China Crew Visa Requirements
Before applying for a China Crew Visa, please ensure you meet all the necessary requirements and have prepared the correct documentation. This page provides comprehensive information about eligibility criteria, required documents, and other important prerequisites for obtaining a China Crew Visa.
Visa Types & Eligibility
China offers several visa types for maritime professionals. Choose the appropriate visa category based on your purpose of visit and employment status:
China Crew Visa (C Visa)
The C Visa is designed specifically for crew members of international transportation vehicles, including ships, aircraft, and trains, who are entering China for transit, rotation, or performance of duties.
Eligibility Criteria
- Crew members of international maritime vessels
- Must be employed by a recognized shipping company
- Entering China for vessel embarkation, disembarkation, or crew rotation
- Transit through China to join a vessel in another country
- Performing duties on a vessel in Chinese waters
Key Information
Important Note
C Visa holders must remain in the port city where they disembark or embark unless special permission is granted. The visa is not intended for tourism or business activities unrelated to maritime duties.
Business Visa (M Visa)
The M Visa is for individuals entering China for commercial and trade activities, such as yacht delivery, business negotiations, or attending maritime trade shows and exhibitions.
Eligibility Criteria
- Maritime professionals engaged in commercial activities
- Yacht delivery captains and crew
- Maritime business representatives
- Attending maritime trade shows or exhibitions
- Conducting business negotiations related to maritime industry
Key Information
Important Note
M Visa applicants must provide an invitation letter from a Chinese business partner or organization. The visa does not permit employment or long-term work activities in China.
Work Visa (Z Visa)
The Z Visa is for maritime professionals seeking long-term employment on vessels permanently stationed in Chinese waters. This visa requires a work permit and is suitable for extended employment contracts.
Eligibility Criteria
- Maritime professionals with a job offer from a Chinese employer
- Crew members for vessels permanently stationed in Chinese waters
- Must have relevant qualifications and experience
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree or higher
- Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience
- Must be between 18-60 years of age
Key Information
Important Note
Z Visa applicants must first obtain a work permit notification letter from the Chinese employer. After entering China with a Z Visa, you must apply for a Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival.
| Feature | C Visa (Crew) | M Visa (Business) | Z Visa (Work) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Crew rotation, transit | Business activities | Long-term employment |
| Processing Time | 5-7 business days | 7-10 business days | 15-20 business days |
| Fee | $160 USD | $190 USD | $240 USD |
| Maximum Stay | Up to 90 days | 30-90 days | Up to 1 year |
| Work Permit Required | No | No | Yes |
| Invitation Letter | From shipping company | From Chinese business partner | From Chinese employer |
| Extensions in China | Limited, case-by-case | Possible | Yes, with Residence Permit |
Document Checklist
The following documents are required for your China Crew Visa application. All documents must be complete, accurate, and meet the specified requirements.
Required Documents for All Visa Types
These documents are mandatory for all visa categories (C, M, and Z):
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Valid Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay with at least two blank visa pages. The passport must be in good condition with no damage.
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Completed Visa Application Form
Form V.2013 filled out completely and accurately. The form must be signed and dated by the applicant.
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Recent Passport Photo
One recent (taken within 6 months) color passport photo with white background, size 48mm x 33mm. Head must be centered and occupy 70-80% of the photo.
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Seaman's Book / Seafarer's Identity Document
Valid Seaman's Book or Seafarer's Identity Document issued by your country's maritime authority.
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Employment Contract / Letter of Employment
Document from your employer stating your position, duties, and duration of employment on the vessel.
Additional Documents for C Visa
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Invitation Letter from Shipping Company
Official letter from the shipping company or agent in China confirming your employment and vessel details.
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Vessel Details
Documentation showing the vessel's name, IMO number, flag state, and expected arrival/departure dates in Chinese ports.
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Travel Itinerary
Detailed travel plans including flight information to/from China and port of embarkation/disembarkation.
Additional Documents for M Visa
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Invitation Letter from Chinese Business Partner
Official invitation letter from a Chinese company, organization, or individual detailing the purpose of your visit, intended length of stay, and relationship between you and the inviting party.
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Business License of the Inviting Company
Copy of the Chinese company's business license or organization registration certificate.
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Proof of Business Relationship
Documentation demonstrating the business relationship between your company and the Chinese partner (contracts, agreements, etc.).
Additional Documents for Z Visa
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Work Permit Notification Letter
Original work permit notification letter issued by the Chinese government (typically arranged by your Chinese employer).
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Employment Contract with Chinese Employer
Signed employment contract with the Chinese employer detailing position, salary, and duration of employment.
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Professional Qualifications
Copies of relevant maritime certifications, licenses, and educational qualifications (must be notarized and authenticated).
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Medical Examination Report
Recent medical examination report from an authorized hospital or clinic (specific form required).
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Criminal Background Check
Police clearance certificate from your country of residence (must be notarized and authenticated).
Document Format Requirements
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File Formats
All electronic documents must be in JPG, PNG, or PDF format. Physical documents should be original or certified copies.
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Translation Requirements
All documents not in Chinese or English must be accompanied by certified translations.
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Notarization & Authentication
Some documents (especially for Z Visa) may require notarization and authentication by the Chinese embassy/consulate.
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File Size Limitations
Electronic files must not exceed 5MB each. Photos must be between 40KB and 500KB.
Application Prerequisites
Before applying for a China Crew Visa, ensure you meet the following prerequisites:
Passport Requirements
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Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
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At least two blank visa pages
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No damage or unauthorized alterations
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Machine-readable zone must be intact
Age & Health Requirements
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Minimum age: 18 years old
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Maximum age: 60 years old (exceptions possible)
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Good health condition (medical exam for Z Visa)
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No contagious diseases or conditions that prevent work
Employment Status
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Current employment with maritime company
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Valid Seaman's Book/Seafarer's Identity Document
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Appropriate maritime certifications for position
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For Z Visa: Minimum 2 years relevant experience
Financial Requirements
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Ability to pay visa application fees
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Proof of sufficient funds for stay (if required)
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Health insurance coverage for China
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Return ticket or onward journey proof
Previous Visa History
Positive Factors
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Previous successful visits to China
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Compliance with visa conditions on past visits
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History of international travel without issues
Negative Factors
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Previous visa denials for China
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Overstay on previous Chinese visas
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Criminal record or immigration violations
Special Considerations
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Nationals of certain countries may have additional requirements or restrictions.
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Requirements may change without notice due to diplomatic relations or policy updates.
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COVID-19 related requirements may apply (vaccination, testing, quarantine).
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Chinese consulates/embassies have the final authority on visa issuance.
Processing Information
Understanding the visa processing timeline and procedures will help you plan your application effectively.
Standard Processing Timeline
Application Submission
Day 1: Application submitted with all required documents.
Initial Review
Days 2-3: Application checked for completeness and accuracy.
Processing by Chinese Authorities
Days 4-8: Application processed by Chinese consulate/embassy.
Visa Issuance
Days 9-10: Visa issued and passport returned.
Standard Processing
5-7 Days
Regular processing time
No additional fee
Recommended for applications with flexible timelines.
Express Processing
3-4 Days
Expedited processing
Additional fee: $50 USD
Ideal for applications with moderate time constraints.
Urgent Processing
1-2 Days
Rush processing
Additional fee: $100 USD
For emergency situations requiring immediate processing.
Embassy/Consulate Submission Guidelines
Application Submission Methods
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In Person: Directly at Chinese embassy/consulate
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Authorized Agent: Through our visa service
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Visa Application Center: At official Chinese Visa Application Centers
Important Guidelines
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Apply at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence
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Appointments may be required for in-person submissions
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Bring original documents and copies as required
Track Your Application
Once your application is submitted, you can track its status using the reference number provided to you. Our online tracking system provides real-time updates on your application progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about China Crew Visa requirements and application process.
What is the difference between a C Visa and Z Visa for maritime professionals?
The C Visa is specifically for crew members of international transportation vehicles (ships, aircraft, trains) who are entering China for transit, rotation, or performing duties. It's typically valid for up to 90 days.
The Z Visa is for maritime professionals seeking long-term employment on vessels permanently stationed in Chinese waters. It requires a work permit and allows for stays of up to 1 year, with the possibility of converting to a Residence Permit for longer stays.
The main differences are in purpose (temporary duties vs. long-term employment), processing requirements (Z Visa requires more documentation), and duration of stay.
How long does it take to process a China Crew Visa?
Standard processing time for a China Crew Visa (C Visa) is typically 5-7 business days from the date of submission. For the Business Visa (M Visa), it's usually 7-10 business days, while the Work Visa (Z Visa) takes 15-20 business days due to additional verification requirements.
Express and urgent processing options are available for an additional fee:
- Express Processing: 3-4 business days (+$50 USD)
- Urgent Processing: 1-2 business days (+$100 USD)
Processing times may vary based on nationality, current diplomatic relations, and seasonal application volumes.
Can I apply for a China Crew Visa without a Seaman's Book?
In most cases, a valid Seaman's Book or Seafarer's Identity Document is a mandatory requirement for a China Crew Visa (C Visa). This document serves as proof of your professional status as a maritime crew member.
If you do not have a Seaman's Book, you may need to:
- Apply for a Seaman's Book from your country's maritime authority before applying for the visa
- Consider applying for a different visa category (such as M Visa) if your purpose of visit qualifies
- Provide alternative documentation proving your maritime employment status (though this is at the discretion of Chinese authorities and not guaranteed to be accepted)
We recommend obtaining a proper Seaman's Book before applying for a C Visa to avoid complications or rejection.
What should I do if my visa application is rejected?
If your China Crew Visa application is rejected, follow these steps:
- Understand the reason: The rejection notice usually includes a reason code or explanation. Understanding why your application was rejected is crucial for addressing the issue.
- Address deficiencies: If the rejection was due to incomplete or incorrect documentation, gather the missing or correct documents.
- Seek professional assistance: Our visa specialists can review your case and provide guidance on how to strengthen your application.
- Wait before reapplying: In some cases, it's advisable to wait 1-3 months before submitting a new application, especially if the rejection was due to credibility concerns.
- Consider alternatives: Depending on your situation, a different visa category might be more appropriate.
Remember that each new application is considered separately, and addressing the reasons for the previous rejection can significantly improve your chances of approval.
Do I need a letter of invitation for a China Crew Visa?
Yes, for a China Crew Visa (C Visa), you typically need an invitation letter from the relevant entity in China. The specific requirements depend on your situation:
- For vessel crew members: An invitation letter from the Chinese shipping company, agent, or port authority handling your vessel's arrival/departure
- For aircraft crew: An invitation from the airline or Chinese Civil Aviation authority
- For train crew: An invitation from the relevant Chinese railway authority
The invitation letter should include:
- Your personal information (name, passport number, etc.)
- Your position/role
- Vessel/aircraft/train details
- Expected dates of arrival/departure
- Ports/airports/stations you will be using
- Information about the inviting organization (including official stamp)
Our service can assist in obtaining the appropriate invitation letter through our network of partners in China.
Can I extend my China Crew Visa while in China?
Extending a China Crew Visa (C Visa) while in China is possible but generally limited to exceptional circumstances:
- Force majeure situations: Weather conditions preventing departure, mechanical issues with the vessel, or medical emergencies
- Operational necessities: Unexpected changes in vessel schedule or crew rotation plans
- Vessel repairs: If the vessel requires repairs that extend beyond your visa validity
To apply for an extension:
- Visit the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration at least 7 days before your visa expires
- Bring your passport, current visa, and supporting documentation explaining the need for extension
- Provide a letter from your shipping company or agent supporting the extension request
- Pay the applicable extension fee
Extensions are granted at the discretion of Chinese immigration authorities and are not guaranteed. It's best to ensure your original visa covers your entire planned stay.
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