What Documents Are Required For China Visa?

Over the past decades the mainland China has become one of the most popular destinations across the globe. With a robust economy and ancient and modern attractions, every year hundreds of thousands of people apply for China visa. China offers multiple visa categories to respond to the growing needs to travel to the country.

China provides a handful of different travel visa types. If you aren't sure about the visa type you should choose, check out our China visa type guide.

Here are the documents you should submit to the Chinese embassy or Chinese consulate based on your main purpose of travel.

Which Documents Are Required for China Tourist Visa?

Your original passport with a minimum 6 month validity.
China visa application form.
Recent passport-type photograph.
Round-trip flight ticket.
Hotel booking or personal invitation letter. If you will be staying with a friend.
Proof of your residence legal status. If you are living in a country other than your country of nationality.
Proof of sufficient funds.
Minors under the age of 18 years must present both parents passport copy.
Chines descendants are required to submit additional documents to the China embassy or Chinese consulate.
Chinese tourist visa fee.

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Which Documents Are Required For China Business Visa?

Original passport. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months.
Chinese visa application form. Fully filled and signed.
Recent photograph with white background.
Chinese visa invitation letter.
Previous Chinese visa copy. If applicable.
Chines descendants have to submit additional documents to the China consulate.
Chinese business visa fee.

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Additional supporting documents for other visa types:

China Crew Visa (C):

A guarantee letter issued by a transport company or a letter of invitation issued by a relevant entity in China.

China Residence Visa (D):

Original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.

China Non-Commerce Visa (F visa):

A letter of invitation issued by a relevant entity or individual in China.

China Transit Visa (G):

An onward air ticket with confirmed date the final country of destination.

China Journalist Visa (J1 Long Term):

Visa Notification issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.
Letter issued by the organization where the journalist applicant works. The letter will be submitted to the Chinese embassy or consulate.

China Journalist Visa (J2 Short Term):

Visa Notification issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or other authorized units in China.
Official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.

China Family Visa (Q1 Long term):

An invitation letter issued by a family member who is a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen that holds Chinese permanent residence.
Copy of Chinese ID of the inviting Chinese family member or for foreign citizen passport copy and permanent residence permit copy.
Family relationship proof: Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship).

Holders of Q1 Visa must, within 30 days from their arrival into China, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level.

China Family Visa (Q2 visa Short term):

An invitation letter issued by a family member who is a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen that holds Chinese permanent residence.
Copy of Chinese ID of the inviting Chinese family member or for foreign citizen passport copy and permanent residence permit copy.

China Talent Visa (R):

You must submit relevant certification and meet the relevant visa requirement of the competent authorities of the Chinese government.

China Private Visa (S1 Long Term):

An invitation letter.
The inviting individual's passport copy and residence permit copy.
Family relationship proof: Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship).

Holders of S1 valid visa must, within 30 days from their arrival into China, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level.

China Private Visa (S2 Short Term):

An invitation letter.
The inviting individual's passport copy and residence permit copy.
Family relationship proof: Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship).

China Study Visa (X1 visa Long Term):

Original and copy of the Admission Letter issued by educational entity in China.
Original and copy of "Visa Application for Study in China"(Form JW201 or Form JW202).

Holders of X1 student Visa must, within 30 days from their arrival into China, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level.

China Study Visa (X2 Short Term)

Original and copy of the Admission Letter issued by educational entity in China.

China Work Visa (Z):

You must submit one of the following documents:

Copy of the notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit in the People's Republic of China issued by Chinese authorities for human resources and social security, State Bureau of Foreign Experts or an authorized local Bureau of Foreign Experts.
An original copy of "Foreigner's Work Permit in the People's Republic of China" issued by Chinese authorities for human resources and social security, State Bureau of Foreign Experts or an authorized local Bureau of Foreign Experts.
Copy of "Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of Foreign(Region) Enterprises in China" issued by Chinese authorities for industrial administration or a copy of "Approval Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of Foreign(Region) Enterprises in China" issued by the Chinese authorities for commercial administration.
Original copy of an approval document for commercial performances issued by Chinese authorities for cultural affairs. For those who are going to perform in China for a period of less than 90 days, an "Approval of Short-term Employment for Foreigners Working in the People's Republic of China" issued by Chinese authorities for cultural affairs, should be additionally provided.
A "Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China" issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation.
A confirmation letter for employment of foreign cultural centers in the People's Republic of China issued by Ministry of Culture.

Holders of Z Visa must, within 30 days from their arrival into China, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level.