Visa Guide
Though we keep our ultimate guide to business visas up to date, it is always essential to double-check the Chinese embassy or consulate’s website in your city for the latest information.
Visa Ultimate Guide 2025
Whether it's your first time visiting China or you're a seasoned traveler, navigating the visa process can be overwhelming. Our Ultimate China Visa Guide 2025 has everything you need to know—from visa types and application steps to the latest updates and expert tips. Make your journey smoother by checking it out today: Explore the Visa Ultimate Guide 2025
China Business Visa Guide 2025
In late 2024, China made significant changes to its business visa policy, unilaterally granting visa-free entry to several countries and extending the duration of stay.
We anticipate that this policy may be extended beyond 2025 and expanded to include more countries, as several bilateral agreements have been signed but have yet to come into force.
Why is this important? Entering China on the right visa is critical for a smooth business experience. Knowing your options for entry and ensuring hassle-free border crossing is essential.
However, the visa-free option is not available to all countries. Even if your country is eligible, it is important to understand the **requirements** for an “invitation letter” if you plan to apply for a business visa or extend your stay.
If any changes occur in China’s visa policy, we will keep this Ultimate Guide to China Business Visas 2025 updated with the latest information.
If you are conducting business in China, whether it's visiting a trade fair or a factory, it is essential that you enter on a business visa rather than a tourist visa. Entering China for non-tourism purposes on the wrong visa carries risks, including visa cancellation or rejection of future applications.
This Ultimate Guide focuses on business visas and does not cover:
- D-Class: International crew
- F-Class: The “green card”
- G-Class: Cultural exchanges
- E-Class: Media
- L-Class: Tourists
- Q-Class: Family reunion
- S-Class: Talent
- T-Class: Visiting family
- X-Class: Temporary
- Z-Class: Study
Many Western countries' travel advisories for China, Hong Kong, and Macau are currently at Level 2 ("Exercise increased caution"). The advisory scale ranges from:
- Level 1 – Exercise normal precautions
- Level 2 – Exercise increased caution
- Level 3 – Reconsider travel
- Level 4 – Do not travel
With concerns about arbitrary rules, exit bans, and consular support limitations, it is prudent to take precautions before traveling.
Even if you are eligible for visa-free entry into China, having proper documentation is crucial for minimizing business travel risks.
Whether you enter China on a short-stay visa, visa-free, or on an M-Class Business Visa, your trip must be strictly for business purposes, including:
- Negotiating contracts
- Visiting suppliers
- Overseeing supply chains
- Building long-term partnerships
To minimize business travel risks, ensure you have supporting documentation, even if entering visa-free.
Due to the “one country, two systems” policy, there are different visa rules for Hong Kong and the mainland.
Hong Kong Visa Exemptions:
Hong Kong grants visa-free entry to passport holders from over 170 countries, with stays of up to 90 days depending on nationality.
Important Considerations for Mainland Entry:
- Entering the **mainland** is a separate process from entering Hong Kong.
- Hong Kong serves as a **major international travel hub**, often with different flight routes and pricing.
- When planning travel to the mainland, consider **visa requirements** and **entry points** from Hong Kong.
Note: This guide does not cover specific entry policies for **Taiwanese** or **Hong Kong** travelers entering the mainland.
There are several methods to obtaining entry into mainland China. These are subject to your nationality, entry duration, port of entry and business proof. Visa-Free to Hainan 1. Visa-free entry is available for many nationalities to visit China’s tropical island province of Hainan. Hainan is a tourist destination and entry is restricted to the province. Therefore, it isn't practical as it isn’t China’s manufacturing hub. 24-144 Hour Visa On-Arrival for Selected Ports of Entry 2. The Short-stay transit visa is up to 144 hours for certain passport holders for entry at various ports. This visa on arrival is for a short visit. You can attend a trade show in the city you are transiting through. As such, it is not ideal for most business travellers as it is too short. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Card 3. The APEC business visa is an elite 5-year, 30-60-day multiple-entry visa for passport holders from ‘participating’ APEC economies. This is only available for 19 countries and requires business travellers to demonstrate their need for the visa by conducting significant APEC-related trade. 15-30 Day Visa-Free Entry for 53 Countries 4. Twenty-five countries, with mutual agreements have a 30-day visa-free exemption. This year, China has unilaterally granted a further 38 countries visa-free entry for about 30 days until the end of 2025. Long Stay “M” Class Business Visa 5. The ‘M’ Class business visa is the most common type of visa obtained by businesspeople to conduct business in mainland China. To successfully apply for an 'M' visa; you require an “Invitation Letter”.
The factors relevant for consideration for granting the verification letter are supporting documents that are certified/notarised: • Your passport and identification documents. • Your company letter dispatching you to China to meet with the inviter on behalf of your company. • Your company’s license, proof of business address, and taxation record. • Your proof of doing business in international trade with China, and with the inviter company (invoices, contracts, purchase orders, factory/office visits, trade fair attendance, shipping records, bills of lading) • Your itinerary, flights, hotel bookings and transportation arrangements. • Your financial records of your ability to afford to travel. • Your inviter’s company licence, compliance record and tax record
