Visas

Visa categories at a glance

A plain-language map of the main entry categories for foreigners. Stays and rules vary by nationality and are confirmed by the issuing authority — always verify before you travel.

• LTourism

  Sightseeing, visiting friends, short personal travel.

  Typically 30–90 days per entry

  Arrival self-check
• MBusiness (short)

  Commercial visits, trade, meetings, and negotiations.

  Typically 30–90 days per entry

• ZWork

  Foreign employees taking up paid work with a China entity.

  Converted to a residence permit after arrival

  Shanghai filing guide
• Q1 / Q2Family reunion

  Relatives of Chinese citizens or permanent residents.

  Q1 long-term (residence permit) · Q2 short visits

• S1 / S2Family of foreign residents

  Relatives of foreigners working or studying in China.

  S1 long-term · S2 short visits

• X1 / X2Study

  Students enrolled in long or short academic programs.

  X1 over 180 days · X2 under 180 days

• TransitVisa-free transit

  Eligible passport holders transiting to a third country.

  Up to 144 hours at selected ports

  144-hour transit policy

Informational only · Not a government website · Final eligibility is decided by the issuing authority