China Visas
Capital Beijing · Currency CNY · National Immigration Administration (NIA)
China issues category-based visas (L tourist, X student, Z work). Longer stays convert to a residence permit after arrival. Recent visa-free transit and short-stay policies apply to many nationalities.
Visa-free transit and short-stay schemes for many nationalities; check current rules.China visas at a glance
| Visa type | Fee | Processing | Stay / validity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist / Visit Tourist Visa (L) |
Varies by nationality (approx. USD 30–140) | ~4 working days | 30–60 days per entry | View → |
| Student Student Visa (X1 / X2) |
Varies by nationality | ~4 working days | Course length (residence permit) | View → |
| Work / Skilled Work Visa (Z) |
Varies by nationality | Several weeks (incl. permit) | Up to 5 years (residence permit) | View → |
| PR / Immigration Permanent Residence |
CNY 1,500 (approx.) | Several months | Permanent (card renewed) | View → |
Visa types for China
Tourist Visa (L)
Short tourism visits; recent visa-free schemes apply to many nationalities.
- Processing: ~4 working days
- Stay: 30–60 days per entry
- Validity: Up to 10 years (nationality-dependent)
Student Visa (X1 / X2)
Study in China; X1 for long courses (with residence permit) and X2 for short courses.
- Processing: ~4 working days
- Validity: Course length (residence permit)
Work Visa (Z)
Employer-sponsored work visa with a foreigner work permit and residence permit.
- Processing: Several weeks (incl. permit)
- Validity: Up to 5 years (residence permit)
Permanent Residence
China's "green card" — highly selective, for talent, investors and long-settled family.
- Processing: Several months
- Validity: Permanent (card renewed)
Embassies, consulates & visa centres
Embassy of the People's Republic of China
New Delhi, India
50-D Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India
Visas via the Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
China visa FAQs
What visa types does China offer?＋
VisaViews covers 4 China visa types: Tourist / Visit, Student, Work / Skilled, PR / Immigration. Each has its own eligibility criteria, fees and processing times.
Does China have an eVisa or visa-free entry?＋
Visa-free transit and short-stay schemes for many nationalities; check current rules.
How much is a China tourist visa?＋
The Tourist Visa (L) costs Varies by nationality (approx. USD 30–140). Fees are indicative and can change — always confirm on the official source.
How long does a China visa take to process?＋
Processing time varies by visa type; the Tourist Visa (L) typically takes ~4 working days.
Who handles China visas and immigration?＋
China visas and immigration are administered by National Immigration Administration (NIA). The official portal is https://en.nia.gov.cn.