A Chinese visa is a permit issued by visa authorities of the People’s Republic of China in accordance with its laws and regulations to a foreign citizen for entry into, exit from or transit through Chinese territory. The Chinese visa authorities will issue a diplomatic visa, courtesy visa, service visa or ordinary visa according to the foreign citizen’s status, purpose of visit and type of passport.

China's Visa Authorities are:

1. Chinese embassies, consulates general, or other resident organizations abroad authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are responsible for handling visa applications by foreign citizens for entry into and transit through Mainland of China and the Hong Kong or Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).
2. The Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, within the scope of their respective duties, can authorize the exit-entry administration department of public security organs (above the county level) and the foreign affairs departments (above the county level) to handle the foreign citizens' applications for entry, stay and residence in China.
3. The Immigration Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is responsible for matters relating to foreigners’ entry into and exit from the SAR.
4. Public Security Police Force of the Government of Macao Special Administrative Region is responsible for matters relating to foreigners’ entry into and exit from the SAR.