Ordinary visas are classified by the permitted purpose of entry: C crew, D permanent residence, F exchanges and visits, G transit, J journalism, K qualifying young science-and-technology talent, L tourism, M trade and business, Q family reunion involving Chinese citizens or foreign permanent residents, R high-level talent, S private affairs, X study and Z work. Check the issuing authority’s current subcategory and document requirements.

K visas were added by State Council Order 814, effective 1 October 2025. The national announcement describes qualifying STEM graduates and teaching or research personnel, without requiring a Chinese employing or inviting organization. Exact age, education, permitted activities, validity and duration must be checked with the responsible embassy or consulate. Do not treat a visa as automatic permission to work.

Unilateral visa exemptions and 240-hour transit are different policies. Check your nationality, passport, route, purpose, permitted region and current expiry separately. Our Legal Updates page links the latest verified official announcements.

普通签证按入境目的区分：C乘务、D永久居留、F交流访问、G过境、J记者、K符合条件的青年科技人才、L旅游、M经贸、Q家庭团聚、R高层次人才、S私人事务、X学习、Z工作等。具体细分类别及文件要求以签证机关现行规定为准。

国务院令第814号新增K字签证，自2025年10月1日施行。国家公告涵盖符合条件的STEM毕业生及教学、科研人员，不要求境内聘用或邀请单位。年龄、教育、活动范围、有效期和停留期应向具体使领馆核对，不能将签证等同于自动取得工作资格。

单方面免签与240小时过境免签是不同政策，应分别核对国籍、护照、行程、目的、区域及有效期。“法律更新”页面提供本次已核验的官方公告。