china tourist visa required documents

  I.Visa Types and  Required Documents

  Annex 1  Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling

(1) Please carefully read the prompts and requirements of the COVA form system, and complete the entries of the visa application COVA online form step by step, making sure that the information is true, accurate and complete. Please note: Once the application form has been submitted, it cannot be modified in any way.

(2) The " location " option  for submitting the visa application should be in line with the consular jurisdiction.

(3) Basic personal information. Surname, given names, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport type, etc. must be exactly the same as those on the passport information page, otherwise your visa application will be returned.

(4) If you were born in China (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan), please note:

1. Application form 1.1D The Chinese name (if applicable) must be entered in Chinese with the Chinese character input method, please do not fill in "Chinese", "Chinese", etc.

2. In the application form 1.6G, select "Yes" for "former nationality", and then select the nationality information.

3. Item 1.6H of the application form is required. If the applicant is applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, this entry will be automatically generated during the form filling process; but if the applicant has previously applied for a Chinese visa, this entry will not be displayed when filling in the online form, and the form must be printed out and supplemented by hand-written Chinese name and other information. This Item cannot be empty.

(5) Fill in the work experience and educational background

1. Please fill in the work experience in the past 5 years.

2. The “position” and “duty” of the application form 3.2D and 3.2E must be filled in completely.

3. Please fill in the highest diploma/degree in 4.1 , and the diploma/degree and major in 4.1B and 4.1C must be completed.

(6) Completely fill in each address

The address of the spouse in 5.5A of the application form must fill in the address of the current location, not the address of the place of birth. The address must be filled in completely, including street, city, state, and country.

(7) If you choose "not applicable" for any entry in the form, you need to state the reason for “not applicable”.

(8) Printing and signing. After completing the COVA online form filling, you must print out a full set of application forms, including the "Confirmation of Online Visa application" and "Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China" (depending on the individual filling situation, a total of 8 to 9 pages will be generated). All the pages of the forms must be printed to turn in, the signature and date on the Confirmation Page and the 8th page of Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China must be handwritten by the applicant him/herself. Visa applicant under the age of 18 is signed by their guardian, and meanwhile add a handwritten signature in the "For person filling in the application on the applicant’s behalf".

  Annex 2  Contents of S1, S2, Q1, Q2 Visa Invitation Letter

Inviter’s name XX, gender X, date of birth: XX, Chinese ID number XXX (or foreign passport number XX, Chinese permanent residence card number XX), current address in China is XX, contact phone number XX, email XX.

I hereby invite the following relatives to visit China for a short-term visit/long-term residence. He/She plans to go to China on XX, and stay in China for XX days.

Invitee information: name XX, gender X, date of birth XX, nationality XX, passport number XX, and the relative relationship with the inviter is XX.

Inviter's signature:        Date:

  Annex 3  Cont ents of M， F and L Visa Invitation Letter

(1) Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.

(2) Information about the invitee’s visit to China: reason for coming to China, date of arrival and departure, place of visit, relationship with the inviting unit or inviter, who will pay for the travel, etc.

(3) Inviting party information: inviting party name, address, tel e phone number, official seal, legal representative or inviter’s signature, date, etc. (the information must be included in the text of the invitation letter)

  Annex 4    Where You Stay Form  ( Download )

Please note: According to the v isa application requirements, if the applicant is not in the United States, he cannot apply for a visa to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General in the United States.)

II.Process of Visa Application

The  consular jurisdiction   of the Embassy  of the People ’ s Republic of China   includes : Washington D . C . , Delaware, Idaho, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, Puerto Rico.. Please confirm that the applicant lives in the above-mentioned states before submitting the visa application.

(1)Visa applicants   need to   log on   to   the website   “ China Online Visa Application (COVA) ”   to fill in the COVA   forms .

After completing the COVA forms as required, please   make sure to  print the full set of COVA forms (8-9 pages)  and  sign   on the Confirmation Page and the 8 th   page .   If the COVA forms   are   not prepared   as guided, the application will not be accepted.

(2)   The physical application documents   can be submitted to the Visa Office within the office hours   by the visa applicant or by an agent .

(3)  In addition to the printed   and   signed   COVA forms, visa applicants also need to prepare the physical   Required Documents (include   "A.Basic Documents"   and   "B.General Documents")    to   submit   on-site   to   the   Visa   Office. If the physical documents   do not meet the requirements   or not sufficient, the application may be returned, and the applicant   may need to fill in the COVA forms  again .

(4) Please check all the information on the visa is correct when picking up. If there is any inaccuracy, please tell the staff immediate ly in case inconvenience brought by the incorrect information. Credit card (Master or Visa card only), money order or cashier's check are accepted for on-site pick-up. 

III.  Processing Time and Fees

Regular service:  4 business days

Express service:  3 business days (urgent situation)

Note:  The above processing time is average and for reference only. Some applications may require longer processing time that a pick-up date cannot be confirmed until notified by the Visa Office.

For visa processing fees, please  click   here .  

IV.Address and Contact Information of the Visa office

Address of the Visa Office :

2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite110, Washington, D.C. 20007 U.S.A.

Office Hours:

9:30-14:30 (Monday to Friday, closed on weekends and holidays)

Email address: [email protected]

Phone number:

001-202-855-1555 (12:30-16:30, Monday to Friday, except for holidays)

Face mask is required upon entry.

How to Apply for a China Visa — a Step-by-Step Guide

Visa-Free Access to China : If you're from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Malaysia, you can visit China visa-free for 15 days until December 31st, 2025. If you're from Singapore, you can relish visa-free access to China for up to 30 days.

If your nationality isn't listed above or if you aim to discover China for more than two weeks, we offer a Port Visa Service for just US$50 per person (valid until June 30th, 2024) once your tour booking is confirmed with us. No stress of embassy visits and visa interviews.

How to Apply for a China Visa

Planning to visit China, but don't know how to apply for a China visa? We're breaking it down for you with our step-by-step guide, follow the steps and get your China visa efficiently.

The visa information we provide is for reference only. We are a travel agency. If you book a trip with us, we can provide you with an invitation letter when applying for a tourist visa.

1. Find out if you need a visa

The first thing is to check whether you need a visa or not. You usually need to apply for a Chinese visa unless you meet one of China's visa-free policies . 72- and 144-hour visa-free transit offer great convenience if you have a layover in China.

2. Find out which visa you need.

There are many types of China visas. Choose a visa type that applies to your situation. If you are planning to go on a vacation in China, apply for a Tourist Visa (L Visa).

3. Prepare the required documents.

The following list of documents are required for any China visa application:

• A valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when you enter China.
• A complete visa application form (The visa application form can be downloaded from the Chinese embassy website or from our website. You complete it by computer, print and sign it. In some countries such as UK you should complete an online form . On the form, you might find an item "Serial number of invitation letter of the authorized organization", you may skip this item if you don't have an invitation letter, or the invitation letter is not of this type.)
• A recent passport-type photograph (head and shoulders only, front view, with a white background, approximately 48mmx33mm)

Along with the aforementioned generally required documents, several additional documents are required depending upon the type of China visa applied for.

For instance, if you are applying for a tourist L visa , you need to prepare an air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation OR an invitation letter issued by a Chinese travel agency. ( An invitation letter could be provided by us without extra charge if a China tour of 3 days or more is booked .)

An invitation letter can replace the air ticket and hotel booking if you are planning to stay with friends or family who live in China and can't provide the hotel confirmation, or if your travel is being organized by a travel agency (or other duly authorized organization) in China . We can provide you with the invitation letter if you book a tour with us.

4. Submit the application.

You may submit the application to the Visa Office at Chinese embassies or consulates, or China Visa Application Service Centers (also called CVASC) if they are operating in your country.

Starting from 2018, visa applicants from more and more countries (including the U.S., the UK, and Canada) have to make their visa application in person and have their fingerprints collected .

The regular service processing time is 4 days, and the rushed service takes about 1 day. The latter is only available in extreme emergencies pending a consular officer's approval.

5. Pay the fee and collect your visa.

Go to the place where you apply for a China visa, pay the fee, and collect your visa.

The fees vary enormously depending on your nationality and number of entries. Here we listed China visa prices for some countries for your reference. It may change based on the updated policies.

The fees shown in the table are only for the cost of visa. If you apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center, the service fee and tax are required.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

When to Apply for a Visa

It is important to get your visa early, but not too early because it is only valid for 90/180 days for single/double-entry visas from the issue date.

It is usually recommended that you apply for the visa one or two months before the intended travel .

Apply for Special Permits, If Necessary.

If you are planning on traveling to the Tibet Autonomous Region, you will need to get a Tibet Travel Permit from a Chinese travel agency. As a travel agency based in China for more than 20 years, we can help you apply for the Tibet Travel Permit.

Check the most popular Tibet tours .

Apply for a China Visa in Hong Kong

If you are already in Hong Kong and want to visit the Chinese mainland, it is possible to get a China visa in Hong Kong. Read our step-by-step guide .

Tailor-Making a Private China Tour

China Highlights is your China tour tailor-making expert. See the recommended tours below for inspiration or check out our ideas and suggestions on How to Plan Your China Tour .

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

Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on May 8, 2024 :

1. Breaking News! 15 days visa free for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg has been extended until December 31, 2025.

2. Hong Kong High-speed Rail West Kowloon Station has been added to Guangdong Province 144-hour transit visa-free.

3. China - Georgia Mutual Exemption of Visa, starting from May 28, 2024.

4. 15 Days Visa Exemption Policy is newly available for Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Read more »

5. Booking of flights and hotels, China itineraries and invitation letters are not required for application of Chinese Tourist Visa for U.S.nationals.

6. 15 Days Visa Exemption Policy is now available for other 6 countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. Read more »

7. Appointment is not required for visa application in many embassies and consulates.

8. Starting from 00:00 on November 1, 2023, individuals entering or exiting the country are exempt from filling out the "People's Republic of China Health Declaration Card for Entry/Exit."

9. Norway has become the 54th country whose passport holders can transit without visa up to 72/144 hours in China.

10. Starting from August 30, 2023, individuals traveling to China will no longer be required to undergo pre-entry COVID-19 nucleic acid or antigen testing.

11. U.S. citizens holding multi-year multiple-entry visas issued before March 28, 2020, whose visas temporarily lost entry functionality between March 28, 2020, and March 14, 2023, due to the pandemic, are eligible to apply for compensation. Those who choose to apply for compensation will receive a free 3-year multiple-entry visa. Those who choose to waive the compensation can apply for a new 10-year multiple-entry visa at the regular fee.

China Discovery will keep focusing on the updates of the latest Chinese visa and entry policy! You can also call +86 010 12367 (Official telephone number of China National Immigration Administration) to check further information. Welcome to join in our Facebook Groups to catch up with the latest news!

Invitation letter is a vital document for Chinese visa application. If you travel with us, we will not only create a valuable tour for you, but also provide you an invitation letter if you request, which will help you obtain your visa successfully. Start customizing your tour in China now!

We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years

According to Chinese laws and regulations, all applicants must submit materials meeting relevant requirements, otherwise, your visa application will NOT be accepted and processed. Once confirm that you need a visa to visit China, and know which visa category ( Main Types of Chinese Visa ) you should apply for, you shall prepare all required documents before submitting your Chinese Visa application. Therefore, foreign visitors have to prepare and provide basic application documents (including the passport, visa application form, photo and else essentials) together with other necessary supporting documents to Chinese Embassies and Consulates, to prove your legal identity and appropriate purpose of visiting China.

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

Except the passport, visa application form, other basic application materials, each visitor should also get ready relevant supporting documents to make sure the visa application goes smoothly, such as travel itinerary and proof of round-trip air ticket and hotel booking is needed for China Tourist Visa (L Visa) application.

Basic documents are the same for all visa categories, but supporting documents vary from different types of visas. Check the detailed requirements below to better prepare for your Chinese Visa application.

Basic Documents

Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and has at least 2 blank visa pages left.

One photocopy of the valid passport’s data page, which contains the passport's data page and the photo page. (make a separate copy if they are not in one page.)

● Visa Application Form

If you are eligible to China Online Visa Application system (visit www.visaforchina.org and https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn to check first), you’re required to fill in the electronic form on the official website, type all answers step by step. Save and submit the form online. Print it out, sign and subscribe date in the completed paper form.

If the country you normally reside in doesn’t offer online form submission, you need to download the newest China Visa Application Form (version 2013) from the official website of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. Fill in the electronic form in PDF/DOC format, and print it out.

Notes: Please choose the major purpose of your visit to China properly when you check the options, because it will decide your visa category.

Useful Links: China Visa Application Form Online Completion Guide

Two recently-taken front passport-size bareheaded color photos (need to be attached on the printed visa application form).

The photographs should be taken in the last 6 months, with size of 33mm×48mm, against a white or light solid background, hatless, frontal view presenting full face.

Useful Links: China Visa Photo Requirements, Size,Sample

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

If you will not apply for Chinese Visa in the state/region of you citizenship (nationality), you must provide the original and photocopy of the valid certificate or visa, which shows your legal stay, residence, work and study in the residing country.

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

If it’s the first time you apply for a Chinese Visa, you are required to submit the original passport and a copy of the passport’s date page.

If you once obtained Chinese Visa, and now apply a new Chinese Visa with a new passport, you should provide the photocopy of the previous passport’s date page, and copy of the old Chinese Visa. (Official certificate of name change is needed, if the name on the current passport is not the same on the old passport.) 

Passport is the First & Foremost Requirement

Complete A China Visa Application Form

China Visa (Paper) Photo Size Requirement

Submit the Old Passport with Former Chinese Visa

Supporting Documents

The supporting document are helpful and necessary proof to the visa officers, that you will go to China in an well-organized, planned way and for good reasons. Thereupon, applicants with different purpose should prepare related materials 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 free differs from visa types, number of entry and nationality. ( How much is a Chinese Visa ) 2.) A holder of category D Visa / J1 Visa / X1 / Q1 / S1 / Z Visa or other types, must apply for a residence permit at the local public security authorities within 30 days of entry into China.

Invitation Letter for China Visa

When applying for most Chinese Visas, a Letter of Invitation (LOI) is required to show the rationality of the upcoming visit. It is a crucial supporting documents applicant should submit with other materials to increase chance of success.

Normally, the invitation letter is issued by a unit (maybe a company, school, and other institutions) or individual who resides in China. The major contents of the letter should include clear and faithful information about the invitee, inviter, and the planed visit. While writing the letter, the inviting party need to check the title and details of the invitation were given accurately and completely.

There is no fixed format and it may be in the form of fax, picture, photocopy, or computer printout. When you submit the Chinese Visa Application, you’re highly recommended to provide the original invitation letter, though most times a photocopy is also accepted.

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

Sample of China Visa Invitation Letter (from China Visa Application Service Center)

Important FAQs and Useful Tips for China Visa Requirements

1. Special notes about visa application form

If your application form is filled by another person or agent, please provide relevant information. A power of attorne y is needed if he/she will submit application and pick up the visa on your behalf.

2. Requirements for long-term Chinese Visa application

Please note that, if you will apply for a long-term multiple entries Chinese Visa, like 10-Year China Tourist/Business Visa, the passport should be valid at least for 1 year . Other requirements remain the same as those short-term visa types.

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

The material you prepared to apply for Chinese Visa is very important, probably some are “only one of a kind”. You can download and print out the visa form without limits. However, it would be a very troublesome thing if you lost other original documents. So you’d better make a backup, avoid any contingency.

4. Prepare at least 2 qualified visa photos

Each country and region has different requirements about the number of visa photos, most of them demands 2 photos, few ask 1 only. You're recommended to prepare 2 or more, just in case.

5. Pay Attention to the Invitation Letter

For China Tourist (L) Visa, the letter of invitation is optional, unless you are indeed invited to visit China. For special types of visa, like, J1 Visa, Z Visa, the issuing authorities are specified officially, while normal visas have no explicit restriction.

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

❶ find out what kind of visa you need.

Read different types of Chinese Visa to figure out which kind of visa you should apply for. Determine if you are suitable applicants for each visa type, by judging your purpose of visiting is for travel, business, work, transit, family reunion and etc or not. China Tourist Visa (L Visa) is for visitor going to China for tourism, F Visa is for exchanges, study tour, Business Visa (M Visa) is for commercial and trade, Student Visa (X Visa) is for studying in China. More Chinese Visa Types >>

❷ Apply for a Chinese Visa

According to various visa policy, applicants meet relevant requirements can submit China Visa application at Chinese Embassy, Diplomatic and Consular Missions or special ports of entry. You need to prepare and submit your valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity and blank pages, copy of passport’s first page, completed visa application form pasted with 2 recent photos (color photo with white background, taken within past 6 months, size: 48mmx33mm), sufficient visa fee and service charge and other supporting documents.

❸ Collect & check your China visa

The processing time differs from visa types. Normally, it takes about 4 to 5 business days for applicant to get a China Visa, and the accurate collection date will be noted on the pick-up slip. If you submit China Tourist Visa (L Visa) on Monday, you can pick up on Thursday. Check carefully the visa type, duration of stay, number of entries if they are issued correctly or not, after getting your passport back. Double check the validity when you plan to enter China, otherwise you will be denied entry. How Long to Get a Chinese Visa >>

Travel China Worry-free with China Discovery

China Discovery is a professional and experienced travel companion who offers high-value and worry-free tours for you. We not only design ideal itinerary covering sightseeing, dining, transfer and hotel, but also can provide Invitation Letter to help you obtain Chinese Visa. If it’s your first time travel to China, Beijing , Shanghai , Xian and Guilin are the top recommended destinations with best representative tourism attractions of. The great cultural, historical, natural landscape will fulfill your dream tour to China. For those who want an in-depth discovery in China, featured China Panda Tour , Ancient Silk Road Tour , High Speed Train Tour , Colorful Ethnic Tour are good ways to find more interesting places and authentic locals.

Most Recommended China Tours:

• ● 6 Days Classic Beijing Xian High Speed Train Tour
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• ● 10 Days Classic China Tour from Beijing
• ● 14 Days Shanghai to Yunnan Wild China Expresses Tour
• ● 15 Days Ancient China Silk Road Tour with Bullet Train

If you are interested in China visa-free tour, we could also customize a China Visa-free Tour in Beijing , Shanghai , Xian , Chengdu , Hangzhou and more available destinations if you meet relevant visa requirements.

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Introduction to China Visa

• Ultimate China Visa Guide
• Do I Neee A Visa for China
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• China Tourist Visa

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• How to Apply for China Visa
• China Visa Application Form
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• China Visa Application Online
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• How Much is A China Visa
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• China Visa Renewal & Extension
• Lost Passport & China Visa

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• 15 China Visa Free Policies
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How to Apply for a China Tourist Visa

Before embarking on your China trip, it’s necessary to obtain a Chinese tourist visa, aka L visa or travel visa, unless that you are eligible for China's visa-free policies . No matter you will join a group tour or travel independently, you need to apply for the visa on your own in most cases, but there is a slight difference in the two scenarios.  

Join a group tour

If you book a tour from a China agency like TravelChinaGuide, the process might be easier. You can ask for an invitation letter from the agency, which is of great help in visa application and can improve the chance for visa approval to some degree.  

Travel independently

Round-trip tickets and hotel reservations are required for tourist visa application for independent travelers. Submit as detailed supporting documents as you can to justify your travel itinerary. Usually the hotel bookings should cover your whole stay length in China and be consistent with the dates of arrival and departure shown on your tickets, otherwise your visa may get rejected.  

What Are the Requirements for China Tourist Visa?

Generally the required documents include: 1. Your passport, which should be valid for at least six months 2. A complete Chinese Visa Application Form 3. Round-trip tickets and hotel reservations or an invitation letter from from a travel agency in China 4. For some first-time applicants or citizens from certain countries, they may need to provide extra documents such as bank statement, employee certificate and tax return form to prove their financial status.

5 Steps to Apply for a Tourist Visa for China

1. Prepare your passport and ensure its validity is no less than six months. 2. Book round-trip tickets and hotels, and print the booking records. Alternatively, book a tour from a travel agency and get the invitation letter. 3. Complete the application form online. (See 8 Tips for Filling out Chinese Visa Application Form ) 4. Book an appoinment with Chinese embassy / consulate or CVASC which has jurisdiction in your residence area and submit the above documents at the appointed time 5. Collect your passport and visa on the appointed date and pay the fee.  

How Much Does a China Tourist Visa Cost?

How long does it take for the application.

It normally takes only four working days. In case you are in a hurry, you may apply for the expedited services like same day collection service or 2-3 day collection service. Of course, such services require an additional fee.  

How Far in Advance Do I Apply for a Tourist Visa for China?

It's recommended to apply six weeks ahead of your planned visit, which is neither too early nor too late.  

How Long Is a China Tourist Visa Valid?

A China tourist visa is normally valid for three months from the date of issue. For US citizens, they may get a multiple-entry tourist visa valid for 10 years. The allowed stay duration ranges from 30 days to 90 days decided by consular officers on the basis of your travel itinerary.  

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  I.Visa Types and  Required Documents

  Annex 1  Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling

(1) Please carefully read the prompts and requirements of the COVA form system, and complete the entries of the visa application COVA online form step by step, making sure that the information is true, accurate and complete.  Please note: Once the application form has been submitted, it cannot be modified in any way.

(2) The " location " option  for submitting the visa application should be in line with the consular jurisdiction.

(3) Basic personal information. Surname, given names, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport type, etc. must be exactly the same as those on the passport information page, otherwise your visa application will be returned.

(4) If you were born in China (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan), please note:

1. Application form 1.1E The native language name must be entered in Chinese with the Chinese character input method, please do not fill in "Chinese", "Chinese", etc.

2. In the application form 1.6G, select "Yes" for "former nationality", and then select the nationality information.

3. Item 1.6H of the application form is required. If the applicant is applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, this entry will be automatically generated during the form filling process; but if the applicant has previously applied for a Chinese visa, this entry will not be displayed when filling in the online form, and the form must be printed out and supplemented by hand-written Chinese name and other information. This Item cannot be empty.

(5) Completely fill in the work experience and educational background

1. Please fill in the complete work experience after graduation from school.

2. The “position” and “duty” of the application form 3.3D and 3.3E must be filled in completely.

3. Please fill in the complete learning experience since high school in 4.2, and the diploma/degree and major in 4.2C and 4.2D must be completed.

(6) Completely fill in each address

The address of the spouse in 5.5A of the application form, and the addresses of the parents in 5.5B and 5.5C must fill in the address of the current location, not the address of the place of birth. The address must be filled in completely, including street, city, state, and country.

(7) If you choose "not applicable" for any entry in the form, you need to state the reason for “not applicable”.

(8) Printing and signing. After completing the COVA online form filling, you must print out a full set of application forms, including the "Confirmation of Online Visa application" and "Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China" (depending on the individual filling situation, a total of 9 to 10 pages will be generated). All the pages of the forms must be printed to turn in, the signature and date on the Confirmation Page and the 8th page of Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China must be handwritten by the applicant him/herself. Visa applicant under the age of 18 is signed by their guardian, and meanwhile add a handwritten signature in the "For person filling in the application on the applicant’s behalf".

  Annex 2  Contents of S1, S2, Q1, Q2 Visa Invitation Letter

Inviter’s name XX, gender X, date of birth: XX, Chinese ID number XXX (or foreign passport number XX, Chinese permanent residence card number XX), current address in China is XX, contact phone number XX, email XX.

I hereby invite the following relatives to visit China for a short-term visit/long-term residence. He/She plans to go to China on XX, and stay in China for XX days.

Invitee information: name XX, gender X, date of birth XX, nationality XX, passport number XX, and the relative relationship with the inviter is XX.

Inviter's signature:        Date:

  Annex 3  Cont ents of M， F and L Visa Invitation Letter

(1) Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.

(2) Information about the invitee’s visit to China: reason for coming to China, date of arrival and departure, place of visit, relationship with the inviting unit or inviter, who will pay for the travel, etc.

(3) Inviting party inf ormation: inviting party na me, address, tel e phone number, official seal, legal representative or inviter’s signature, date, etc. (the information must be included in the text of the invitation letter)

II.Pr oc ess of V isa Appli cation

The  consular juri sdiction o f the  Chinese Consulate General in New York   includes :  New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island.  Please confirm that the applicant liv es in the above-mentioned states before submitting the visa application.

(1)Visa applicants   need to   log on   to   the website   “ China Online Visa Application (COVA) ”   to fill in the COVA   forms .

After completing the COVA forms as required, please   make sure to  print the full set of COVA forms (8-9 pages)  and  sign   on the Confirmation Page and the 8 th   page .   If the COVA forms   are   not prepared   as guided, the application will not be accepted.

(2)   In addition to the printed   and   signed   COVA forms, visa applicants also need to prepare the physical   Required Documents (include   "A.Basic Documents"   and   "B.General Documents")    to   submit   on-site   to   the   Visa   Office. If the physical documents   do not meet the requirements   or not sufficient, the application may be returned, and the applicant   may need to fill in the COVA forms   again .

(3) The physical application documents   can be submitted to the Visa Office by the visa applicant or by an agent . 

(4) Please check all the  information on the visa is correct when picking up. If there is any inaccuracy, please tell the staff immediate ly in case inconvenience brought by the incorrect information. Credit card (Master or Visa card only), money order or cashier's check are accepted for on-site pick-up. For visa processing time and fees, please  click here.  

III.  Addre ss and Contact Information of the Visa office

Address of the Visa Office   :

520 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036

Office Hours: 9:00----15:00, Monday----Friday (Excluding Holidays)

Email address: [email protected]

Phone number:

212-868 2078

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
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Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in China set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK . 

Immigration authorities may check and collect biometric data (for example, scanned fingerprints and photos) to register your entry into China.

COVID-19 rules 

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering China.

Passport validity requirements 

To enter China, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive in China and 2 blank pages for visas and stamping.

Visa requirements 

You need a visa to visit mainland China. 

You can visit Hong Kong or Macao without a visa. See separate travel advice for Hong Kong and Macao . 

You can also visit the island of Hainan for 30 days without a visa. 

Visa-free transit through China is permitted, from 24 hours to 144 hours depending on location. See China Visa Application Centre for more information.  

If you visit Hong Kong from mainland China and want to return to the mainland, you need a visa that allows you to make a second entry into China. 

Check your visa details carefully and do not overstay your visa. The authorities carry out regular checks and may fine, detain and deport you. 

If you want to stay in China longer than 6 months, you may need to get a residence permit. 

Applying for a visa 

If you’re 14 to 70 years old, you must apply for a visa in person at a visa application centre . If you’re aged 13 and under or aged 71 and over, you can only apply online. You must provide biometric data (scanned fingerprints) as part of your application. There are visa application centres in London, Manchester, Belfast and Edinburgh. The details of their opening hours are on their websites.  

The Chinese Embassy has further information on visa categories and how to apply .

Dual Chinese-British nationality 

China does not recognise dual nationality. If you enter China on a Chinese passport or identity card, the British Embassy may not be able to offer you help. If you were born in China to a Chinese national parent, you will be: 

• considered by the Chinese authorities to have Chinese nationality 
• treated as a Chinese citizen, even if you used a British passport to enter China 

If you have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, you should carry clear evidence that you have done so. See guidance on nationality in China .

Working in China 

You can only work in China if you have a work visa (Z visa). Tourist and business visas do not allow you to work. You must also hold a valid work permit. The local police regularly carry out checks on companies and schools. If you do not follow Chinese immigration laws, there can be serious penalties, including: 

• imprisonment 
• deportation 
• an exit ban, which stops you from leaving China 
• an exclusion order, which stops you from returning 

Before you leave the UK, contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK to check Z visa requirements. When submitting your application, and when you receive your work permit, check the details are correct, including the location you’ll be working in. You can be fined or detained if details are incorrect, even if your employer or others have submitted the application on your behalf. 

If you change employer once you’re in China, or change location in China with an existing employer, check with the Chinese authorities whether you need a new visa and work permit before doing so.

Vaccination requirements  

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s China guide . 

Depending on your circumstances, this may include a yellow fever certificate.

Registering with the Chinese authorities 

You must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival. Chinese authorities enforce this rule with regular spot-checks of foreigners’ documentation. If you’re staying in a hotel, they will register you when you check in. 

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of China . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

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Visa issued before March 28th, 2020 can use it as normal to enter China The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in Calgary only accepts applications from those who currently reside in AB, SK and NW Territory.

For an Urgent service ( humanitarian visa) please Email us first.

The application process and required documents are as follows: Document you need to know: 1. A Photocopy of Health card 2. For mailing back service, you need to prepare a Canada post Xpresspost envelope. 3. Document can not be shared, each applicant needs to prepare his/her own document. 4. For visa applicants who cannot come in person and handled by Guardian, agancy, friend and etc., it is required to provide the exit stamp from the applicant's most recent departure from China， also needs to provide a professional photo with a Canadian  photo store's stampe and date on it (within 6 months)

Application procedures and document         1.   A photocopy of health card

2.  Visa applications except for Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders and Diplomatic, Service and Courtesy Visas

a. Fill out the visa application form online, print out the confirmation page and full form(8 pages in total), and sign the confirmation page and item 9 of the form.

b. Submit the application in person with materials (Please see Part 2 for material requirements)at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Calgary and retain ten fingerprints. 

*The following applicants can be exempt from fingerprint collection: Applicants under the age of 14 or over 70; Applicants who already had their fingerprints collected within the past five years at the Chinese Visa application center in Calgary with the same passport; Applicants with all fingers un-collectible.

3. Material Requirements except for Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders and Diplomatic, Service and Courtesy Visas

3.1 Passport

Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.

3.2 Visa Application Form and a professional print Photo

One Visa Application Form completed online ( please print-out of the full form, 8 pages in total) with one original photo same as in the application form.

3.3 Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship)

If you are not applying for the visa in the country of your citizenship, you must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.

3.4   Original and  Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable to foreign citizens those who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)

If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you should provide your last original Chinese passport and Two photocopies of  your last Chinese passport data page with your current Canaidan passport in the same page.

*If you have obtained Chinese visas before and want to apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa, you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate, as well as the previous Chinese visa page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)

*For ALL applicant who is under 18 years old : *For an Adult applicant whos parents were born in China:

1. Photocopy of the applicant’s Birth certificate. (The birth certificate obtains the parents’ names.)

2.  Provide a photocopy of the current valid passport personal information page for both applicants’ parents,

3. Both parents’ legal status in Canada when the applicant was born

3.1.If the parent is holding a Permanent Resident (PR card), please provide a photocopy of the Canadian landing paper or a photocopy of both sides of the PR card (PR card needs to bring an  Original  ) .

3.2.If the parent has been granted Canadian Citizen, please provide a photocopy of the Canadian Citizenship certificate, both sides of the Citizenship card, or a photocopy of the parent’s Canadian passport personal information page which is the issue date earlier than the applicant’s date of birth.

3.5 In addition to the visa documents in 3.1 to3.4 above, the following types of visa documents must be submitted:

Canadian Citizen can apply for Multiple Entry Visas to China

Application form: https://www.visaforchina.cn/#/nav/quickSelection?visacenterCode=YYC2&request_locale=en_US&site_alias=YYC2_EN&isAuthentication=N Make an appointment online ( https://www.visaforchina.cn/#/nav/appointmentForm?use_type=center&visacenterCode=YYC2&request_locale=en_US&site_alias=YYC2_EN&isAuthentication=N )  Invitation letter (for Q and S visa only):  https://www.visaforchina.cn/YYC2_EN/upload/Attach/mrbj/281066.pdf

Business Hours:(Monday - Friday) Visa application: 9:00-15:00           Payment and collection 9:00-16:00 NOTICE:Our visa counter will accept rush service(2nd-working-day collection) application until 11:30AM.

Location：200,855,8th Avenue,SW,Calgary   Postcode:T2P 3P1

PO BOX for postal application: PO BOX 21019 DOMINION 665 8th Street,SW,Calgary,AB  T2P 4H5

Tel：403-930-2288    Fax：403-699-9776  E-mail: [email protected]