Different Types of China Visa for Those Interested in Going to Shanghai
Foreigners who wish to enter Shanghai or any city in China, for that matter, are required to have a Visa. There are several types of China Visa depending on the individual's purpose of visit. These are the following:
• China Tourist Visa or the L Visa - This is the visa you would need if you want to tour Shanghai. This type of China Visa is issued to foreigners who temporarily enter the country for touring, visiting a family or other personal dealings. The L Visa is available in a single-entry or double-entry touring visa. Nevertheless, both of them are good only for 30 days. Multiple-entry is not allowed in a tourist visa.
• China Business Visa or the F Visa - Obviously, if you are going to Shanghai for business purposes, then this type of China visa is what you need. The F Visa is granted to foreigners who are invited to visit China for business, research, convention, seminar, technological or cultural exchange purposes only. It can come in single, double, multiple or one-year-multiple entry types. This visa is typically good for 30 days but it is possible to get an extension when it is needed.
• China Work Visa or the Z Visa - This type of China Visa is also known as an employment visa that is issued to foreigners who will be taking up a position or a job in the country. This is also issued to their accompanying loved ones.
• China Student Visa or the X Visa - Those who wish to study in Shanghai, would need this China visa. It is given to foreigners who come to the country for study or internship for a period of six months or more.
• Residence Visa or the D Visa - If you want to permanently live in Shanghai or anywhere in China, this is the type of China Visa that will be issued to you.
The following are other types of China Visa:
- Transit Visa (G Visa)
- Journalist Visa (J Visa)
- Diplomatic and Service Visa
China Visa is no longer needed by foreigners in any of the following conditions:
1. Foreigners who are holding final destination tickets that have booked seats on an international airline that flies directly through China because they will only stay in a transit city for less than 24 hours without going out of the airport.
2. Citizens of other countries that travel through Hongqiao Airport or Pudong Airport provided that they have their valid passports, visas, final destination tickets and booked seats. Also, they should not stay in Shanghai for more than 48 hours.
Lastly, China Visa is not required for passport holders from neighboring countries like Singapore, Japan and Brunei who wish to visit the country. Citizens from the aforementioned countries can stay in China for business, touring or visiting of family members or friends for up to 15 days.
