China is known for its architectural wonders, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, martial arts and delectable cuisine that varies from one part of the country to another. China is also the largest exporter and importer of goods in the world, and that’s what makes it a destination frequented not just by tourists but by business travellers as well. If the pandemic has played a spoilsport to all your plans of going to China earlier, then we’ve got good news for you! China recently resumed issuing all types of visas, and our step-by-step guide will help you easily apply for a visa to China.
Identify if you need a visa or not
The first step is to figure out whether you need the visa or not. As per the Chinese Visa Application Center, citizens of 53 nationalities, while transiting through China, can exit the airport and visit the country without a visa for a limited stay. Below are the details for visa-free transit.
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Transit without visa (TWOV)
In case you have a layover in China while going to another country, then China offers a transit without visa (TWOV) that allows passengers to travel visa-free for 24 hours, 72 hours and 144 hours. While TWOV for 24 hours is available to almost all nationalities, visa-free transit for 72 and 144 hours is only given to citizens of 53 countries, including the USA, Canada, the UK, Russia and Australia.
Exemption of visa
Brunei, Japan and Singapore nationals enjoy a much wider exemption. They can stay in China without a visa for up to 15 days. If you are not meeting any visa-relaxation criteria due to your nationality or travel plans, then continue reading to know the whole procedure to get the visa.
Types of visas
China, just like any other country, has multiple types of visas. So, the next step in this procedure is to identify the category of the visa you require, as that will determine the documents to be included with the application.
There are four main types of visas:
- Diplomatic visa
- Courtesy visa
- Service visa
- Ordinary visa
Ordinary visa is further divided into 16 categories:
- Tourist visa(L)
- Business visa (M)
- Work visa (Z)
- Study visa (X1)
- Study visa (X2)
- Non commerce visa (F)
- Private visa (S1 – long term)
- Private visa (S2 – short term)
- Family visa (Q1 – long term)
- Family visa (Q2 – short term)
- Crew visa (C)
- Permanent residence (D)
- Journalist visa (J1)
- Journalist visa (J2)
- Transit visa (G)
- Foreigner of high talent (R)
Once you have worked out your category of visa, the next step is to fill in the application form available online and schedule your appointment for the submission of documents. Depending on where you live, the appointment can be scheduled at the Chinese embassy/consulate or the visa application centre appointed by the Chinese government. You can also hire a travel agent to help you submit the application. Once the appointment is set, collect all the documents required for the visa.
China visa requirement
Below are the documents that are mandatory for all the applicants applying, irrespective of categories.
- An original passport that has six months of validity from the date of entry to China, along with two blank pages on the passport.
- A photocopy of the bio-data page.
- Two recent photographs (33mm X 48 mm in size) over a white background.
- A visa application form duly filled in and signed.
- Proof of legal status (for those not applying from their country of citizenship).
- Submit original and photocopy of valid certificates of residence, employment or student status and any other certificates you may have of your legal stay.
- Covering letter – mention details as per your visa type and category.
If you are applying for a tourist visa (L)
Assuming that you are visiting China for a vacation, then below are the supporting documents that must be attached with mandatory documents.
- Confirmed round-trip air tickets and hotel bookings. Or an invitation letter issued by the invitee in case you have been invited.
- Covering letter detailing the itinerary, including the number of days you plan to stay and places to visit. In case you have been invited, then also mention the name, address and contact number of the inviting/contact company/person.
- Bank statements from the past six months, along with an original bank certificate or a letter from the employer of the applicant, mentioning the following details: name, contact number of the employer and the applicant’s income statement.
Chinese visa application process (online & offline)
After filling in the online visa application form and scheduling an appointment, you have to visit the embassy/consulate or the visa centre on the appointment date. You will be called at the counter to submit all the documents. The staff will review these documents and give you a payment invoice for the visa fee along with the cashier’s number. Pay the fee and cross-check the details in the pick-up form. In case you have any questions, then you should contact the staff immediately. It is important to keep the pick-up form safe as it needs to be presented at the time of passport collection.
You can check the status of your application online and later go to the embassy/consulate or the visa centre for passport collection. You can apply for a visa offline as well, where you need to make an appointment at the Embassy/consulate or the visa centre.
Visa fee
The visa fee for a single entry and double and multiple entries varies from one country to another. Therefore, it is advised to check the cost of the same on the website of the embassy/consulate or the visa application centre.
Visa renewal process in China
The visa can be extended in China; however, you must apply for the extension at least seven days before your visa expires. The process can be initiated at Local Entry and Exit Administration under the Public Security Bureau.
Chinese visa verification process
All documents need to be self-verified before submission. Along with the application form, the documents are sent to the embassy for verification. The verification process usually takes four business days after the submission of the application; however, it can take longer than that. In case you wish to expedite the process, then you can opt for the express process, which takes two to three business days.
(All currency conversions were done at the time of writing.)
Related: Things To Know About Shanghai Before Travelling To The City
(Hero and feature image credit: Image credit: PinkBlue Studio/Shutterstock)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: Yes, the application service center provides a 24-hour online facility where you can track the status of your application.
Answer: The payment for the visa should be made after the submission of the documents.
Answer: No, it is not possible to withdraw or cancel your application once the submission has been made.
Answer: No, the visa fee is not refundable.
Answer: It is advisable to apply for a visa one month in advance but not earlier than three months before your scheduled travel dates.
Answer: The visa fee can be paid via cash or a debit card at the visa centre.
Answer: During your application submission, you can select the option of express service where the processing time will be three business days.
Written By
Ayushi Anand
A post-graduate in journalism and mass communication, Ayushi is a digital writer who has worked with several Indian media organisations, including Times Internet Limited and Zee Media Corporation Limited, in the news, lifestyle and entertainment space. When she's not on her desk, she can be found dancing, trying new restaurants or packing her bags to ..Read More
