Understanding the Various Types of Chinese Visas and Their Application Requirements

Since Indonesia is not one of the countries granted visa-free access to China, it’s important for Indonesian citizens (WNI) who wish to travel to China to understand the different types of visas available and their application requirements.

Each type of visa has its own purpose, duration of stay, and specific document requirements, so knowing this information will greatly help in choosing the right visa according to your travel needs.

Types of Chinese Visas You Should Know

China offers various types of visas to choose from, ranging from diplomatic, courtesy, and service visas, to ordinary visas, which are the main and most commonly used category.

Diplomatic/Courtesy/Service Visas

Diplomatic, courtesy, and service visas are special types of visas issued by the Chinese government for diplomatic passport holders, government officials, or individuals making official visits on behalf of a country or specific organization.

• Diplomatic Visa is granted to diplomats or high-ranking government officials who have official state business.
• Courtesy Visa is usually granted to state guests, important delegations, or individuals invited by the Chinese government for non-commercial visits, as a form of diplomatic courtesy.
• Service Visa is given to government staff or international organizations traveling to China for official duties but who do not hold diplomatic status.

These visas generally have a faster application process and certain privileges, such as special lanes at immigration or visa fee exemptions, depending on bilateral agreements between countries.

Ordinary Visas

Meanwhile, as mentioned earlier, ordinary visas are the main category and the most widely used type of visa. These visas are further divided into several specific types as follows:

• L Visa (Tourist Visa)

Used for tourism, holidays, or personal visits. Usually valid for a single entry with a stay period of around 30 days.

• M Visa (Business Visa)

For business purposes such as attending exhibitions, trade negotiations, or business visits.

• F Visa (Exchange/Visit Visa)

Intended for non-commercial visits such as cultural exchanges, training, or research.

• X1/X2 Visa (Student Visa)

- X1: For long-term studies in China (>180 days)
- X2: For short-term studies in China (<180 days)

• Z Visa (Work Visa)

Required for holders of legal work permits in China and usually involves obtaining a work permit document from the relevant authorities.

• Q1/Q2 Visa (Family Reunion Visa)

- Q1: Long-term family visits (>180 days)
- Q2: Short-term family visits (<180 days)

• S1/S2 Visa (Private Visit Visa)

- S1: For long-term stays with family members who work or study in China (>180 days)
- S2: For short-term private visits (<180 days)

• C Visa (Crew Visa)

For international crew members of aircraft, ships, trains, or cross-border drivers and their accompanying family members.

• G Visa (Transit Visa)

Issued for transit through China and requires a confirmed onward ticket.

• J1/J2 Visa (Journalist Visa)

- J1: For foreign journalists assigned permanently to the offices of foreign news agencies in China.
- J2: For foreign journalists visiting China for short-term news coverage.

• D Visa (Permanent Residence Visa)

For those intending to settle permanently in China.

• R Visa (Talent Visa)

For professionals or highly skilled individuals needed in China.

Required Documents for Applying for an Ordinary Chinese Visa

Since the ordinary visa is the most widely used type of Chinese visa and can be applied for by anyone, it’s important for people to know what documents are required when applying for this type of visa.

These requirements may vary depending on the specific type of ordinary visa being applied for, but generally, there are several basic documents that every applicant must prepare.

General Requirements

The general requirements that must be met by anyone applying for an ordinary Chinese visa are:

• A valid current passport with at least 6 months of validity and any old passports (from the last 5 years) if available.
• A passport photo with a white background, without head coverings.

For those who previously held Chinese citizenship but are now foreign nationals:

• A valid current passport with at least 6 months of validity and any old passports (from the last 5 years) if available.
• A passport photo with a white background, without head coverings.
• Old Chinese passport and previous Chinese visas.

If the applicant is under 18 years old:

• A valid current passport with at least 6 months of validity and any old passports (from the last 5 years) if available.
• A passport photo with a white background, without head coverings.
• Birth certificate.
• Parents’ passports or ID cards.
• A letter of parental consent from any parent not traveling, stating the travel dates and contact details; if both parents are traveling, attach joint flight tickets.

If the applicant is not an Indonesian citizen:

• A valid current passport with at least 6 months of validity and any old passports (from the last 5 years) if available.
• A passport photo with a white background, without head coverings.
• Last entry stamp into Indonesia.
• A valid residence, work, or study permit in Indonesia.

Requirements Based on the Type of Visa Applied For

It’s also important to understand the supporting documents needed depending on the specific ordinary visa you’re applying for, to ensure a smooth and timely application process. Below are the additional requirements according to the ordinary visa categories commonly applied for:

Please note that all the requirements based on the visa type above must still be completed along with the general requirements previously explained. So, make sure everything is prepared to ensure a smooth visa application process.

Meanwhile, you can read the complete procedures for applying for an ordinary Chinese visa in this article.