1.2Submit the application in person to the embassyand have all ten fingerprints collected there.
*The following applicants can be exempted from fingerprint collection:
2.1Passport: the original of a passport with over 6 months’ validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the information page of the passport
2.2 Visa Application Form and Photo: aprinted copy of the Visa Application Form completed online, andapaper photo that is the same asthe one uploaded in the application form
2.3 Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to those not applying for visas in their country of citizenship)
2.4 Previous Chinese passport (applicable to foreign citizens who used to beChinese citizens)or previous Chinese visas:
2.4.1 If a foreign citizen whoused to be a Chinese citizen isapplying for a Chinese visa for the first time, the original of the previous Chinese passport and a photocopy of its information page should be submitted.
2.4.2 If a foreign citizen who was issueda Chinese visa before is applying for a Chinese visa with a different foreign passport, aphotocopy of the information page of the previous passport and a photocopy of the previous Chinese visa should be submitted.
2.4.3 If the name on the current foreign passport differs from that on the previous Chinese passport or the previous Chinese visa, an official document issued by competent authorities on the name change should be submitted.
2.5Other documents requiredfor different visa types are listed as follows:
Visa Type | Purpose | Required Documents |
L | Tourist | Itinerary documents includingair ticket booking record (round trip) andproof of hotel reservation, or an invitation letter issued by an entity orindividual in China |
M | Business and trade | An invitation letter issued bya trading partner in China |
F | Non-commercial activities such as exchanges,visits, andstudy tours | An invitation letter issued by the relevant entity or individual inChina |
Z | Work | The original of the Notice for the Work Permit for Foreigners or the Work Permit for Foreigners |
X1 | Long-term study (formore than 180 days) | (1) A photocopy ofthe Confirmation Form for Study in China (Form JW201 orForm JW202) and the originalor a photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by the school in China (2) The original or a photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Elementary-Stage Foreign Students to Study in China, ifthe applicant is aforeign student of the primary/elementary or junior/senior high school level |
X2 | Short-term study (for no more than 180 days) | The originalor a photocopy of the Admission Noticeissued by the receiving institution in China |
Q1 | Family reunion (for more than 180 days) for familymembers of Chinese citizens, or family members of foreigners with Chinese permanent resident status , and for those who intend to enter and stay in China for the purposeof foster care “Family members”refers tospouses, parents, parents-in-law, sons,daughters, sons-in-law,daughters-in-law, brothers, sisters,grandparents,grandsons,and granddaughters. | (1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinesecitizen or a foreigncitizen with a Chinesepermanent residentstatusresiding inChina (2) A photocopy of the inviter’s Chinese ID card orforeignpassport and the permanentresident IDcard (3) The original and aphotocopy of the certification (e.g. marriage certificate,birth certificate)showing kinship between the applicant and the inviter |
Q2 | Short-term family visit (for no more than 180days) to a relative who is aChinese citizen residing inChinaor a foreigner withChinese permanent resident status residing in China | (1) An invitation letter issued by the Chinesecitizen or foreigncitizen with a Chinesepermanent resident statusresiding inChina (2) Aphotocopy of the Chinese ID card or the foreignpassport and thepermanent resident ID card of the inviter |
S1 | Long-term family visit (for more than 180days) to a foreigner working or studyingin China, to whom the visitor is aspouse, parent, son ordaughter under the age of 18,or parent-in-law,or long-term stay in China forother private affairs | (1) An invitation letter from the inviter (the foreigner residing inChina) (2) A photocopy of the inviter’spassport and residencepermit (3) The original andaphotocopy of the certification (e.g. marriage certificate,birth certificate)showing kinship between the applicant and theinviter |
S2 | Short-term family visit (for no more than 180days) to a foreigner working or studyingin China, to whom the visitor is a family member,or short-term stay in China forother private affairs “Family members” refers tospouses, parents, parents-in-law, sons,daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers, sisters,grandparents, grandsons, andgranddaughters. | For family visits: (1) An invitation letter from the inviter (the foreigner residing inChina) (2) A photocopy of the inviter’spassport and residencepermit (3) The original andaphotocopy of the certification (e.g. marriage certificate,birth certificate)showing kinship between the applicant and theinviter For other private affairs: relevant documents as required |
R | High-level foreign talents or foreigners whose skills are urgently needed in China. | Confirmation Letter for High-Level Foreign Talents |
C | Foreign crewmembersofmeans ofinternationaltransportation,including aircraft, trains andships, or motor vehicle driversengaged in cross-bordertransport activities, or theaccompanying family members of the crew members of theabove-mentioned ships. | GuaranteeLetterfrom theforeign transport company oran invitation letter froma relevant entity in China |
D | Applicants who intend toreside in China permanently | Confirmation Form forForeigner’s Permanent Resident Status |
G | Applicants who intend to transit through China | An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date to the destination country or region |
J1 | Resident foreignjournalists of foreign newsorganizations stationed inChina | Visa Notification Letter issued by theDepartment of Press, Communication and Public Diplomacy ofthe Ministry ofForeign Affairs of China |
J2 | Foreign journalistswho intend to enter China forshort-term news coverage | Visa Notification Letter issued by the Department of Press, Communication and Public Diplomacy ofthe Ministry ofForeignAffairs of China or other authorized entities inChina |
Group L | Group tourists | Invitation Letter for Tourist Group issued by the authorized Tourism Unit |
2.6 For visa applications for emergency humanitarian reasons (such as attending a funeral or visiting a person critically ill), relevant proof documents should be submitted .
Please read the system prompts carefully and fill in the form in a truthful, complete, and accurate manner, and upload the photo of the applicant in line with the standards (Click here to view photo requirements). If such information as the name, gender, date of birth, passport number, passport issuance country, etc. is incorrect, or the photo is of someone else, or the key information in the application form is intentionally concealed or falsely stated, the application will be rejected or returned, and the applicant will need to submit a new application form online.
The invitation letter can be a fax, photocopy, or printout, unless otherwise specified. The invitation letter should contain:
3.2.1 Information of the applicant: name, gender, date of birth, and nationality, etc.
3.2.2 Information of the visit: purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) of visit, relations between the applicant and the inviter entity or individual, and financial sources for expenditures in China, etc.
3.2.3 Information of the inviter entity or individual: name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, nationality and signature of the inviter individual or of the legal representative of the inviter entity, etc.
3.3 If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials, or require an interview with the applicant on a case-by-case basis.