Check-list of documents required for visa application:
I. Basic Documents
1. Passport
Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the bio data page.
2. Visa Application Form and Photo
One completed Visa Application Form attached with a recently-taken color passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a light background. Please refer to "Photo Requirements for Chinese Visa Application".
3. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-British applicants)
The original and a photocopy of a valid British visa or other proof of legal stay, residence, employment or study in the U.K..
4. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable to foreign nationals who once held Chinese nationality)
The Chinese passport last held and a photocopy of its data page and permanent residency of foreign country and naturalization paper are required when applying for a Chinese visa for the first time.
The photocopiesof data pageof the previous passport and previous Chinese visa if current passport does not contain any Chinese visa.
In case the name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, an official document of name change is required.
II. Supporting Documents
C-Visa
A letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity in China
D-Visa
The original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China
Holders of D visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.
F-Visa
An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation should contain:
a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
b. Information on the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)
c. Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)
G-Visa
An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region
J1-Visa
Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.
Holders of J1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.
J2-Visa
Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or other authorized units in China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.
Applicants should contact the press office of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete the required formalities, if not yet received the Visa Notification Letter.
L-Visa
Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation, etc. or an invitation letter from a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation letter should contain:
a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
b. Information on the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, etc.)
c. Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)
M-Visa
An invitation letter from a trade partner in China, or from trade fairs, which should contain:
a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
b. Information on the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)
c. Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)
Q1-Visa
For family reunion, the following documents are required:
(1) An invitation letter from a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen holding a Chinese permanent residence permit. The invitation letter should contain:
a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
b. Information on the visit ( purpose of visit, intended arrival date, place(s) of intended residence, intended duration of residence, arrival and departure dates, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)
c. Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address and signature.)
(2) Photocopy of Chinese ID if the inviter is a Chinese citizen, or otherwise the foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviter.
(3) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the inviter and invitee.
"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.
For foster care, the following documents are required:
(1) Original copy of the Foster Entrustment Notarized by Chinese Embassies/Consulates General or Foster Care Power of Attorney notarized and authenticated in the country of residence or in China
(2) A letter of consent on foster care from the trustee living in China and a photocopy of the trustee's ID.
(3) A photocopy of the certificate indicating the permanent residence status abroad of the parent(s) when the child was born, provided that either or both parents of the child are Chinese citizens.
Holders of Q1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of local public security bureau in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.
Q2-Visa
(1)An invitation letter from a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit. The invitation letter should contain:
a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
b. Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures)
c. Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature etc.)
(2) Photocopy of Chinese ID if the inviter is a Chinese citizen or otherwise the foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviter.
R-Visa
Confirmation Letter of High-Level Foreign Talents
S1-Visa
(1) An invitation letter from a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies, which contains:
a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
b. Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place of intended residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.)
c. Information on the inviter (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)
(2) A photocopy of the inviter's passport and residence permit
(3) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of immediate family members between the inviter and invitee.
"Immediate family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18, parents-in-law.
Holders of S1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of local public security bureau in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.
S2-Visa
For visiting family members for a short period, the following documents are required:
(1)An invitation letter from a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies, which contains:
a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
b. Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.)
c. Information on the inviter(name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)
(2) Photocopy of the inviter's passport and residence permit
(3) Photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the inviter and invitee.
"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.
For dealing with private affairs, the following documents are required accordingly:
Medical treatment: Proof of hospitalisation, or medical admission record, or invitation letter from the hospital (applicable to family member accompanying the patient).
Estate inheritance: The original death certificate and relevant documents to prove the relationship between the applicant and the person who passed away.
Litigation matters: The original court order / tribunal hearing notice letter and other relevant legal documents
Property ownership: Certificate of estate ownership or sale/purchase contract of properties in China
X1-Visa
(1) The Admission Letter issued by a college, university or other educational institutions in China.
(2) Original and photocopy of "Visa Application for Study in China" (Form JW201 or Form JW202).
Holders of X1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of local public security bureau in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.
X2-Visa
Original and photocopy of Admission Notice issued by a college, university or other educational institution in China.
Z-Visa
Applicants who will stay in China for more than 90 days, should submit one of the following documents:
(1) Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit in the People's Republic of China
(2) Letter of Invitation to Foreigners Engaged in Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (applicable to foreign offshore petroleum operators/ technicians who work in China)
(3) Original and photocopy ofRegistration Certificate of Foreign Enterprises Permanent Office in China issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration, or Certificate of Approval of Resident Representative Offices of Foreign Enterprises issued by Ministry of Commerce of China (applicable to the chief representative and representatives of the Resident Representative Offices)
(4)An approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural and tourism affairs (applicable to applicants going to China for commercial performances)
(5) Original and photocopy ofConfirmation Letter of Foreign Culture Center Employee issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural and tourism affairs (applicable to foreign staff working for foreign culture centers in China)
(6) Original and photocopy ofConfirmation Letter of Tourism Representatives issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural and tourism affairs (applicable to staff working for resident representative offices of foreign governmental department of tourism)
(7) Original and photocopy ofCertificate of Registration for the Representative Office of Overseas Foundation issued by Chinese government authorities for civil affairs (applicable tothe representative of the Office)
Applicants who will stay in China for less than 90 days, should submit one of the following documents:
(1) Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit in the People's Republic of China
(2) An approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural and tourism affairs(applicable to applicants going to China for commercial performancesof less than 90 days)
Please note: Holders of Z-Visawhose duration of stay is 000 days, shall apply to the exit/entry administrations of local public security bureau for foreigners' residence permits within 30 days from the date of their entry.
III.Application Procedure:
Applicants need to fill in the electronic visa application form online and make appointments through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in advance, then submit application documents and the biometric information at the Visa Center.
IV. Processing Time:
(1) Regular Service: Visa will be ready for collection on the fourth working day
(2) Express Service: Visa will be ready for collection on the third working day
V. Fees:
For details, please see the latest notice on visa fees on the embassy website
Total charge of an individual visa application = Visa fee + Service fee（ charged by Chinese Visa Application Service Center）+ Express fee(if you need express service)
VI. Important Notices
(1) Please fill in the application form truthfully, clearly and completely.
(2) Applicants shall be responsible forthe authenticity of the passport, application form, photo and any other supporting documents (including photocopies). Any inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete information may lead to an extension of visa approval time, decline or rejection of a visa, or decline of entry into China.
(3) The original documents required will be returned to applicants once verified at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center or Chinese Embassyor Consulate General. If not otherwise specified, the copy of documents can be in the form of fax or computer printout.
When necessary, applicants may be informed to attend an interview at the Embassy (Consulate General) or required to provide other proof of documents and to verify the signature on the supporting materials.
(4) Authoritative interpretation remains with Chinese Embassy and Consulate General , should there be any changes to the terms above.
