How do foreigners apply for a Chinese visa? What materials are needed?

When it comes to applying for a Chinese visa, I believe many friends should know that this is quite troublesome and requires filling out an application form. Have your valid passport ready and submit it together with other supporting documents to the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your area of ??residence. What are the specific processes and steps? Let’s take a look with the editor!

Current Location Before starting the procedure below, one important thing to do is to check whether you need a visa. As long as you comply with China's visa-free policy, you do not need a visa, but some documents, such as passports, entry-exit transportation tickets, and sometimes sufficient funds, still need to be prepared for entry-exit inspection.

1. Check whether you need a visa

Determine the visa you will get based on the purpose of your trip. Take a look at the types of Chinese visas and choose the one that suits you best. For tourists, the L visa is suitable.

2. Check which visas you need to obtain

Documents required for each type of visa include passport and visa application form, and attach recent photos. Additionally, other supporting documents are required but vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. For example, when applying for a tourist L visa, the supporting documents will involve round-trip air tickets, hotel reservations, or an invitation letter from a Chinese travel agency. See China visa application requirements for details.

Make sure your documents meet the requirements of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.

Passport: The remaining validity period is at least 6 months; there is a blank visa page.

Visa application form: fill it out truthfully; do not leave any spaces when typing.

Photo: taken within the last six months; full face on light background; dimensions: 48mmx33mm Bald, unless for religious reasons.

3. Prepare all required documents

Visit the Chinese Embassy or Consulate, or the Chinese Visa Application Center (CVASC) serving the area where you live. You can come in person or Ask an agent to do it for you. Some consulates and visa service centers also offer mail service.

The normal processing time is four working days, including the date you submit your application and the date you receive it. There may be additional non-working days on public holidays. By paying an additional fee you can usually process your application in the evening so it can be picked up the next afternoon. But if you arrive at the office shortly after office hours, some offices may offer same-day service. Generally speaking, try to apply in advance to avoid delays.

Submit your application. Go to the place where you apply for a Chinese visa on the date specified on the pick-up ticket. After paying the fee, you will get your passport back together with your visa.

5. Pay the fee and collect the visa.

Apply for the Chinese visa. The best time is one or two months before departure. Generally, a Chinese visa is only valid for three months from the date of issuance, which means that the earliest time you can apply is three months before departure.

6. The best time to apply for a Chinese visa

Normally, once a visa is obtained, it cannot be renewed and extended. However, when you are in China, you can apply at the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the local Public Security Bureau. .

7. Renew and extend China visa

Sometimes, you may need to obtain a Chinese visa when you are in transit or living in a third country. In this case, it may be the case. It will vary. Unless you have visa-free entry to a third country, you will usually need to provide proof of legal residence in the country where you are applying for a Chinese visa.