A visa is a certificate of entry permission issued by an authorized government authority, in accordance with the laws and regulations of its own country, to foreigners who wish to enter, leave, or transit through that country. Under international law and international practice, every sovereign state has the right to independently decide whether to permit foreigners to enter or leave its territory (border), to issue visas in accordance with its domestic laws, to refuse visa applications, or to declare previously issued visas invalid.

Chinese visa-issuing authorities abroad determine the type, number of entries, validity period, and duration of stay of a visa in accordance with the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China, the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners, and other relevant regulations. They have the right to refuse to issue a visa or to declare an already issued visa invalid. Except in cases where visa exemption applies under relevant agreements or regulations, foreigners must obtain a Chinese visa before entering China.

Foreigners traveling to Mainland China, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, or the Macao Special Administrative Region must apply for the corresponding visa separately.