Apply For Chinese Visa

To apply for a Chinese visa, you need to fill out an application form, attach a recently taken color photograph, prepare a valid passport and submit it along with other supporting documents to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your place of residence. For more details, please see the following step-by-step guide for “Apply For Chinese Visa”.

How to Apply For Chinese Visa

1. Check if you need a visa

One essential thing to do before starting the following process is to check if you need a visa first. As long as you comply with China's visa-free policy, you do not need a visa, but some materials such as a passport, transportation tickets in and out of the country, and sometimes enough money needs to be prepared for entry checks.

2. see what kind of visa you need

Determine what kind of visa you want to apply for, depending on the purpose of your trip. Read about the types of Chinese visas and choose the one that suits you best. For tourists, the L-shaped visa is more suitable.

3. have all the necessary materials ready

Materials required for all types of visas include a passport and visa application form with recent photographs. Additional supporting documents are also required, but they vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a tourist L visa, the required supporting documents are round-trip airfare, hotel reservation or invitation letter from a Chinese travel agency. See China visa application requirements for details.

Make sure your materials meet the requirements of the Chinese Embassy and Consulate.

Passport: Remaining valid for at least 6 months; with blank visa page.

Visa application form: fill in the form truthfully, in font, without leaving a blank space.

Photos: photos taken within the last 6 months; full-face photos against a light background; photo size: 48mm x 33mm; nude photos unless for religious reasons.

4. Submission of application

Visit the Chinese Embassy, Consulate or China Visa Application Center (CVASC) in your place of residence. You can do this in person or ask an agent to do it for you. Mailing services are also available at some consulates and Chinese visa application centers.

The normal processing time is four business days, including the day you submit your application and the day you pick it up. Please keep in mind that there may be additional non-working days on public holidays in China. By paying an additional fee, you can usually process your application faster. Usually, your application can be processed the next afternoon overnight, but some offices may offer same-day service if you arrive at the office shortly after opening. In general, apply as far in advance as possible to avoid delays.

5. Payment of fees and receipt of visas

Go to the place where the Chinese visa is issued on the date specified on the pick-up slip. After you pay the fee, you can get your passport and visa back. See China visa fees for details.

The best time to apply for a China visa

The best time to get a Chinese visa is one or two months before you leave the country. Generally, Chinese visas are only valid for three months from the date of issuance, which means the earliest you can apply is three months before you leave the country.

Best time to Apply For Chinese Visa

The best time to get a Chinese visa is one or two months before you leave the country. Generally, Chinese visas are only valid for three months from the date of issuance, which means the earliest you can apply is three months before you leave the country.

Visa renewals and extensions for China

Generally, once the Chinese visa is approved, it cannot be renewed or extended, but when in China, it can be processed at the immigration control department of the local public security bureau.

Apply for a Chinese visa in a third country

Sometimes, you may need a Chinese visa while en route or while living in a third country. In this case, the situation may be different. Unless you enjoy visa-free treatment in a third country, proof of legal residence in the country where you are applying for a Chinese visa is also usually required.