To enter China, everybody needs a valid visa. Hutong School students normally enter China on an X2 (student) or L (tourist) visa, which must be applied for prior to arrival. To apply for a visa, you need to hold a passport that is valid for at least six more months starting from the date of visa application and has at least two blank pages facing each other. Applying for the visa is the student's responsibility, but Hutong School will assist you during the process.
Visas vary depending on your nationality and citizenships. Always keep in mind that visa regulations are constantly changing, but our Consultants are always on top of the latest updates and will advise you on the matter.
In most cases foreigners are required to obtain a Chinese visa prior to their arrival. However, in special circumstances it is possible to apply for a Visa on Arrival or a Visa Free Transit in certain airports (see below).
X2 visa
X2 visas are appropriate for studies that do not exceed a duration of 180 days. This visa requires an invitation letter, which you can obtain from Hutong School. Please be aware that you need to meet certain criteria, otherwise Hutong School may not issue such a letter. Students planning a duration of more than 6 months may apply for a X1 visa (which is valid for more than 180 days). In this event, you may need to apply for a residence permit in addition to your visa once you have arrived in China.
The purpose of this visa is for tourism purposes. This visa usually has a shorter duration of stay than the X2 visa, but does not require an official invitation letter.
Nationals of countries that have a Chinese Visa Application Service Center (Visa Center) or a Chinese Visa Application Service Facility (CVASF) must apply for their visa directly at these institutions. Nationals of countries without a visa center need to apply for a visa directly at the Chinese embassy. Depending on your location, this may also be possible by mail. Please check with the embassy in your home country for the most accurate information.
To apply for any type of visa, applicants must hold a passport that is valid for at least 6 more months after the visa application date and, depending on the type of visa, applicants must present an invitation letter. Please also check the local website of the authority with whom you are applying for your visa for specific information on additional required documents such as photo, passport copy etc.
Chinese visas are generally distinguished by the following details:
Purpose: The purpose of your travel usually determines the correct visa you should apply for
Number of entries: This describes how often you are allowed to enter the country. If you have a single-entry visa, you may enter China only once. If you have a multiple entry visa, you may leave mainland China to travel to other countries and return.
Expiration date: This is the last day on which your entries can be used. This means you have to enter China before the stated expiration date has been reached. If you did not make use of all entries before the expiration date, they will expire regardless. Please do not mix up expiration date with the duration of stay.
Duration of stay: This is the period you are allowed to stay in China. If you were granted a multiple entry visa, the duration of stay may be indicated as a period per entry. It is usually indicated in days.
Please be advised that visa regulations are also dependent on the country in which you are applying for a visa. Therefore please check the website of your local embassy or Chinese Visa Application Center.
Please be aware that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided on this page. The Chinese visa regulations are frequently changing and it may therefore be possible that some specific information is not correct, although this page is checked regularly.
Foreigners in exceptional circumstances are permitted to obtain a Visa on Arrival at certain ports of entry. Such circumstances are limited to business emergencies or life-or-death matters. Foreigners applying for a Visa on Arrival are still required to provide an invitation letter from a licensed Chinese organisation. Find out more about the Visa on Arrival.
Foreigners transiting in China for a period of 3-5 days or less can benefit from the Visa-Free Transit Policy. This is currently only applicable to air passengers arriving in certain cities, and time and travel restrictions apply depending on the city of transit. Cities offering a transit visa of up to 144 hours (5 days) include Shanghai, Beijing and Chengdu. Find out more about the Visa Transit Policy and application requirements.
Having suitable insurance is mandatory when traveling abroad. Small, unforeseen complications can quickly become very expensive if you need to seek medical help, or need to replace some of your belongings. You can add insurance to your program with Hutong School if you don't already have coverage from your own insurance.
In general we advise students to purchase insurance from their home countries before they come to China. This is so they can read and easily understand the contract services and fees. When confirming an insurance package, make sure to ask about the payment procedure in case you need any treatments in hospitals or to see a doctor. In the event of an emergency that requires you to go to hospital or see a doctor, Hutong School can assist you and help you choose a good one.