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China Visa Application: Required Documents & Process
Are you planning a trip to China? Applying for a China visa can seem overwhelming, but with the right documents and preparation, the process becomes much easier. To help you, here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a hassle-free visa application.
1. Original Passport
- First and foremost, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.
- A xerox copy of the passport (first page, address page, and last issued China visa) must also be submitted.
2. Online Visa Application Form
- Completing the visa application form correctly is crucial to avoid delays.
- To simplify the process, our team will assist you in filling out and submitting the form.
3. Passport-Size Photos
To meet the requirements, your photos must adhere to the following specifications:
- Size: 33x48mm
- Background: White
- Finish: Matte
- Face Coverage: 70-80%
- For detailed specifications, visit: Photo Requirements
4. Cover Letter
- A cover letter addressed to the Visa Officer, Consulate General of China, Mumbai is mandatory.
- If you are self-employed, it must be on your company’s letterhead.
- The letter should include key details such as:
- Name, nationality, and passport information.
- Purpose of travel and planned dates.
- A declaration that all expenses (including medical, boarding, and lodging) will be covered by the applicant or sponsor.
5. Invitation Letter & Travel Itinerary
- In addition to the cover letter, an invitation letter is required from a Chinese travel agency or an individual (with residential proof).
- A detailed tour itinerary, including round-trip flight bookings and hotel reservations, must also be submitted.
6. Personal Written Statement
Your personal statement should clearly outline:
- Planned destinations within China.
- Contact details, including the name and address of the inviting person or company.
7. Bank Account Deposit Proof
- A bank statement showing a minimum balance of INR 100,000 is required.
- The statement must be stamped and signed by the bank to confirm authenticity.
Final Tips for a Smooth China Visa Application
Carefully review all documents to avoid errors.
Maintain the required bank balance to meet financial proof guidelines.
If you need professional assistance, feel free to reach out for support.
By following these steps, you can make your China visa application smooth and stress-free. Contact us today for expert guidance!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Indian residents must have a valid visa to visit China as tourists. Indians must apply for a China tourist visa, commonly called an L-Visa. This visa category allows independent tourists and those travelling in groups to enter the country.
To apply for a China visa, Indian residents need the following documents:
- Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
- Photo: You will require a passport-sized photo.
- Flight tickets: Submit your returning or onward flight ticket.
- Hotel reservations: You must have proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations.
- Bank statements: Stamped and signed bank statements from the last six months are required to show proof of sufficient funds. A hard copy must be submitted to the consulate.
- Proof of funds and employment: The Chinese government checks whether you have funds to sustain your travel and stay in the country. To substantiate this, they ask for important documents such as bank statements, ITRs, salary slips (if employed), or equivalent.
- Sponsor’s documents: If your trip is sponsored, you will generally need to submit the sponsor’s information(Passport front and back/address in China if applicable) along with their financial documents (salary slips, bank statements, IT Returns).
- Invitation letter (if Applicable)
Note: You will also be required to submit additional information and documents confirming special circumstances in your visa application. For example, if invited, you will be asked to provide an invitation letter and a marriage certificate if your spouse’s name is not updated on the passport. Another example would be your highest graduation information needs to be provided in the application form.
The China visa application is not fully online, so you must complete the form and submit it to the visa application centre. You can start the visa application by following the below steps:
- Visit the authorised website: Fill out the online application form with accurate information. Upload the necessary documents, such as a passport, passport-sized photo, and supporting documents based on your travel purpose. Take a printout and sign the form for submission.
- Schedule a visa appointment: Once your online application is complete, schedule a visa appointment through the website. Choose a convenient date and time for your appointment at the designated application centre.
- Submission of application: Visit the designated application centre on the scheduled appointment day and submit your completed application along with the required documents for the China visa appointment. You will then receive a pick-up form specifying the time to collect your visa, usually between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM on a later date.
- Payment of visa fees: Pay the applicable visa fees using the designated payment methods. Keep the payment receipt safe, as it will be required during the visa collection process.
Collection of visa: Return to the application centre on the specified date and time to collect your visa. Present the payment receipt and any additional documents as instructed by the authorities.
No, Travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement to visit China, although it is advised to get one to avoid any mishaps.
Yes, You are required to make an appointment to submit your passport and documents to the visa application centre.
The invitation letter should include:
- Applicant information: Full name, gender, date of birth, etc.
- Visit details: Arrival and departure dates, places to be visited, accommodation arrangements, etc.
- Inviting party information: Name of the organisation or individual, contact telephone number, address, official stamp of the organisation, and signature of the legal representative or individual.
No, fingerprint collection is not required for a China visa application, so you do not need to visit the Visa Application Center (VAC) in person for biometrics. However, after scheduling an appointment, you will still need to visit the centre for document submission and collection.
No, a visa interview is not required for a China visa application from India. You must submit your passport to the embassy, and your visa will be stamped on it after approval.
According to Chinese authorities, it is recommended that you submit and collect your application and documents personally. However, if you are ill or unable to visit the VAC, someone else can pick up your passport and documents on your behalf if necessary.
It is advised to apply at least one month before your planned departure to China but no earlier than three months.
The rejection of a visa varies for each applicant. But here are some of the common reasons that can cause a visa rejection:
- Incorrect documents.
- Incomplete documents.
- If authorities find your background to be a threat to security.
- When your passport is close to expiring.
- Lack of funds to cover your stay.
Yes, you can reapply for a China visa after being rejected. It is advisable to wait 3 months after rejection. When reapplying, you must disclose any previous visa rejections or returns in the application form.
You may apply to a local public security authority to extend your visa's “duration of stay” before it expires. However, this doesn't automatically mean that the application will be approved. Overstaying violates China's laws and will be punished.
The visa processing procedure is the same for a child who is an independent applicant or an accompanying applicant sharing the same passport as the principal applicant. Therefore, the child will incur the same service fee. To apply for the Indian-to-China visa, you will need to provide additionally:
- Birth certificate.
- Parents' identity document proof such as passport or residence permit.