List of Required Documents for Applying for a Chinese Tourist Visa
To apply for a Chinese tourist visa (L visa), you need to submit the following basic materials according to your nationality, place of residence, and application channel (such as embassies, consulates, or visa centers). The following content is compiled based on general requirements, but please refer to the latest official notifications for specific details.
I. Core Essential Documents
- Valid Passport Original and Copy
- Your passport must be valid for more than 6 months and have at least 2 blank visa pages.
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If you have an old passport containing records of previous Chinese visas, it is recommended to submit copies of those as well.
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Visa Application Form
- A fully completed "People's Republic of China Visa Application Form" (which needs to be filled out online, printed, and signed).
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Filling URL: Official website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (e.g., www.visaforchina.cn).
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Recent Identification Photo
- One color photo taken within the last 6 months with a white background (size: 48mm x 33mm).
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The photo should clearly show your face without glasses or headwear (except for religious or medical reasons).
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Travel-Related Documents
- Round-trip Flight Reservation: Showing entry and departure dates along with flight information (reservation only, no ticket required).
- Itinerary Plan: A detailed list of the cities, attractions, and dates you plan to visit (in English or Chinese).
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Hotel Reservation: Proof of accommodation covering all your stay in China (such as hotel confirmation letters or booking platform orders).
- Special Case: If staying with friends or family, you need to provide an invitation letter (with a copy of the inviter’s ID card and contact information).
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Proof of Financial Capacity
- Bank statements for the past 3 months (showing sufficient balance to cover travel expenses, typically suggesting a daily budget of $100-$200).
- If sponsored by another person, a written statement from the sponsor and relevant financial proof are required.
II. Additional Documents (to be provided depending on circumstances)
- Employment/Student Certificate
- Employed individuals: An employment certificate issued by the company (including position, salary, and leave information).
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Students: An enrollment certificate issued by the school and holiday approval documents.
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Invitation Letter (if applicable)
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If visiting upon invitation, a formal invitation letter from a Chinese entity or individual (including information about both parties, purpose of visit, and cost-sharing explanation) is required.
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Past Chinese Visa Records
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If you have held a Chinese visa before, it is recommended to submit copies of old visa pages.
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Nationality or Residence-Related Documents
- Non-nationals applying must provide a valid residency permit (such as a U.S. green card, UK BRP card, etc.).
III. Frequently Asked Questions
- Is hotel confirmation necessary?
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Yes, hotel reservations are important proof of the authenticity of your itinerary. It is recommended to choose a booking channel that allows free cancellation for flexible adjustments to your plans.
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How detailed does the itinerary need to be?
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It needs to cover all your dates in China, listing major cities and attractions (e.g., "Day 1-3: Beijing, visit Forbidden City & Great Wall").
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Do documents need translation?
- Non-Chinese/English documents must be translated and notarized by an officially certified translation agency.
IV. Notes to Keep in Mind
- Document Authenticity
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False documents may lead to visa rejection or long-term entry bans.
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Visa Processing Time
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Usually takes 4-7 working days; during peak seasons, it is recommended to apply one month in advance.
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Additional Requirements During Pandemic
- Some countries may require nucleic acid testing or vaccination certificates; please check embassy or consulate notifications in advance.
Recommended Steps to Follow
- Log into the official website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center and select the nearest embassy, consulate, or visa center.
- Make an appointment to submit materials (some countries require an appointment).
- Prepare documents according to the checklist and ensure consistency of information.
- Submit materials on-site and pay the fee (fees vary depending on nationality and visa type).
