling to China for sightseeing, visiting relatives or other private purposes. Applicants must submit evidence that they are able to cover the costs of traveling in China (usually a bank statement), and when necessary, provide copies of their international travel itinerary, including their tickets to leave China. Applicants traveling to China to visit relatives must sometimes provide invitation letters from their relatives in China. 

› G Visa: Foreigners transiting through China can apply for G visas. Applicants are required to show valid visas and tickets for their intended destination. 

› C Visa: Train attendants, air crewmembers, seamen operating international services and their accompanying family members can apply for C visas.  Applications for C visas must include relevant documents as established by bilateral agreements or Chinese regulations. 

› J-1 Visa: This visa is issued to journalists working in China as foreign correspondents on long-term assignments. 

› J-2 Visa: The J-2 visa is for reporters traveling to China for short-term reporting work. Applicants for J-1 and J-2 visas are required to provide a certificate issued by the relevant Chinese authorities. 

In addition to providing the documents mentioned above, applicants must also answer relevant questions and do the following (with the exception of those otherwise stipulated by agreements): 

• Provide a valid passport or a travel document in lieu of a passport; 

• Fill out a visa application form, and provide a recent 2-inch, bareheaded and full-faced passport photo; and 

• Pay applicable visa fees. 

Foreigners can apply for visas at Chinese embassies, consulates, visa offices, the consular department of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in HKSAR, and other agencies authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. 

(Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China)

News: Visa-free Transit

Air travelers are set to benefit from the announcement that Beijing now allows 72-hour visa-free stays for citizens from 45 countries. As of January 1, 2013, tourists holding third country visas and plane tickets can apply for transit without visa, or TWOV, at Beijing Capital International Airport. Foreign visitors are not permitted to leave Beijing to visit other Chinese cities during the 72 hours, and must depart from Beijing. Government regulations require that all visitors register at a police station with their visas within 24 hours of their arrival.