CN China Entry Guide Entry Checker Visa Rules Countries Checklist Sources China visa types explained Use this page to separate travel purpose from visa type.
Final application requirements depend on passport country, consular jurisdiction, and current visa center instructions.
Visa type Common purpose Typical notes L Tourism For sightseeing, leisure travel, and private tourism where visa-free entry or transit does not apply.
M Commercial and trade activities For business meetings, trade fairs, supplier visits, and commercial negotiations.
F Exchange, visits, study tours Often used for non-commercial exchange, research, lectures, cultural visits, or short-term study tours.
Z Work For employment in China.
Usually requires work authorization before visa application.
X1 / X2 Study X1 is usually for long-term study; X2 is usually for shorter-term study.
School documents are required.
Q1 / Q2 Family reunion with Chinese citizens or permanent residents Used for family reunion or short family visits depending on stay length and relationship.
S1 / S2 Private affairs and family of foreign workers/students Used for visiting foreign relatives working or studying in China, or other private affairs.
G Transit May be relevant when visa-free transit does not apply or when a traveler needs a formal transit visa.
C Crew For international transport crew members and accompanying family members where applicable.
J1 / J2 Journalism For resident or short-term foreign journalists.
This category is not covered by ordinary tourism or business entry.
Implementation note In the database version, each visa type should have required documents, eligible purposes, source links, and a last-reviewed date.
The checker should route users to the correct visa family but avoid guaranteeing visa approval.