Planning a trip to China? Whether for leisure, business, or visiting family, understanding the Chinese visa application process is crucial. This guide provides comprehensive information on How To Get A Chinese Travel Visa, ensuring a smooth and successful application.
The visa requirements depend on the purpose of your visit. Here’s a breakdown of the common visa types and the documents you’ll need.
Types of Chinese Visas and Required Documents
| Visa Type | Visa Description | Required Documents (Include “A. Basic Documents” and “B. General Documents”) |
|---|---|---|
| A. Basic Documents | ||
| B. General Documents | ||
| L | Issued to those who intend to go to China for tourism | Starting from January 1, 2024, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in the United States simplify application documents required for tourist visa (L-visa). Tourist visa applicants within the United States will no longer be required to submit round-trip air ticket booking record, proof of hotel reservation, itinerary or invitation letter. Since visa applications are processed on a case-by-case basis, please refer to the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in the United States for specifics. |
| 1. Passport (The remaining validity must be more than 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages) *If the previous multi-year multi-entry visa is on the old passport, the old passport is required to be submitted. 2. Photocopy of the bio-page of the passport 3. COVA Visa Form. Please log on to https://cova.mfa.gov.cn to fill out the form online 4. Photocopy of the latest Chinese visa or the Chinese residence permit 5. Photocopy of the Proof of Residence (e.g., driver’s license, utility bill, bank bill) 6. Where You Stay Form 7. If the applicant is a foreigner in the US, they need to provide a photocopy of green card, visa, I20, or I94 to prove their legal residence in the US. 8. If the applicant was of Chinese nationality, this application is the first Chinese visa application after naturalization in a foreign country, please provide 2 photocopies of the bio-page of the Chinese passport and a photocopy of naturalization certificate. In addition, the last physical Chinese passport is needed for the visa application. 9. If the applicant’s name has been changed, and it is the first time to apply for a Chinese visa after the name change, a photocopy of the name change document is required. 10. For the visa application by a minor of Chinese origin born in the US, please follow the guidance. | ||
| M | Issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities | Documents on the commercial activity issued by a trade partner in China |
| F | Issued to those who intend to go to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities | An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China |
| Z | Issued to those who intend to work in China | Notice for the Work Permit for Foreigners |
| S1 | Issued to those who intend to go to China to visit the foreigners working or studying in China to whom they are spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 or parents-in-law, or to those who intend to go to China for other private affairs. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days. | 1. An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) 2. Photocopies of the inviting individual’s passport bio-page and residence permit 3. Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc) showing the relationship of immediate family members between applicants and inviting individual. *In case of other personal affairs, relevant supporting materials shall be provided upon request |
| S2 | Issued to those who intend to visit their family members who are foreigners working or studying in China, or to those who intend to go to China for other private matters. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days. “Family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law. | 1. An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) 2. Photocopies of the inviting individual’s passport bio-page, residence permit or visa. 3. Photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc) showing the relationship of immediate family members between applicants and inviting individual. *In case of other personal affairs, relevant supporting materials shall be provided upon request. |
| Q1 | Issued to those who are family members of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence and intend to go to China for family reunion, or to those who intend to go to China for the purpose of foster care. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days. “Family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law. | 1. An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. 2. Photocopies of Chinese ID (front and back) of the inviting individual; Or photocopies of the bio-page of the foreigner’s passport and the permanent residence permit (front and back). 3. Original and photocopy of certification showing the relationship of family members between applicant and inviting individual. (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate) |
| Q2 | Issued to those who intend to visit their relatives who are Chinese citizens residing in China or foreigners with permanent residence in China. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days. | 1. An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China; 2. Photocopies of Chinese ID (front and back) of the inviting individual; Or photocopies of the bio-page of the foreigner’s passport and the permanent residence permit (front and back). |
| R | Issued to High-level talents | Confirmation Letter for High Level Foreign Talents |
| C | Issued to Crew member | Guarantee Letter from transport company |
| X1 | Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of more than 180 days. | 1. Foreign higher education institution students: A. Photocopy or the original of Confirmation Form for Study in China (Form JW201 or Form JW202) B. Photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entities in China 2. Foreign elementary, junior/senior high school students: Photocopy or the original of Confirmation Form for Elementary Stage Students Study in China (For foreign elementary, junior/senior high school students who reside in China for family reunion purpose, application for X1 visa is not compulsory.) |
| X2 | Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of no more than 180 days. | 1. Photocopy or the original of Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities in China. 2. Photocopy or the original of Information Form for Foreign Students’ Short-term Visit (Form DQ, if have) |
| D | Issued to those who intend to reside in China permanently. | The original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigner’s Permanent Residence Status |
| G | Issued to those who intend to transit through China. | An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region. |
| J1/J2 | Visa should refer to the requirements of the competent authority |
Essential Tips for Completing the COVA Form
The China Online Visa Application (COVA) form is a crucial part of the application process. Here are some important tips to ensure accuracy and completeness:
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Read Carefully: Thoroughly review the prompts and requirements of the COVA form system.
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Accuracy is Key: Ensure all information provided is true, accurate, and complete. Once submitted, the application form cannot be modified.
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Consular Jurisdiction: The “location” option for submitting your visa application must align with the consular jurisdiction based on your residence.
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Passport Details: Basic personal information (surname, given names, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport type, etc.) must match the passport information page exactly.
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If Born in China: If you were born in China (including Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan):
- Enter your Chinese name (if applicable) in Chinese characters.
- Select “Yes” for “former nationality” and provide the necessary nationality information.
- Item 1.6H of the application form is required.
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Work Experience and Education:
- Fill in your work experience for the past 5 years.
- Complete the “position” and “duty” fields in sections 3.2D and 3.2E.
- Provide details of your highest diploma/degree in section 4.1, including the diploma/degree and major in sections 4.1B and 4.1C.
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Complete Addresses: Provide complete addresses, including street, city, state, and country, for all required fields.
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“Not Applicable” Explanations: If you select “not applicable” for any entry, provide a clear reason.
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Printing and Signing: After completing the COVA online form, print the full set of application forms (8-9 pages), including the “Confirmation of Online Visa application” and “Visa Application Form of the People’s Republic of China.” Sign and date the Confirmation Page and the 8th page of the Visa Application Form. Applicants under 18 should have their guardian sign.
Invitation Letter Requirements for S1, S2, Q1, and Q2 Visas
If you are applying for an S1, S2, Q1, or Q2 visa, you’ll need an invitation letter. The letter should include the following information:
- Inviter’s Information: Name, gender, date of birth, Chinese ID number (or foreign passport number, Chinese permanent residence card number), current address in China, contact phone number, and email.
- Invitee’s Information: Name, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and the relationship with the inviter.
- Visit Details: The purpose of the visit, planned date of arrival, and the intended duration of stay in China.
Invitation Letter Requirements for M, F, and L Visas
For M, F, and L visas, the invitation letter must contain:
- Invitee’s Personal Information: Name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.
- 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.
- Inviting Party Information: Inviting party name, address, telephone number, official seal, legal representative or inviter’s signature, date, etc.
A sample of an invitation letter for visa application
Where You Stay Form
Applicants may also need to provide a “Where You Stay Form”.
Visa Application Process
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Complete the COVA Form: Fill out the online application form on the China Online Visa Application (COVA) website. Print the full set of COVA forms (8-9 pages) and sign the Confirmation Page and the 8th page.
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Submit Physical Documents: Submit the printed and signed COVA forms along with the required physical documents to the Visa Office. You can submit the documents in person or through an agent.
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Document Preparation: Ensure all physical documents meet the requirements. Insufficient or non-compliant documents may lead to the rejection of your application.
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Pick-Up and Verification: Upon pick-up, verify all the information on the visa. If any inaccuracies are found, notify the staff immediately.
Processing Time and Fees
- Regular Service: 4 business days
- Express Service: 3 business days (urgent situations)
Processing times are approximate and may vary. Visa processing fees can be found on the Chinese Embassy website.
Contact Information
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.
Conclusion
Navigating the process of how to get a Chinese travel visa can seem daunting, but by understanding the requirements and following these steps, you can increase your chances of a successful application. Remember to check the latest guidelines from the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General in your region before you begin. Good luck with your application, and enjoy your trip to China!
