Passport

~ Passport must be valid 6 months after entry to China

~ Passport must have at least 2 blank pages

~ Passport must be issued as a full validity passport

~ Passport must not be damaged in any way

~ If holding Isle of Man passport then you must choose UNITED KINGDOM as your Nationality when completing the visa form online.

~ UK passport holders who were born in another country and have a previous Chinese visa in a passport other than their current UK passport must present the original passport with the previous visa along with the UK passport they are using to apply for the visa. (Supply a photo copy)

Visa and photos

~ If you have a valid China visa in another passport then supply that actual passport as well.

~ A clear photocopy of the information page(s) from the applicant’s passport

~ If the applicant has a China visa which is valid for 3 months or more, then it must be used and a new visa cannot be issued. However, if it is valid for less than 3 months a new visa can be issued, but the applicant must supply a letter addressed to the Embassy asking for it to be cancelled and the reason why.

~ If a previous expired China visa is in another passport then supply a copy of both the visa and the photo page of that passport. If not available include a letter to the Embassy explaining why it is not available. You still need to provide a photocopy from the current passport.

Visa application

~ Visa form completed online.

~ Print and sign in black ink on pages 1 and 8. After reading below on how navigate to the page to begin completing the application click here

~ First scroll down to the British flag and click on the visa centre where you will be submitting your application.

~ Next click on blue link called ‘Quick Access’

~ Next click on the 'New Application Form' link on the bottom left hand side of the page.

~ If you are involved in Media or Consultancy then in section 3.1 you need to write your job title next to the box you tick.

You will also find a link to the visa form in the downloadable pack.

Photos

~ A photo on a pure white background must be uploaded as part of the online visa form completion process. No sunglasses, accessories.

~ Photos must be taken no longer than 6 months prior to application

Approval from China

~ This must have been received by the Embassy directly before an visa application can be at the Visa centre.

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

Previously rejected visa

~ If you previously had an application rejected with a yellow letter from the Chinese Embassy, then it must be handed in with your new application.

~ If not, then you must sign the Rejection letter form and include it with your application.

Media

~ Individuals who work in media and are planning to travel to China must first contact the Chinese Embassy press office before submitting their visa application.

~ This is to obtain press accreditation clearance for the visa to be issued. Please note that this process may take a couple of days.