China is a country that attracts thousands of tourists and professionals each year.
It’s no surprise, as China is a nation vibrant with culture, business opportunities, and tourist attractions.
If you want to visit China for business or tourist purposes, you’ll need a Chinese Business Visa or a Chinese Tourist Visa before your departure.
In this guide, we delve into the details of each visa category, providing clarity on application procedures, requirements, and more.
Let’s explore the essentials, ensuring you choose the right visa type for you.
China Business Visa
What is the Chinese Business Visa?
The Chinese Business Visa (M visa) is designed for individuals who intend to visit China to attend conferences or meetings or to engage in commercial or trade transactions.
This visa can be valid for either three, six, or twelve months, with one, two or multiple entries. On each entry, depending on the visa you are granted, you can stay for 30, 60, or 90 days.
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China Business Visa Application Guide: What You Need to Know
Who can apply for a Business Visa for China?
The China Business Visa is not restricted to particular countries.
Instead, it’s issued based on the factors like the purpose of your visit, your connection with the inviting Chinese entity, and your capacity to meet the visa criteria.
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Back to Business – China Reopening to International Business Travelers
What are the application requirements for the Chinese Business Visa?
To apply for a China Business Visa you must have the required documents:
Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and one blank visa page
A completed Chinese Embassy visa application form
An invitation letter issued by the Chinese host company
Digital photo
Other documents required by The Chinese Embassy
What is the processing time for the Chinese Business Visa?
The standard processing time is a week from the time your documents are with the embassy.
However, note that the processing time can vary, depending on several factors, such as:
How complete and accurate the documents are. That’s why it’s important to ensure the documents you submit are complete and accurate and that there is no missing or incorrect information
Whether there are high volumes of visa applications. During peak travel seasons there may be longer processing times
The processing time for the express service is typically two working days. However, this option is more expensive.
How much does the Chinese Business Visa cost?
The price of getting a Chinese Business Visa with Visa First is a flat fee of €130 + VAT.
The Embassy fees are then paid upon collection and it’s up to the applicant to either organise the payment themselves or avail of Visa First’s collection service.
Chinese Tourist Visa
What is the Chinese Tourist Visa?
To visit China for tourist purposes, you are required to have a Chinese Tourist Visa (L visa) which allows you to travel freely in most parts of China as a tourist.
The L visa is issued to foreign nationals who intend to visit China for tourism purposes, including sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, and engaging in other non-business or non-work-related activities.
The Chinese Tourist Visa can have varying validity periods – single or double.
The validity period for these visas can also vary between three or six months.
The length of stay can be 30, 60, or 90 days and this period is calculated from the date of entry into China.
Similar to the Chinese Business Visa, the processing time for the China Tourist Visa is five working days and it’s also important to account for delays, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to apply before your trip.
Read Also:
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How do I know if I am eligible for the Chinese Tourist Visa?
You can apply for the L visa if:
Your passport has at least six months of remaining validity and has blank pages.
Note that some nationalities do not need a Chinese Visa and can enter China visa-free for a short amount of time (no more than 15 days).
These include passport holders from Singapore and Brunei.
What documents are required for a China Tourist Visa?
In order to apply for this type of visa, you will be required to provide a number of documents. These include:
Passport that’s valid for at least six months, with at least two blank pages
Passport photograph taken in the last six months
A completed application form
Travel itinerary and hotel booking confirmations are required. If your visit is for the purpose of visiting someone in the country, you must have an invitation from this person and supporting documents as they will be required
How much does it cost to get a Tourist Visa to China?
Similar to the Business Visa, the price of getting a Chinese Tourist Visa with Visa First is a flat fee of €130 + VAT.
You can either pay the Embassy fee when collecting your visa collection or you can avail of Visa First’s collection service.
How can Visa First help me with my China Visa application?
Our team at Visa First is here to take the tricky application forms and documents off your hands!
Once you complete our application form and email it to us alongside the rest of the documents, we’ll prepare your application form for you.
Then we’ll send you an email with instructions on what you can expect next!
Why Choose Visa First?
At Visa First we have been licensed visa experts since 2003 and we provide over 10,000 visas yearly!
We strive to provide easy and convenient visa processing and immigration services.
Our experts will guide you through the entire visa application process while boosting your chances of securing your visa!
With over 20 years of experience, rest assured that you’re in safe hands!
Ready to secure your visa to China? Get started with Visa First today!
Chinese Visas FAQs
How long does it take to get a Business Visa to China?
Typically, it takes a week for your visa to be processed once your documents are sent off to the embassy.
You also have the option of applying for the express service which costs more, however, the express processing time is two working days.
How long is my Chinese Visa valid for?
How long your visa is valid will depend on which type of Chinese Visa you apply for as there are several options.
In the instance of the Business or Tourist Chinese Visas, this can vary between 30 to 90 days.
Can I leave and re-enter China with the same visa?
This depends on the visa you were granted.
If you have a single-entry visa, you can enter China only once during the validity period. Once you exit, the visa becomes invalid.
Whereas, if you have a double-entry visa, you can enter and exit China twice within the specified validity period.
How long does it take to organize a Chinese Visa?
Typically, it takes around a week for your Chinese Visa to be processed by the embassy once they’ve received all your documents and application.
Can a Chinese Business Visa be used for tourism?
In general, a Chinese Business Visa is intended for business-related activities. it’s not specifically designed for tourism.
However, some Business Visas may allow for a certain amount of leisure or tourism time, but it’s crucial to check your visa’s terms.
If your primary purpose is tourism, it’s generally recommended to apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa (L visa) rather than a Business Visa.
Can I work in China with a Business Visa?
The short answer is no.
Although with a Chinese Business Visa you can engage in business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, and negotiations, it does not permit you to work in China.
Instead, if you’d like to take up a job in China, you can apply for a work visa, also known as the Z visa.
How many types of Chinese Visas are there?
There are several types of Chinese Visas designed for different purposes.
These can be categorized into four group including Courtesy Visas, Diplomatic Visas, Ordinary Visa, and Public Service Visas, each catering to specific needs:
Diplomatic Visa is for those traveling to China for diplomatic purposes, representing their government
Courtesy Visa is extended as a gesture of courtesy to individuals invited by the Chinese government or organizations
Public Service Visa is issued to individuals traveling to China for non-commercial government or public services
Ordinary Visa covers a range of purposes, including tourism, business, work, student, etc.
There are 16 types of ordinary visas which are typically what you hear people applying for. Here is a list of these:
C visa – For crew members transiting through China
D visa – For those who intend to be permanent residents in China
F visa – Private visits to family or friends
G visa – For individuals transiting through China
J1 visa – Issued to foreign journalists for long-term assignments
J2 visa – Issued to foreign journalists for short-term assignments
L visa – For tourism or personal travel
M visas – For business-related activities, such as meetings and negotiations
Q1 visa – For family members of Chinese citizens or residents who intend to stay long-term
Q2 visa – For family members of Chinese citizens or residents who intend to stay short-term
R visa – For high-level foreign talents and professionals
S1 visa – For family members accompanying individuals working or studying in China long-term
S2 visa – For family members accompanying individuals working or studying in China short-term
X1 visa – For long-term study in China
X2 visa – For short-term study in China
Z visa – For individuals planning to work in China
When can I apply for a Chinese visa?
The timing for applying for a Chinese visa can vary depending on the type of visa you are seeking and your specific circumstances.
Typically you cannot apply for your visa any earlier than three months before your travel.
Generally, it’s recommended to submit your visa application between one and three months before your planned entry into China.
What is the difference between the Business and Tourist Visa in China?
The main difference between a Business Visa and a Tourist Visa for China lies in the purpose of the visit, the activities that you are allowed to engage in, and the documentation required to apply. Here are the key distinctions:
Purpose of Visit:
The Business Visa (M Visa) is for business-related activities, such as meetings, negotiations, and other commercial purposes.
Whereas, the Tourist Visa (L Visa) is for tourism or personal purposes, such as sightseeing, visiting friends or family, or attending non-commercial events.
Permitted Activities:
The Business Visa (M Visa) only allows you to participate in business-related activities, such as meetings, conferences, and negotiations.
Whereas, with the Tourist Visa (L Visa) you can engage in leisure and recreational activities but not business-related or employment activities.
Documentation Requirements:
The other difference is in the documentation required. For Business Visas, you typically need to provide documents related to the business purpose of the visit, such as an invitation letter from a Chinese business entity and details about the planned business activities in China.
In contrast, for the Tourist Visa, you require documents that indicate the tourist nature of the trip, such as flight itinerary and hotel reservations.
Can I extend my Business Visa in China?
Yes, it’s possible to extend a Business Visa (M visa) in China under certain circumstances.
Visa extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and you’ll need to provide valid reasons, such as continued business activities or unexpected circumstances that require a longer stay.
If you would like to apply for an extension, you should do so at least seven days before your visa expires.
Can I stay in China after my visa expires?
No, it’s not legal to stay in China after your visa expires.
Overstaying a visa in China is a violation of immigration laws and can lead to serious consequences.
If you overstay, you may incur penalties such as fines, deportation, and potential difficulties in obtaining visas for future visits.
Can I change my visa type while in China?
In certain circumstances, it may be possible to change your visa type while in China.
If you are considering changing your visa type, you’ll need to provide valid reasons for the change, such as a change in employment, study program, or family circumstances and you’ll need to provide documentation.
It’s important to start the process well in advance of the expiration of your current visa as changing visa types may take time.
Before you attempt to change your visa type, it’s highly recommended to consult with the local immigration authorities or the Entry-Exit Administration to understand the specific requirements and procedures applicable to your situation.
Can I apply for another visa for China before it expires?
Generally speaking, yes, you can apply for another visa for China before your current visa expires.
However, this will depend on your specific situation and the rules and regulations set by the Chinese authorities.
Do I need a visa to visit China from Ireland?
Yes, as an Irish passport holder, you require a visa to visit China.
The type of visa you’ll require will depend on the purpose and duration of your visit.
Do I need an invitation letter to visit China?
Whether you need an invitation letter to visit China depends on the purpose of your visit and the type of visa you are applying for.
For example, if you are applying for a Tourist Visa, you typically don’t need an invitation letter.
However, if you are applying for a Business Visa, an invitation letter from a Chinese business entity may be required.
How far in advance should I apply for a Chinese Visa?
The earliest you can apply for your Chinese Visa is three months in advance and it’s advised that you plan it no later than one month in advance.
Do you need Covid test to enter China?
Since August 30, 2023, you are no longer required to provide a Covid test before travelling.
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