Applicants should submit their applications in person or entrust a third party to submit their applications on their behalf to the Consular Section of the Chinese Embassy. Appointments are not required. An interview may be required by the visa officer if necessary. Visa maybe refused without detailed explanation.

Applications by post are not accepted.

Documents required:

A. All applicants are required to submit the following documents:

1. A valid passport. There must be spare blank visa pages in the passport. Pages for endorsements or amendments cannot be used as a visa page. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months.

2. One completed Chinese visa application formsigned by the applicant.

3. One recent passport photograph affixed to the visa application form. Life photos, copied photos and digital photos printed on ordinary paper are not acceptable.

B. Additional documents:

1. L visa (for tourism or visiting relative)

I--If for tourism:

           (1) Documents mentioned in part A;

           (2) A copy of Chinese hotel booking;

           (3) A copy of outward and return flight ticket booking;

For applicants who are going to Tibet, an entry permit issued by Tibetan Tourist Bureau is required. (Fax number of Tibetan Tourist Bureau: 0086-891-6834632; Telephone number: 0086-891-6834313)

II--If for visiting relative in China

          (1) Documents mentioned in part A;

          (2) Proof of kinship (e.g. an invitation letter from the relative in China), but the applicants who are below 14 years old or born in China (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) as shown in the passport are not required to submit this proof;

          (3) A copy of outward and return flight ticket booking;

2. F visa (for business)

         (1) Documents mentioned in part A;

         (2) Visa Notification Form issued by the relevant department of Chinese government or the government-authorized company;

         (3) A copy of Chinese hotel booking;

         (4) A copy of outward and return flight ticket booking;

3. X visa (for studying more than 6 months in China)

         (1) Documents mentioned in part A;

         (2) JW-201 or JW-202 form issued by the Ministry of Education of China;

         (3) A letter of admission from a Chinese university or college.

      (4) A certificate of physical examination (including blood test)

4. Z visa (for long-term working)

         (1) Documents mentioned in part A;

         (2) An employment permit from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security or the State Administration of Foreign Experts of China;

         (3) An invitation letter from a relevant Department of Chinese Government or a government-authorized company.

      (4) A certificate of physical examination (including blood test)

5. J-1 or J-2 visa (for journalism)

         (1) Documents mentioned in part A;

         (2) A letter from a relevant Department of Chinese government;

         (3) A letter from the employer.

6. G visa (for transit through China)

         (1) Documents mentioned in part A;

         (2) A copy of Chinese hotel booking;

         (3) A copy of outward and return flight ticket booking;

         (4) A valid visa for the country of destination.

Visa processing time:

Normally, visa processing will take four working days. Applicants can also request express or rush service by paying extra fee. Express service means that a visa can be picked up on the following working day after the application is submitted. Rush service means that a visa can be picked up at the same day the application is submitted. Those who want to get their visa ready at the same day should submit the visa application to the consular office before 11:00 am.

Notes:

1.  For applicants from some specific countries, additional documents other than those mentioned above may be required.

2.  Applicants should check the issued visa upon collection and raise any queries at the same time.  If there is no immediate inquiry relating to the issued visa, the applicant is held responsible under any circumsta nces thereafter.

 3. The application for a visa may be declined if the applicant fails to provide with true and complete information in the application form. The applicant shall bear all the consequences arising therefrom.

 4. The person holding X, Z, D or J-1 visa shall go through residential formalities in the local public security department in China within thirty days since the date of entry.

5. Without approval of the relevant Chinese authorities, employment in the territory of China is prohibited.