2.2 What documents do I need to apply for a China visa?

Getting a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) is mostly about paperwork.
China’s visa requirements are strict, and missing or incorrect documents can easily lead to delays or even refusal.

This guide gives you a clear, practical checklist of what you usually need.

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1. Core document checklist

1. Original passport

Requirements

1. Validity: Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date you submit your application.
2. Blank pages: It must have at least one completely blank visa page (not just a remarks page).

Tip: Check your passport early. If it’s close to expiring, renew it before you start your visa application.

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2. Visa application form

Most applicants now need to use the online system.

Requirements

1. Complete the China Online Visa Application (COVA) form via the website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) or your local Chinese embassy/consulate.
2. Fill in all fields carefully and truthfully.

Key steps

• After submitting the form online, print the full form (including the confirmation page).
• Sign by hand on:
  • The confirmation page
  • The last page of the form

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3. Photograph

Requirements

• One recent, front‑facing, bare‑headed color photo with a plain white background, taken within the last 6 months.

Important

China is very strict about photo standards. Common issues include:

• Wrong size
• Shadows on the background
• Hair covering too much of the face
• Glasses reflecting light

Recommendation: Go to a professional photo studio and specifically say the photo is for a “China visa application”.

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4. Proof of travel itinerary

You usually need to provide one of the following two options:

Option A: Flight and hotel reservations

Requirements

1. Round‑trip flight reservation showing your entry and exit dates for China.
2. Hotel reservations covering every night of your planned stay in China.

Professional tip:
If possible, use flexible or refundable bookings while your visa is being processed.
Avoid fully non‑refundable tickets before your visa is approved.

Option B: Invitation letter from China

Instead of flight and hotel bookings, you can sometimes use an invitation letter from:

• A company or organization in China
• A private individual living in China (Chinese citizen or foreigner with legal residence)

The invitation letter should include:

• Information about you (the invitee)
  • Full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.
• Travel information
  • Intended arrival and departure dates
  • Places you plan to visit
  • Where you will stay
• Information about the inviter
  • Full name or company name
  • Contact number and address
  • Signature or company stamp

Supporting documents from the inviter

The inviter will normally need to provide a copy of:

• Chinese ID card (if a Chinese citizen), or
• Passport + valid residence permit (if a foreigner living in China)

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5. Proof of legal stay in the country where you apply (if applicable)

If you are not applying in the country of your citizenship – for example:

• You are a US citizen applying for a China visa in the UK, or
• You are studying or working long‑term in another country

you may need to provide:

• A valid residence permit, work visa, student visa, or other legal stay document for that country
• Usually both original and photocopy

This is to prove you are legally allowed to apply for a visa in that country.

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2. Final notes

• Exact requirements can vary slightly by country and consulate.
• Always double‑check the latest instructions on the website of:
  • The Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC), or
  • The Chinese embassy/consulate where you will apply.

Preparing a complete and accurate set of documents the first time will save you a lot of time and frustration, and greatly improve your chances of a smooth approval.