A visa for China (Mainland only) 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 authorities of the visa for China (Mainland only) 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.
Authorities of the vVisa for China (Mainland only) are:
1. Chinese Embassies, Consulates General, Office of the Commissioner of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
and in the Macao Special Administrative Region, and 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
Foreign Affairs and the local foreign affairs offices authorized by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs are responsible for issuance, change and extension
of diplomatic and service visas and for issuance of a residence permit to
holders of this type of visa.
3. The Ministry of
Public Security, and the local public security bureaus authorized by it, are
responsible for inspection on entry and exit of foreigners, issuance of visas
at the port of entry, extension and change of ordinary visas, and issuance of
residence permit to holders of ordinary visas already in China.
4. 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.
5. The 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.