First and foremost, you need a valid original passport. It must have at least six months of validity remaining beyond your planned departure date from China, and there should be no fewer than two blank visa pages for the visa stamp. Damaged or altered passports will not be accepted.
A fully completed and signed Chinese visa application form is also mandatory. You can fill it out online via the official designated system, then print the hard copy and put down your handwritten signature. Make sure all the information you provide is true, accurate and consistent with what’s shown on your passport.
You are required to submit one recent passport-style photo. The picture should be taken within the last six months, with a plain light-colored background. Your face must be fully visible, without hats, head coverings or exaggerated accessories that block facial features.
Proof of your travel arrangements to China is essential. This commonly includes round-trip flight tickets or flight reservations, as well as detailed travel itineraries covering your stay in China, such as accommodation bookings, planned visiting cities and travel schedules.
If you are invited by friends or relatives in China, you may also need to provide an invitation letter. The letter needs to state clear information including the inviter’s full name, contact details, address in China, your personal information, travel purpose and the exact visiting period.
In some cases, the consulate or embassy may ask for additional supporting documents, such as proof of sufficient financial funds to cover your travel expenses during the stay, or personal employment certificates. It is advised that you prepare these materials in advance just in case.
