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For those coming to China, make sure and get your visa. While not overly difficult, China is a country that you must have a visa prior to arrival (no visa are given at border).
Depending on your length of stay, and purpose for your visit, you will need to apply for one of the following visas:
Tourist Visa (L):
For those who are entering on short-term travel plans, the tourist visa is the easiest and most popular. It allows for a single 30 day stay, but can be extended twice for a total of 90 days once in China
Business Visa (F):
Valid for singel entry, double entry, 6 months. 12 months or 24 months (U.S. citizens must exit every 30 days), this visa is for those who will be on short term assignments in China and intend to return following a specific time. Visas can be extended twice for total period of 18 months before a new visa must be reissued.
Employment Visa (Z):
Foreign passport holders who will join a company in China will need to apply for a work permit and visa. Process can be completed within China or externally, and can take 2 months to complete entire process.
Work permit is good for 2 years, but visa is only good for one. Visa can be extended to 2 years easily.
Study Visa (X):
Whether a student of Chinese language at a private school, or enrolled in university, students will need to get a letter of invitation to get this visa. Visa does require full-time attendance, and is good for 6 months.
Other visas include:
A few additional notes about visas:
1) Chinese officials have begun cracking down on foreign residents whom are living and working in China on F visas. So, if you intend to work in China, make sure you have the proper documentation
2) Overstaying a visa is taken seriously, and the fees can be as high as 500RMB per day overstayed. this is particularly important for those whose passports have expired as the normal time period may be shorted to match the last day of validity.
To learn more, go to the Chinese embassy website
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