Attention Foreign Friends! Complete Guide to China Visa Application and Entry Requirements

Friends, planning to visit China for tourism, work, study, or family visits? You’ll definitely want to bookmark this guide on visa procedures and entry tips! Let’s dive into the details today～

I. Application Process

1. Online Form: Fill out the visa application form truthfully via the "China Visa Online Application" system, then print and sign the "China Visa Online Application Confirmation Page."

2. Required Documents:

Basic Documents:

Original passport and copy of the bio page (passport must be valid for at least 6 months with 2+ blank visa pages);

Printed and signed "Online Application Confirmation Page";

1 compliant photo (refer to attached specifications);

Proof of legal residence in your current country (for some third-country applicants);

Former Chinese nationals now holding foreign citizenship must provide their old Chinese passport or visa.

Supporting Documents: Vary by purpose of visit. Examples:

Business/Trade (M Visa):

Invitation letter issued by central/national agencies, state-owned enterprises, provincial foreign affairs/commerce departments, or municipal foreign affairs offices; OR 5 alternative documents from the inviting party in China to waive the authorized unit invitation requirement.

Exchange Visits (F Visa): Similar to M Visa, requires invitation letters from relevant authorities.

Family Visits (S1/S2/Q1/Q2 Visas): Proof of kinship (e.g., marriage/birth certificates, household register, or notarized documents) and inviter’s ID/invitation letter.

Study (X1/X2 Visas): "Visa Application for Study in China" (JW201/JW202 form), admission letter, bank statement, or scholarship proof.

3. Submit Application & Fingerprinting: Apply in person at a Chinese embassy/consulate. Exceptions (until Dec 31, 2024): Applicants under 14/over 70, diplomatic passport holders, those who submitted fingerprints at the same consulate within 5 years, or individuals unable to provide fingerprints may skip fingerprinting but must still apply in person.

4. Processing Time: Standard: 4 working days; Express: 3 working days (subject to embassy/consulate rules).

II. Entry Requirements

1. Visa Validity: Ensure your visa is valid with sufficient entries before traveling. Expired visas or insufficient entries require reapplication to avoid entry denial.

2. Declaration of articles:

Carrying animals, plants, currency and other items into China is subject to the relevant regulations of China's sanitary and quarantine, animal and plant inspection and quarantine, customs and financial supervision departments. For example, inbound passengers carrying alcoholic beverages exceeding 1500 ml (alcohol content of 12 degrees or more), or cigarettes exceeding 400, or cigars exceeding 100, or tobacco exceeding 500 grams; RMB banknotes exceeding 20,000 yuan, or foreign currency banknotes converted to more than 5,000 U.S. dollars, etc., should be filled out truthfully in the corresponding columns of the “Declaration Form” and submitted to the Customs and Excise Department for checking and verification of the formalities;

Prohibited items, such as protected animal and plant products, must not be brought into the country.

3. Activity Restrictions: Do not engage in activities unrelated to your visa purpose (e.g., working on a tourist visa).

4. Stay Duration: Adhere to passport validity and visa stay period. To extend, apply at local authorities before expiry.

5. Travel Restrictions: Foreigners visiting non-open cities/counties must obtain a travel permit from local police in advance. Unauthorized access to restricted areas is prohibited.

If you’re planning a trip to China, make sure to review these steps and requirements beforehand for a smooth and enjoyable journey!