Chinese visa-issuing authorities are authorized to, according to relevant regulations, determine the type, frequency, period of validity, and duration of stay of visas, reject foreign nationals' applications for visas, or cancel or confiscate issued visas.

Embassies and consulates of the People's Republic of China in foreign countries and other missions overseas commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issue entry visas to foreign nationals. Exit/entry border inspection authorities shall be responsible for carrying out exit/entry inspections.

Chinese visas are categorized as diplomatic, courtesy, official, and ordinary. Ordinary visas come in 12 categories and 16 types. These are issued to foreign nationals coming to China for non-diplomatic and non-official purposes: work, study, family visits, tourism, business, or as talent invited to work in China. Foreign nationals can apply for a visa that suits the purpose of their visit, or enter China visa-free if they meet the certain criteria. Foreigners who need to enter China urgently for humanitarian reasons, are invited to enter China for urgent business or emergency repair work, or have other urgent needs and hold documents that prove the relevant departments' approval of applying for port visas may apply for port visas and enter China. Travel agencies that organize inbound tourism in accordance with relevant state regulations may apply for group tourist visas from port visa authorities.

Foreign nationals entering China shall defer to the inspection of the China Immigration Inspection and the health quarantine of China Customs, go through the prescribed procedures, and enter China only upon approval. Foreign nationals carrying animals, plants, or currencies into China shall abide by relevant laws of China as well as the regulations of the customs and financial regulatory authorities. Except for prohibited items, foreign nationals can carry a reasonable amount of luggage that is for self-use into China duty free.

Foreign nationals should leave China before the last day of the duration of stay prescribed on the visa they hold. Where the duration of stay of visa needs to be extended, the visa holder shall file an application with the exit/entry administration of the public security organ under the local people's government at or above the county level in the place of his stay at least seven days prior to the expiry of the duration specified in the visa.

Up to February 16, 2023, the People's Republic of China and the foreign countries in the list have concluded agreements on mutual visa exemption. The mutual visa exemption between China and Maldives has taken effect from Feb 17, 2023. Citizens of the People’s Republic of China who are holders of valid specified passports are usually exempted from visa requirements for a short visit to the following foreign countries.

Exemption of visa requirements does not mean permission to stay and reside in the other contracting country for an indefinite period of time. According to the agreements, holders of valid specified passports are permitted to stay for less than 30 days upon entry into the other contracting country. If a passport holder intends to stay for over 30 days, he or she should go through residence formalities with the local authorities according to relevant regulations as soon as possible.

Related Reading:

List of Agreements on Mutual Visa Exemption Between the People’s Republic of China and Foreign Countries

Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners

Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China

Business visa (M Visa)