Department of Responsibility

Foreign Affairs Administration Division of SHFAO

Address:　1418, Nanjing Road (W), Shanghai Zip Code: 200040

Tel:　62792387

Fax:　62565485

Office Hour:　9:00-11:30, Monday, Wednesday and Friday

What kind of visa should I apply?

Chinese visas fall into four types: diplomatic visa, courtesy visa, service visa and ordinary visa. Ordinary visas are further divided into the following categories:

“C” Issued to foreign crew members of means of international transportation, including aircraft, trains and ships, or motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, or to the accompanying family members of the crew members of the above-mentioned ships.

“D” Issued to those who intend to reside in China permanently.

“F” Issued to those who intend to go to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities.

“G” Issued to those who intend to transit through China.

“J1” Issued to resident foreign journalists of foreign news organizations stationed in China. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.

“J2” Issued to foreign journalists who intend to go to China for short-term news coverage. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.

“L” Issued to those who intend to go to China as a tourist.

“M” Issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities.