By: Seomul Evans
Submitted: 2009-09-19 02:41:25 | Word Count: 528
If you are a resident or citizen of the US, and you are planning a trip to China, then you need to get a visa for China travel. There are, however, six different types of visa for China, and you need to be sure that you get the right type. If not, you might encounter serious problems with the government of China, because you won’t have the right paperwork for travel around the country. Below are the six types of visa for China:
Tourist visa (type L)
[ advertisement ]
If you are planning to travel to Chins for personal reasons only, that is a vacation, or to visit friends or family, then this is the type you need. If you travel on a type L visa then you may not conduct any type of business or engage in any type of work, whilst you are there.
Business visa (type F)
If you are traveling to China for business purposes, or for cultural, scientific or technological exchange, advanced education of up to 6 months’ duration, to deliver a lecture or carry out an investigation, then you need a business visa. If you are a student with a type F visa you are not permitted to work in China, but you are allowed to act as an unpaid intern.
Work visa (type Z)
If you want to take up employment in China, then you need a type Z visa. If you are traveling with dependents, they will also need the same type of visa.
Student visa (type X)
If you are going to be studying for higher education in China, then you need a student visa. The length of time the visa allows you to stay is determined by your course. The visa should be converted to a Residence Permit within thirty days of your arrival. This is done in the town where you will be living & /or studying, by the Public Security Bureau. You will need to supply proof of enrolment and your course’s length.
Crew visa (type C)
People who are part of a flight crew, arriving in China and leaving on the same or next day, need a type C visa. If you are going to be staying longer than overnight, you will need a different type of visa.
News media visa (type J1 or J2)
Journalists or news organizations needing to travel to China in order to cover news events need a news media visa. The length of time they are permitted to remain in the country is usually a few months at most, and this will be decided when the visa is issued.
The type of China visa you need is dependent on your reason for wanting to go there. Each type is governed by strict rules, and you must abide by these completely, or you could face immediate deportation and criminal charges. Therefore it’s important to know what type of visa for China you need, and to submit the correct documentation, including forms and supporting paperwork. This will make the whole process as quick and as easy as possible, and ensure that you are fully familiar with the restrictions applying to your visit.
