Where to Apply for Chinese Visa

Depending on the circumstances, visitors have the option to apply for a Chinese visa before their departure, upon arrival, or while in China. If you do not qualify for China’s Visa Free Policy, it is necessary to submit a visa application and obtain a valid Chinese visa before your arrival. In such instances, you can submit your application directly at the visa office of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate, or through the China Visa Application Service Center in your country of residence. It is important to note that the Chinese Embassy and Consulate are the sole official entities authorized to issue Chinese visas overseas.

In certain circumstances, such as when applying for a Chinese Visa upon arrival, China Visa Renewal, or Extension, visa services are typically handled by the Exit & Entry Administration Department of the Public Security Bureau. Additionally, visitors have the option to apply for a visa/entry permit to Hong Kong/Macau SAR through the local Immigration Departments in Hong Kong/Macau.

The Highest Priority – Know Where You Should Apply for China Visa

Once you have confirmed that you require a visa for China, it is essential to determine the appropriate location for submitting your application. Depending on your city and country of residence, you can refer to the list of countries below to determine where you should apply and visit in order to obtain a China Visa.

Apply for Chinese Visa at Chinese Embassy Visa Office

The Chinese Embassy and Consulate General are official diplomatic organizations that issue Chinese visas to foreign citizens and provide other consular services, including passport services to domestic nationals, in another country. If your country of residence does not have an official China Visa Application Service Center, you must submit your China visa application directly at the visa section of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General.

How to Apply for Chinese Visa from Chinese Embassy

Step 1: Begin by checking the China Visa Free Policy to determine whether or not you require a visa for your trip to China. It is important to ensure that you have all necessary documentation in order to avoid any issues during your travels.

Step 2: Take the time to review the various China Visa Types available in order to determine which category best fits your purpose and itinerary for visiting the country. This will help streamline the application process and ensure that you have the correct visa for your trip.

Step 3: Once you have identified the appropriate visa category, carefully follow the visa application instructions provided. Be sure to gather all required documents, including your passport, completed visa application form, recent photo, copy of your passport’s data page, invitation letter (if applicable), and proof of flight and hotel bookings. Once you have all necessary materials prepared, submit your application to the visa office of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate during their designated office hours.

By following these steps and ensuring that you have all required documentation in order, you can help to make the visa application process as smooth and efficient as possible.China Visa Requirements & Documents >>

Step 4: Retrieve your passport and visa either in person or through a designated individual/visa agent with the pick-up slip.For more information on how to obtain a visa for China, including application requirements, costs, procedures, and helpful tips, please visit the following links:

Useful Links:How to Get a Visa for China: Application Requirements, Costs, Procedures and Tips.

Tips:If you are applying from specific states, you have the option to fill out the visa application form online at https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn. After completing the form, schedule an appointment for submission via http://avas.cs.mfa.gov.cn. Remember to arrive at the visa office at your designated time. If online form completion is not available, you can download the form from the Chinese Embassy/Consulates official website. Fill out the electronic form, print it, and submit it during office hours. It is recommended to verify the visa office hours before your visit.

Chinese Embassy & Consulate Locations and Official Website

The Chinese Embassy serves as the primary hub for China’s diplomatic representatives, overseeing all cities and regions within the host country. Typically situated in the capital city, the embassy boasts comprehensive sections dedicated to handling foreign affairs. In contrast, the Chinese Consulate, a smaller diplomatic institution, can be found in other major cities outside the capital.

Currently, China has established over 170 Chinese Embassies and more than 90 Consulates across six continents worldwide. Some countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, host multiple consulates to cater to local needs. This extensive network provides convenient access for individuals seeking to apply for a visa to China. Locate the nearest Chinese Embassy to begin your visa application process.

Chinese Embassy & Consulate Visa Office Hours

The operating hours of visa offices vary slightly at each Chinese Embassy and Consulate. Typically, visa services are available from 9:00/9:30 am to 12:00 pm, and then from 2:00/2:30 pm to 5:00/5:30 pm, Monday through Friday (local time). Please note that embassies and consulates are closed on local public holidays and Chinese holidays. Some locations may have specific hours for submission, payment, and collection of visas. For the most up-to-date work and holiday schedules, please visit the official website.

Listed below are some of the Chinese Embassies and Consulates. Each location has its own official website where you can find detailed information on China Visa application requirements, forms, fees, embassy address, contact numbers, office hours, payment methods, and more. For comprehensive information on Chinese Visa applications, visit www.china-embassy.org or www.china-consulate.org.

List of Chinese Embassies and Consulates Abroad

Apply for Chinese Visa via China Visa Application Service Center

Chinese Embassies and Consulates in 40 countries have implemented an online system for submitting application forms and booking appointments to receive China Visa Applications. In these countries, Chinese Embassies or Consulates will no longer accept regular visa applications, with the exception of Diplomatic, Service, and Courtesy Visas. The China Visa Application Service Center is the sole official visa service center authorized to receive and process applications on behalf of Chinese Embassies and Consulates.

If you are applying for a Chinese Visa in countries such as Canada, Australia, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, France, Spain, Italy, and Austria, you are required to submit your application at the service center. This streamlined process ensures efficiency and accuracy in handling visa applications, providing a convenient and reliable service for applicants.

How to Apply for Chinese Visa Through Visa Service Center

Step 1: Determine if you require a visa to travel to China by checking the China Visa Exemptions.

Step 2: Decide on the type of visa you need to obtain for your visit to China.

Step 3: Begin the visa application process by visiting http://www.visaforchina.org/ to find the nearest visa service center. Complete the visa application form online, schedule an appointment in advance, review the visa guidance, gather the necessary documents, and submit everything to the visa service center either in person, through a representative, or an agent. Don’t forget to pay the required visa fees and service charges.

Step 4: Keep track of your application status and once it is processed, you can collect your passport with the visa from the center in person, through a representative, or a visa agent using the pick-up slip. Alternatively, you can opt for the mailing back service for added convenience.

Please note that walk-in submissions are not accepted at the service center. For more information, please refer to the guidelines provided.China Visa Application Guide >>

Foreign Embassies & Consulates in China

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of losing your passport while traveling in China, do not panic. There are steps you can take to resolve this issue without having to return to your home country.

First and foremost, you can seek assistance from the embassy or consulate of your country in China. As long as your country maintains diplomatic relations with China and has established foreign missions in the country, you can receive help with passport issuing and renewal, as well as emergency assistance for local citizens. This means you can easily locate and contact these offices for support, allowing you to continue your travels in China without interruption.

In China, Beijing is home to the largest number of foreign embassies, with over 170 represented. Additionally, major cities such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenyang, Kunming, Wuhan, Xiamen, and Xian also have consulates that can provide assistance in situations like lost passports. By knowing where these offices are located and how to reach them, you can navigate any passport-related issues with ease and efficiency.

Major Consular Services of the Embassy & Consulate General includes:

● Passport Services – e.g. passport renewal, replacement (if lost, stolen) and new passport and temporary travel document issuing.

● Citizenship Services – e.g. child born in China, renounce original citizenship

● Child and Family Matters: – e.g. adoption, report birth abroad, renounce original citizenship

● Emergency Assitance: – e.g. adoption, urgent medical care, arrest, death and etc.

● Notarial & Documentary Services

● Local Resources…

Major Embassies and Consulates in China