According to the identity of the applicant, purpose of the travel to China, and with reference to the type of the passport hold by the applicant, a Diplomatic/Courtesy/Service/Ordinary visa will be issued to the applicant.

Diplomatic/Courtesy/Service Visa are for foreign government officials, the staff of diplomatic missions or the United Nations who intend to travel to China for an official mission or accreditation or transit.

Ordinary visa can be divided into Tourist/Family Visa, Business/Visitors Visa, Student Visa, Employment Visa, Transit Visa, Resident Correspondent Visa, Temporary Correspondent Visa, Residence Visa, Visa for Train Attendants/Air Crew Members/Seamen.

Tourist/Family Visa	For sightseeing, visiting family/friends or other private purpose.
Business/Visitors Visa	For visit/teaching/business/scientific-cultural exchange/conference/ trainee/fieldwork less than 6 months
Student Visa	For study/trainee/fieldwork in China more than 6 months
Employment Visa	For work/employment/academic exchange in China more than 6 months, also applicable to accompanying family members
Transit Visa	For transit to other countries or regions.
Resident Correspondent Visa	For correspondents resident in China and their accompanying family members
Temporary Correspondent Visa	For correspondents intend to do a temporary reportage in China.
Residence Visa	For foreigners intending to reside in China permanently
Visas for Train Attendants/Air Crew Members/Seamen	For train attendants/aircrew members/ seamen on their duty.

Group Visa: A tourist group (over 9 persons)/visitors group (over 5 persons) which enter the Chinese border ingroup can apply for a group visa. (Download the group visa application form)