Current Restrictions On Foreigners Applying For Chinese Visas

[dropcap]Y[/dropcap]ou can apply for a new visa at your nearest Chinese consulate/embassy / VAC (Visa Application Center) to enter China for the following three purposes (documents listed are for reference only).

 
The new visa may only be valid for three months. Upon arrival, it may change to a 30 – day visa during which time you need to apply for another residence permit.

In this pandemic period, visa application requirements may change according to the COVID – 19 situation and vary depending on the country and region.

The information we list below is for reference only. We suggest that you check with the consulate/embassy / VAC, who will advise whether you can apply for a visa according to your situation, what kind of visa you can apply for, and the specific procedures.

FOR WORK (Z VISA)

Applying for a work visa is the most popular way to come to China. Dependents (spouse and children under the age of 18) are available.

If you meet one of the following application requirements, you can apply for a Z visa:

● An “Invitation Letter” + a “Foreigners Work Permit” (both to be handled by your company/organization in China) + WHO-approved vaccination certificate;
● Or having been inoculated with COVID – 19 vaccines produced in China (either having received two doses of Chinese – made vaccines with the stipulated gap in between or having received a single-dose Chinese – made vaccine at least 14 days before the application) and obtained the vaccination certificate and a “Foreigners Work Permit”.

A PU letter is an invitation letter issued by the China Foreign Affairs Office to successful companies who contact the district foreign affairs officer, submit the application materials, and wait for approval.

FOR FAMILY REUNION (S VISA)

It applies to foreigners (working in Shanghai) family members.

To apply for an S visa, you will need:

● An “Invitation Letter” (your family members) + relationship certificate + WHO-approved vaccination certificate.

WHO – approved vaccines include:

● Pfizer – BioNTech COVID – 19 vaccine:
● Moderna (mRNA – 1273) COVID – 19 vaccine;
● J&J COVID – 19 vaccine;
● Oxford / Astra Zeneca COVID – 19 vaccine;
● Sinopharm COVID – 19 vaccine;
● Sinovac COVID – 19 vaccine.

FOR BUSINESS (M VISA)

If you meet one of the following application requirements, you can apply for an M Visa:

● An “Invitation Letter” (your family members) + relationship certificate + WHO – approved vaccination certificate;
● Or having been inoculated with COVID – 19 vaccines produced in China (either having received two doses of Chinese – made vaccines with the stipulated gap in between or having received a single-dose Chinese – made vaccine at least 14 days before the application) and obtained the vaccination certificate and a valid APEC business travel card.

Dependents are not available.

FOR A FAMILY VISIT (Q VISA)

This applies to foreigners who are Chinese family members.

If you meet one of the following application requirements, you can apply for a Q visa:

● For emergency humanitarian needs, including death in the family (inside China) or family member in critical hospital/palliative care.
● Or Chinese vaccine certificate + relationship certificate.