Types of China Visa for Indians | China Visa Guide

Different types of China Visa

When sorting through Types of China Visa, there are a handful that come up again and again. From tourist visits to work assignments, they each have specific purposes.

Tourist Visa 

The L visa is what most people think about first. If your main goal is sightseeing, exploring markets, parks, museums, or enjoying China’s cultural heartlands, this is your ticket. This is the standard visitor visa category when talking about simple China visa travel.

You’ll hear this referred to as the China tourist visa for Indian visitors when travellers from Sri Lanka apply based on Indian passport rules. It’s meant for leisure stays and normally allows you to stay for 30 days once you enter.

Business Visa 

For those with meetings, trade talks, or conference plans, the M visa exists. It may be listed under different names like “business invitation visa” but it stays in the broader set of Chinese visa type categories.

You’ll need an invitation letter from a partner company in China. This isn’t unusual, it’s just one of those details that throws people off when they’re applying for the first time.

Transit Visa 

The G visa category is for when you’re passing through China. Some airlines route flights through Guangzhou or Chengdu, and if you plan to leave the airport briefly this visa becomes necessary. The commonly asked term here is China transit visa processing time which is usually shorter than full stay visas.

Work Visa 

This one is for people relocating for jobs, contracts, or long-term assignments. It’s definitely one of the different types of China visa that requires more paperwork, like employer documents and sometimes health checks.

Student Visa 

Going for study or research? You’ll be looking at the student visa. The X1 is for long-term programs and X2 for shorter courses. You’ll need an acceptance letter from a university or institution. It’s part of the China types of visa options many forget until the last minute.

China E-Visa & ETA

China has rolled out digital options in some cases. The China E-Visa and China eta for Indians are modern responses to travel demands, but don’t expect them everywhere. Some airports and entry points allow these options for short stays. It can be confusing because sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn’t, especially in peak seasons.

These categories above are the backbone of  Types of China Visa. Each one has its own rhythm, and knowing them well keeps you from delays or surprises when you submit your forms.

China visa requirements

Before you apply for any of the Types of China Visa, certain documents are always part of the process. What follows isn’t legalese; it’s the practical list that tends to be asked for on the counter.

To start, your passport must have at least six months validity left from your planned arrival date and at least two blank pages. A filled application form is required, and make sure you don’t misspell your own name, because consulates are strict about that. You’ll also need two recent photos that meet size specifications; nothing fancy, just a clear front-facing headshot with a plain background.

This set of China visa requirements for Indians applies whether you are applying yourself or through an agent. It’s simple but important to double-check everything before you go to submit.

Booking some of the best hotels in China early ensures you’re close to transport hubs and popular districts. That also helps with your visa application, because confirmed hotel bookings are often part of your supporting documents.

China visa application process

The application process for any of the Types of China Visa can feel overwhelming if you’ve never done it before. The forms, the wait times, the photos — it all adds up. But here’s how it generally unfolds:

First, complete the visa form either online or by hand. Then gather your passport, photos, itinerary details like your flight and hotel information, and any invitation letters if needed. Once you have those, you book an appointment or drop your application at the consulate or their designated service center.

A tip from experience: it’s easiest to apply through akbartravels.com because they check your documents before submission, catch small mistakes, and help book appointments. When a photo is the wrong size or a date gets entered incorrectly, they catch that early and save you a second trip.

China visa processing time

One of the most common questions is: how long do these Types of China Visa take to process? The answer is practical: it varies.

For a standard tourist visa, the usual timeframe is about four to seven working days. If you need faster service, express options are available, which can reduce waiting to two or three days for a higher fee. For transit visas, especially if all documents are clean, it can be quicker.

However, timing isn’t just about paperwork. Local holidays in China or Sri Lanka, embassy backlogs during peak travel windows, and missing documents can stretch processing time beyond standard estimates. One key point of China travel tips is to apply early, not the day before your flight.

China visa validity

Each of the Types of China Visa comes with two separate time considerations: the period during which you can use the visa, and how long you can stay once you enter.

For example, an L visa may be valid for three months from the date of issue, which means you can enter China anytime in that window. Once you arrive, the allowed stay (say 30 days) begins. Business visas sometimes allow multiple entries over six months or a year, depending on your circumstances.

For long-term study or work visas, the validity is usually matched to your program or contract. These often require extensions or conversions once you’re inside China.

This difference between “enter by” and “stay length” is something many people miss when they first look at Types of China Visa, and real travellers learn it the hard way.

China visa fees

Fees for visas depend on the type you are applying for. Tourist visas typically cost less than business, student, or work visas because they involve fewer documents and checks. If you want express service, expect a higher charge for the faster turnaround.

Visa agencies also charge a service fee on top of consulate charges. For the most current fee details before applying, it’s worth checking with akbartravels.com where the tariff structures are updated and you get clarity upfront. Knowing fees early helps you plan tickets and accommodation with confidence.

China travel guide 2026

Getting your visa right is only the first step in a memorable China trip. Once that is in place, working on logistics like cheap flights to Beijing and good accommodations makes the experience smoother.

You can also explore China tour packages which bundle visas, flights, hotels, and guides together. These can save time and sometimes money, but always check what’s included and what isn’t. For example, meals, local transport, and optional sightseeing may not be part of the base price.

A few practical notes: carrying local currency and a SIM card with data helps once you land. Paper copies of your visa and itinerary help when digital phones run out of battery or lose signal.

Why choose Akbar Travels

Choosing the right support for your visa application makes a big difference. Agencies that understand the nuances of Types of China Visa and what each consulate expects save you time and stress.

Professionals who handle visas regularly know what documents are asked for, how photos should look, and what issues come up most often. When an application is clean and complete, processing moves faster. Akbar Travels has guided many travellers through this full process. Their review and submission services help catch small issues before they become big delays.

Whether it’s a first-time tourist visa or something more involved like a work or study visa, getting experienced guidance goes a long way.