Applying for a China visa
Global trade powerhouse, ancient imperial capitals, and futuristic mega-cities served by dedicated visa center filing. This guide covers how applications to China are assessed, what to prepare beyond the basic checklist, and how the trip fits together once the visa is issued.
Choosing the right China visa category
China issues 4 main categories relevant to our clients: L Visa (Tourist), M Visa (Commercial Trade), F Visa (Non-commercial), Z Visa (Work). Applying in the wrong category is a common and entirely avoidable refusal, because the purpose stated on your form must match the evidence you file and the activity you intend to carry out.
If your trip mixes purposes — a conference plus a holiday, or study with part-time work — tell us upfront so the primary purpose is declared correctly and the supporting documents follow it.
Preparing your documents
The core set below is what the China mission expects from a standard applicant. We add case-specific evidence on top: invitation letters, sponsor documents, admission letters, medical appointments or company registration, depending on why you are travelling.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with min. 2 blank pages
- Recent passport-sized photographs (white background, 35x45mm)
- Accurately completed and signed visa application form
- Confirmed return/onward flight reservation & hotel booking
- Original bank statement of last 3-6 months (duly stamped)
- Employment letter / NOC / Business registration certificate
- National ID card copy & previous visa copies (if applicable)
Timeline and cost
Published processing for China runs to 7-15 working days, measured from a complete submission rather than from your first enquiry. Government fees are Standard government embassy fees — transparent quote provided before filing, payable in addition to any visa centre charge and our service fee.
Prices inside China are quoted in CNY, which is worth knowing when you budget for accommodation, transfers and daily expenses in Beijing and beyond.
Arriving in Beijing
Carry printed copies of your visa, hotel confirmation, return reservation and funds evidence in your hand luggage. Immigration officers at Beijing can ask for any of them, and a visa grants permission to travel rather than a guaranteed right of entry.
Keep your accommodation and itinerary consistent with what you declared on the application; unexplained differences are the most common cause of secondary questioning at the border.
