Required Documents
For China Visa
passport
- Make sure that your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months and has empty pages for the visa.
- You need to provide a photocopy of the data page and the photo page of your passport only if these pages are separate.
- If you have previously applied for and obtained Chinese visas, then you must submit a copy of your previous passport’s data page, photo page, and the pages containing the Chinese visa.
- In case there is a difference between the name on your current passport and the name on your previous passport, you must provide an official document showing the name change.
Completed visa application form
Photo
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1-Paper Photo
- The photo should have a colored format and a size of 33mm x 48mm. It should have been taken within the last six months and have a white or off-white background without any borders.
- For the photo, the person should have a neutral expression with their mouth closed, eyes open, and ears visible. The picture should show the entire head and face clearly, with a frontal view. The width of the head in the photo should be between 15mm and 22mm, and the height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head should be between 28mm and 33mm.
- Ensure that there is a space of 3mm to 5mm between the crown and the upper edge of the photo. Also, make sure that the space between the chin and the bottom edge of the photo is 7mm or more.
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2-Digital Photo
- The photo must be in color and have a JPEG format with a size between 40KB and 120KB. The dimensions should be between 354 pixels x 472 pixels and 420
- pixels x 560 pixels.
- To meet the requirements of a neutral expression, the person’s mouth should be closed, eyes open, and ears should be visible. The photo should be taken from a frontal angle, with the entire head and face clearly visible. Additionally, the head width should measure 205 pixels.
- In terms of positioning, the photo should have a space of 10 to 70 pixels between the crown of the head and the upper edge of the photo. Moreover, the distance from the bottom edge of the photo to the horizontal line running through the center of the eyes should be more than 256 pixels.
Hotel reservations
Proof of return to the country of residence or forward the ticket to another country
Photocopy of previous Chinese visas or passports (only for Chinese citizens who have obtained foreign citizenships)
Applicants submitting visa applications in countries other than their country of citizenship should provide the following:
- Proof of residence.
- Valid certificates or visa of stay.
- Employment or student status.
- Other valid certificates provided by legal authorities that prove a legal stay.
China Visa
Application steps
- Gather the required documents
- Fill out the application form In case your country is not among the options provided on the China Online Visa Application website, it is advised that you get in touch with the nearest Chinese embassy to seek information on the visa application process. They will guide you on the necessary steps to follow and the requirements needed to obtain a Chinese visa.
- To apply for a Chinese visa, visit the official website for the China Online Visa Application system. Once you’re there, select your preferred language and indicate the country and city where you plan to submit your visa application. Note that if you are from certain countries, you may be redirected to the website of the nearest Visa Application Center (VAC) for your visa application.
- If your country is not listed among the options provided, it is recommended that you contact the nearest Chinese embassy to obtain information on the visa application process. The embassy will provide guidance on the necessary steps to follow and the requirements needed to obtain a Chinese visa.
- Copy the application ID and fill out the form in either Chinese or English. Submit the completed application form online and print it.
Schedule a China visa appointment
- Upon submitting the completed visa application form, applicants will be directed to a link where they can schedule an appointment for their Chinese visa application.
- Please note that the procedures for applying for a Chinese visa may differ from one Visa Application Center (VAC), consulate, or embassy to another.
Submit your China visa application
- Submit your passport, application form, and other supporting documents to the VAC, Consulate, or Embassy. Answer questions clearly, if there are any.
- After submitting your Chinese visa application, make sure to collect the slip that shows your case number and the date when you can collect your visa.
Pay the visa application fee
- It is important to verify whether payment for the visa application is required during the submission process or upon collection of the visa, as the procedures may differ.
- Please note that the Chinese consulate or embassy does not accept online, fax, or mail-in visa applications. Additionally, some applicants may be required to attend an interview in person at the consulate or embassy.
China visa Fees
A standard visitor visa costs $30 for a single entry, but the visa fee can vary based on the number of entries and the nationality of the applicant. Expedited visa processing fees may also be charged.
Where to apply
Chinese visa applications can be submitted by the applicant or a third party authorized by the applicant, either in person at the Visa Application Center (VAC), consulate, or embassy. However, some applicants may be required to attend an interview in person at the VAC, consulate, or embassy.
When to apply
Applicants are advised to submit their visa applications a month before their intended departure date.
China Visa Processing Time
Chinese visa applications are typically processed within 4 to 5 business days, although some may take longer. If an application requires additional processing time, no collection date will be marked on the collection slip. Instead, applicants will be informed of their collection date either in person or after submitting their application.
For approved visa applications: