China Visa Types Explained: Which One Do You Need?

Tourism · Business · Family · Study · Work — match your purpose of travel to the right visa code.

Quick answer: China uses letter codes for visa types. Tourism is L, business is M, family visits are Q (Chinese relatives) or S (foreigners' relatives), study is X, work is Z, non-commercial visits are F, and transit is G. Pick the code that matches your main purpose of travel.

Tourism — L visa

For sightseeing, visiting friends, or short leisure trips. Usually single or multiple entry; U.S. citizens often receive 10-year multiple-entry L visas.

Business — M visa

For commercial and trade activities: meetings, negotiations, exhibitions, and contract signing. Requires a Chinese company invitation letter.

Family visit — Q1 / Q2

Q is for visits to Chinese citizens or foreigners of Chinese origin. Q1 is for stays over 180 days (leads to a residence permit); Q2 is for under 180 days. Many U.S. citizens of Chinese descent receive 10-year Q2 visas.

Private visit — S1 / S2

S is for visiting foreign nationals working, studying, or residing in China (for example, spouses and children of expats). S1 is over 180 days; S2 is under 180 days.

Study — X1 / X2

X1 is for study programs over 180 days (you convert to a residence permit in China); X2 is for short courses under 180 days. Requires school admission notice and a JW form.

Work — Z visa

For employment in China. Requires a Notification Letter of Work Permit and often a PU or invitation letter. Leads to a residence permit after arrival.

Other types — F, G, C, J, D

F = non-commercial exchange, visit, or study tour; G = transit to a third country; C = crew and transport staff; J = journalist; D = permanent residence.

Which should I pick?

Match the code to your PRIMARY purpose. If you will both tour and visit family, choose the dominant reason or ask the mission. Using the wrong type can cause delays or refusal.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between Q1 and Q2 China visas?

A: Q1 is for family visits lasting more than 180 days and leads to a residence permit; Q2 is for short family visits under 180 days. Both are for Chinese citizens or foreigners of Chinese origin and their relatives.

Q: What is the difference between S1 and S2?

A: S visas are for visiting foreign nationals in China, not Chinese citizens. S1 is over 180 days; S2 is under 180 days — typically for spouses and children of expats, employees, or students.

Q: Is L or M better for a mixed business and tourism trip?

A: Choose the type matching your main purpose. If business is primary, use M with an invitation; if tourism is primary, use L. Pick the dominant reason for the trip.

Q: Can I work in China on an L or M visa?

A: No. Employment requires a Z visa plus a work permit and residence permit. Working on a tourist or business visa violates Chinese immigration law.

Q: Do students need X1 or X2?

A: X1 for study programs longer than 180 days (you will convert to a residence permit in China); X2 for short-term study under 180 days.

Disclaimer: This page is for visa consulting and document preparation reference only. It is not legal advice, does not represent any embassy, consulate, or visa authority, and does not guarantee any visa outcome. Consulate addresses, office hours, and jurisdictions may change at any time; all information is subject to the latest published rules of the relevant authorities.

Last reviewed: 2026-08-22