Brief Introduction of Chinese Visa

Source: Xinhua | 2016-12-13

The People's Republic of China follows the international system and issues visas according to its laws and regulations which may be modified from time to time.  The information provided here is about entry to the PRC mainland only: it does not include visa and entry rules for Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan.   In some limited situations visa are not required for entry into China, but most foreign travellers need one.  Generally, travellers requiring a visa must obtain it prior to travel, but there are a few exceptions.

Foreign travellers holding connecting tickets to pass through China are exempt from visa requirements provided they stay in the transit area of the airport for a no longer than 24 hours. 

Some visas can only be applied for outside China, some both, and one 'visa equivalent' – the temporary residence permit - can only be obtained inside China

The regulations for granting visas include a number of factors such as your nationality, whether you have family in China, and whether you were...