China Visa Application Requirements: Required Documents, Invitation Letter & Useful Tips

China Visa Requirements – What Documents are Needed for Chinese Visa Application?

In addition to the passport and visa application form, visitors must also prepare relevant supporting documents to ensure a smooth visa application process. For example, a travel itinerary, proof of round-trip air ticket, and hotel booking are required for a China Tourist Visa (L Visa) application.

While basic documents are consistent across all visa categories, supporting documents may differ depending on the type of visa being applied for. Please review the specific requirements outlined below to adequately prepare for your Chinese Visa application.

Basic Documents

● Passport

In order to apply for a visa, you must have an original passport with a minimum of six months validity remaining and at least two blank visa pages. Additionally, you will need to provide a photocopy of the data page of your valid passport, which includes both the data and photo pages. If these pages are not on the same page, please make separate copies.

● Visa Application Form

If you are eligible for the China Online Visa Application system (visit www.visaforchina.org and https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn to check eligibility), you must complete the electronic form on the official website by providing all necessary information step by step. After filling out the form, save and submit it online. Once submitted, print out the completed form, sign it, and date it accordingly.

If your country of residence does not provide online form submission, you must download the latest version of the China Visa Application Form (2013) from the official website of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. Complete the electronic form in PDF/DOC format and then proceed to print it out.

Notes: When selecting the primary reason for your visit to China, please choose carefully as it will determine the category of visa you will require. Selecting the correct purpose of your visit is crucial in ensuring you obtain the appropriate visa for your trip.

Useful Links: China Visa Application Form Online Completion Guide

● Photo

Please ensure that you attach two recent front-facing passport-size color photos without headwear to the printed visa application form.

Photographs must be taken within the last six months, with dimensions of 33mm x 48mm, against a white or light solid background. The subject should be hatless, facing the camera directly, and presenting a full frontal view of their face.

Useful Links: China Visa Photo Requirements, Size,Sample

● Proof of Legal Stay or Residence (apply to outlander applicants)

If you are not applying for a Chinese visa in your country of citizenship, you must provide the original and a photocopy of a valid certificate or visa that demonstrates your legal stay, residence, work, or study in the country where you currently reside.

● Previous Chinese Passport or Chinese Visa (apply to former Chinese citizens who later joined to foreign nationality)

When applying for a Chinese Visa for the first time, you must provide both the original passport and a copy of the passport’s date page.

If you have previously obtained a Chinese visa and are now applying for a new Chinese visa with a new passport, you must provide a photocopy of the date page of the previous passport and a copy of the old Chinese visa. If the name on your current passport is different from the name on your old passport, you will need to provide an official certificate of name change.

Supporting Documents

Supporting documents are essential evidence for visa officers, demonstrating that your trip to China is well-organized, carefully planned, and for legitimate reasons. Therefore, applicants with varying purposes should ensure they have the necessary materials prepared accordingly.

• 1. China Tourist Visa – L Visa
• 2. China Business Visa – M Visa
• 3. China Work Visa – Z Visa
• 4. China Student Visa – X1 & X2 Visa
• 5. China Family Reunion Visa – Q1 & Q2 Visa
• 6. China Crew Visa – C Visa
• 7. China Resident Visa – D Visa
• 8. China Non-commercial Visit Visa – F Visa
• 9. China Visa-free & Transit Visa – G Visa
• 10. China Journalist Visa – J1 & J2 Visa

Notes: 1.)”What is the visa fee for China? The visa application fee varies depending on the type of visa, number of entries, and nationality. For example, the cost of a Chinese Visa can range from $30 to $140.

Additionally, individuals holding a category D Visa, J1 Visa, X1 Visa, Q1 Visa, S1 Visa, Z Visa, or any other type of visa must apply for a residence permit at the local public security authorities within 30 days of entering China. This is a mandatory requirement for all visa holders to ensure legal compliance during their stay in the country.”

Invitation Letter for China Visa

When applying for most Chinese visas, a Letter of Invitation (LOI) is required to demonstrate the purpose of the upcoming visit. This document is essential for applicants to include with their submission in order to enhance their chances of success.

Typically, the invitation letter is issued by a Chinese entity, such as a company, school, or other institution, or by an individual residing in China. The letter should contain detailed and accurate information about the invitee, the inviter, and the planned visit. It is important for the inviting party to ensure that the title and details of the invitation are provided correctly and in full.

The Chinese Visa Application does not have a fixed format and can be submitted in various forms such as fax, picture, photocopy, or computer printout. It is highly recommended that you provide the original invitation letter when submitting your application, although a photocopy is usually accepted.

Here is a template of China Visa Invitation Letter (PDF file) you may refer to.

Important FAQs and Useful Tips for China Visa Requirements

1. Special notes about visa application form

If your application form is completed by a third party or agent, please ensure that all relevant information is provided. A power of attorney is required if this individual will be submitting the application and collecting the visa on your behalf.

2. Requirements for long-term Chinese Visa application

When applying for a long-term multiple entry Chinese Visa, such as the 10-Year China Tourist/Business Visa, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 1 year. All other requirements for this visa type are the same as those for short-term visas.

3. Make copies of every document (except visa form)

The documents you have prepared for your Chinese Visa application are crucial, with some being irreplaceable. While you can easily download and print the visa form multiple times, losing the original documents would be a major inconvenience. It is advisable to create backups to prevent any unforeseen circumstances.

4. Prepare at least 2 qualified visa photos

Each country and region has varying requirements regarding the number of visa photos needed for the application process. While most countries require two photos, some may only ask for one. It is advisable to have at least two photos prepared, to ensure you have the necessary documentation for your visa application.

5. Pay Attention to the Invitation Letter

When applying for a China Tourist (L) Visa, a letter of invitation is not required unless you have been formally invited to visit China. However, for special visa types such as the J1 Visa and Z Visa, the issuing authorities are clearly specified by official regulations. Normal visas do not have any explicit restrictions on who can apply for them.

How to Get a Visa for China – Chinese Visa Application Guide

❶ Find out what kind of visa you need

When applying for a Chinese visa, it is important to carefully review the various types available to determine which one best suits your needs. Consider factors such as the purpose of your visit, whether it be for travel, business, work, transit, family reunion, or other reasons.

Some common types of Chinese visas include the China Tourist Visa (L Visa) for those visiting the country for tourism, the F Visa for exchanges and study tours, the Business Visa (M Visa) for commercial and trade purposes, and the Student Visa (X Visa) for those studying in China.

To ensure a successful visa application, it is crucial to select the appropriate visa type based on your specific circumstances. For a comprehensive list of Chinese visa types, please refer to the official guidelines.

❷ Apply for a Chinese Visa

According to the various visa policies, applicants who meet the relevant requirements can submit their China Visa application at the Chinese Embassy, Diplomatic and Consular Missions, or special ports of entry. In order to apply, you must prepare and submit the following documents: a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity and blank pages, a copy of the passport’s first page, a completed visa application form with 2 recent color photos (taken within the past 6 months, size: 48mmx33mm), the required visa fee and service charge, as well as any other supporting documents.