One of the most important steps when applying for a China visa is collecting the required documents. You should proceed to gather the required documents after selecting the type of visa for which you wish to apply.
Regardless of the kind of visa you wish to obtain, the embassy or consulate of China requires a certain set of documents. Below, you will find a list of those documents.
The list of documents you need to have when applying for a China visa includes the following:
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the length of your requested visa. For instance, your passport must be valid for nine months if you requested a three-month visa. In addition, it must contain at least two blank pages for the visa stamp, and must not be frayed, torn, or altered in any way.
The application form must be completed online, be printed single-sided, date-stamped, and signed in blue or black ink. The application form must be typewritten, except for the date and signature.
You must provide one color passport photo taken within the last six months against an all-white background and printed on high-quality photo paper. The dimensions must be 48mmx33mm. In addition, the head width must be between 15 mm and 22 mm, measured from the base of the chin to the top of the head.
You must provide proof of your current residency address. The documents you can use are either a copy of the front of your driver’s license, government ID, or utility bill.
For visa applications outside of your country of citizenship, you must provide the original and photocopy of your residency, employment, or student status certificates or other valid documents providing proof of your legal stay. The documents must be issued by the authorities of the country in which the Visa Center is located.
First-time applicants for Chinese visas should provide a photocopy of the last Chinese passport held along with the data page. Applicants who have previously obtained China visas and who apply with a renewed foreign passport without any China visas must present a photocopy of their previous passport’s data page, their photo page, as well as a copy of their previous China visa.
You need to provide a certificate of Covid-19 vaccination and a negative PCR test report (within 2 days before departure). People vaccinated with inactivated vaccines should upload two PCR test reports.
You need to submit a flight ticket if you are traveling by air, and the ticket must include the date you intend to travel and the return date.
You need a rental agreement, a lease, or any other document that proves your accommodation. The document must have your name, the dates you will stay, and the address of the place.
When applying for a China visa, you will need to submit additional documents depending on the type of visa.
When you apply for a China Non-Commerce visa or an F visa, besides the standard set of documents, you also need to submit:
An M China visa is issued to those invited to China for commercial, and trade activities. Additional documents you need to submit include:
An L visa is a China tourist visa, and the documents you need to have when applying for one include:
The Z visa is issued to those taking up a post or employment or giving commercial performances in China. Additional documents you need to provide are:
Q1 and Q2 visas are known as “China family visas” and are issued to those who intend to visit relatives who are Chinese citizens residing in China. The documents you need to provide include:
An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreigner with Chinese permanent residence status, containing:
An R visa is for highly-skilled foreigners and an additional document you need to provide is:
A C visa is issued to foreign crew members of aircraft, trains, and ships, motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, and the accompanying family members of the crew members. The document you must submit is:
X1 and X2 visas are issued to foreign nationals who want to study in China. Additional documents you need to provide include:
S1 and S2 visas are issued to relatives of foreigners working or studying in China for long-term visits or to those who intend to visit China for other reasons. The documents you need to provide are:
A D visa is issued to individuals who intend to stay permanently in China. An additional document you need to submit is:
Minors under the age of 18 applying for a China visa need to provide the following documents:
If the minor is going with both parents, they should provide:
If the minor is going to China with only one parent:
If the minor is going to China without any parents:
All visa applicants will be required to submit their biometric information, such as fingerprints and photos in person at the Chinese embassy or consulate, where the application for a China visa happens. However, some categories are exempt from fingerprint collection, such as:
You need to submit the required documents at the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. Keep in mind that the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate might be in a neighboring country; therefore, you need to gather the required documents weeks beforehand.
When you enter China, at the border, you need to present: