How to Apply for China Tourist Visa (Suspended)

Valid Passport: Your passport must have at least 6 months remaining validity and two blank visa pages.

Chinese visa application form: Complete the application on your computer, print it out, and sign it. Do not fill out this application by hand. Do not use digital signatures. All fields must be completed. If a section does not apply to you, type in “None” or “N/A.” Once the form is completed, do not click on continue. Click on Save and provide us with the application number and passport number. Your application form must be reviewed by us.

• Link to form: cova.mfa.gov.cn

Passport-type photograph: 1 (taken within 6 months)

Itinerary. Copy of round trip tickets or detailed itinerary for the duration of the trip (Applicant’s name must be on itinerary).

Hotel Reservations. Copy of hotel reservations (Applicant’s name must be on Hotel Reservation).

Personal invitation. If visiting friends or family, you must provide a letter of invitation from the host in China. The letter must be signed and should be address to the “Consulate of China, Visa Section.”

The letter must contain the following information:

• Personal information of the applicant: Name, gender, date of birth, and passport details
• Details of the visit: Dates, purpose, places to visit, and places of accommodation
• Details of the inviting party: Name, address, phone number, and relationship to the applicant

You will also need to provide a copy of the host’s Chinese ID (both front and back sides), or, if they are not a citizen of China, copies of their China residence permit and their national passport’s information pages.

Also, if visiting family member who is working in China, a letter from the Chinese company (on company letterhead) confirming the worker’s status in China and stating that he/she will be responsible for the family members’ living arrangements and expenses.

Tourist invitation. If your travel is being organized by a tour group in China, an official signed and stamped Invitation Letter for Tourist issued by Duly Authorized Tourism Unit in China can be used in place of the hotel reservation.

Additional required documents for minors

• Application form. The application form must be signed by both parents.
• Birth certificate. A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
• Parents’ passport copies. A copy of the information pages of both parents’ signed passports.

When applying for a child with Chinese parents, the applicant must also provide proof of parents’ status in the United States.

Additional requirements for applicants born in China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan

• Chinese name. The applicant’s name written in Chinese characters.
• Proof of name change. If the applicant’s name has changed since birth, please provide a copy of the court order or marriage certificate showing the name change.
• Previous visa. Copy of a previously issued Chinese visa or copy of the information page from your Chinese, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwanese passport. NOTE: If your old passport has not been canceled, you will be required to submit the original passport with your application.

Additional requirements for Chinese applicants adopted by American parents

• Chinese passport. Applicant’s ORIGINAL Chinese passport.
• Proof of name change. If the applicant’s name has changed since birth, please provide a copy of the court order or marriage certificate showing the name change.
• Parents’ passports. Clear passport information page copies of both American parents.
• Certificate of adoption. A notarized certificate of adoption.
• Birth certificate. A copy of applicant’s birth certificate (usually from U.S).

Information for persons of Tibetan origin

You must make a personal appearance at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center to process your visa if you are a person of Tibetan origin. The Visa Application Service Center will require additional documents in order to process your visa and CEV is unable to assist in these procedures.

Persons with Occupation Related to Media

If you are a media professional or employed by a media company, even if you are not traveling for business purposes, you must submit a letter from your employer on company letterhead indicating that you are not traveling on company business and will not be performing any media related work.

Maximum stay in China: 60 days

Chinese tourist visas may be issued with a max stay of up to 90 days. The actual duration is at the discretion of the Chinese Consulate.