Traveling to China
China is a popular travel destination for tourism, business, education, and other purposes.
Depending on your nationality and the type of China visa you are applying for, certain foreign nationals are exempt from a China visa, while others are eligible to travel to China and obtain a China visa on arrival. All other foreign nationals must apply for a China visa before traveling to China.
China visas may be issued single, double, or multiple entry, and visa validity dates and permitted durations of stay may vary, depending on the applicant’s nationality and visa type being applied for.
China visa types
If you are a foreign national who is required to obtain a China sticker visa prior to traveling to China, you must apply for the appropriate China visa based on your purpose for traveling to China. The 11 China visa types are:
- Tourist Visa (L)
- Business Visa (F)
- Work Visa (Z)
- Student Visa (X)
- Permanent Resident Visa (D)
- Transit Visa (G)
- Crew Visa (C)
- Journalist Visa (J-1, J-2)
- Commercial Visa (M)
- Family Visa (Q1)
- Private Visa (S1, S2)
China visa requirements
The following items are required to apply for all China visas:
Passport
Valid passport for at least 6 months with one blank page for official use
Passport copy
Photocopy of the biometric data page
Personal photo
One passport photo, taken within the last 6 months, borderless and on white background, size 33x48mm
Soft digital photo
One soft copy passport photo, between 354 pixels x 472 pixels and 420 pixels x 560 pixels, in JPEG form, size between 40KB and 120KB.
Application form
A completed and signed China visa application form
Accommodation
Hotel reservation
Ticket
A return or onward ticket
Invitation letter
An invitation letter (in lieu of onward ticket)
Passport/visa copy
Photocopy of previous China visas or Chinese passports (only for Chinese citizens or existing Chinese visa holders).
Some types of China visas have additional requirements than those listed above. Accordingly, you are advised to check the requirements for the specific China visa type you are applying for.
China visa application
To apply for a China visa, foreign nationals should apply through the China Online Visa Application system (COVA) and follow these steps.
China sticker visas can now be pre-applied for online, with the rest of the application process finalized at your nearest China embassy or representation office.
- Apply online for China visa
• Fill out and submit the application online
• Print out the completed application form and COVA confirmation page - Book your appointment online
• Select your nearest China embassy or representation office
• Print out the appointment page - Attend your appointment at the China embassy or representation office you applied at
• Submit your COVA application, confirmation page, appointment page, and other required documents
• Pay visa fees - Wait for China visa decision
• If approved, pick up China visa from the Chinese embassy or representation office where you applied
• Verify that all information is correct and matches your passport
Where to apply for China visa
Foreign nationals required to apply for a China visa should pre-apply through the China Online Visa Application system (COVA), and will then complete the application process at their nearest China embassy or representation office.
China visa processing time
The China visa process is normally 4 business days from the date of application submission. For an extra charge and subject to approval, applicants may have the option of Express 3-day service or Rush 2-day processing service. In all cases, you are advised to start the application process early, in case of delays.
