Foreword: For foreigners, understanding China’s visa policy is very important whether they come to China for tourism, work, study or visiting relatives. This article will introduce the detailed process for foreigners to apply for Chinese visas and some matters needing attention when entering China.
To apply for a Chinese visa, you need to fill out an application form and attach a recently taken color photo, prepare a valid passport, and submit it together with other supporting documents to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center, the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your area of residence. For detailed information, please see the following step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Chinese visa.
1，Check if you need a visa
Before starting the next step, an essential thing is to check if you need a visa. As long as you meet China’s visa-free policy, you don’t need a visa, but you still need to prepare some documents, such as a passport, inbound and outbound transportation tickets, and sometimes sufficient funds for immigration inspection.
2，Check which visa you need to apply for
According to your travel purpose, determine which visa you want to apply for. Read about Chinese visa types and choose the one that best suits you. For tourists, the L visa is appropriate.
3，Prepare all required documents
Documents required for all types of visas include a passport and a visa application form with a recently taken photo attached. In addition, other supporting documents are needed, but they vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. For example, if you apply for a tourist L visa, the supporting documents will refer to round-trip air tickets, hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a Chinese travel agency. See detailed Chinese visa application requirements.
Make sure your documents meet the requirements of the Chinese embassy or consulate.
Passport: Remaining validity of at least six months; blank visa pages.
Visa application form: Fill in truthfully online, print and sign. Click to fill out the Chinese visa application form.
Photo: Taken within the last six months; frontal face on a light background; size: 48mm x 33mm; Do not take photos for religious reasons.
4，Make an appointment and submit the application
Make an appointment with the Chinese embassy, consulate or Chinese Visa Application Service Center where you live and submit your application on time. Some embassies or consulates do not require an appointment in advance. Click to make an appointment to submit a Chinese visa application.
In most cases, the applicant, especially those aged 14 to 70, must be present in person. In a few cases, the applicant can entrust others or agents to handle it on their behalf. A few consulates and Chinese Visa Application Service Centers also provide mailing services. The normal processing time is four working days, including the day you submit your application and pick up your visa. Remember that Chinese public holidays may have additional non-working days. By paying an additional fee, you can usually process your application faster. Usually your application can be processed overnight and you can pick up your visa the next afternoon. However, if you arrive shortly after the office opens, some offices may provide same-day service. Generally speaking, apply in advance to allow time for any delays.
5，Pay the fee and pick up the visa
Go to the place where you applied for a Chinese visa on the date specified on the pick-up slip. After paying the fee, you will get back your passport with the visa. Sometimes, you may need to pay the fee on the day you submit your application. See Chinese visa fees.
The best time to apply for a Chinese visa
The best time to apply for a Chinese visa is one or two months before departure. Usually, a Chinese visa is only valid for three months from the date of issuance, which means that the earliest you can apply is three months before departure.
Renew and extend a Chinese visa
Usually, once you obtain a Chinese visa, you cannot renew or extend the visa anymore, but you can go to the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the local public security bureau in China to handle it.
Apply for a Chinese visa in a third country
Sometimes you may need to obtain a Chinese visa on the way or while living in a third country. This situation may vary. Unless you enjoy visa-free entry to a third country, you usually also need to provide proof of legal residence in the country where you are applying for a Chinese visa.