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.

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.

~ If there is another unexpired Chinese visa in another passport then you must supply that original passport plus a copy of the bio page and visa. That passport will be submitted with the application and will not be returned for at least 24 hours.

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

Letter of invitation

~ Can be a scanned copy

~ Needs to be on company headed paper, must include the address, phone and fax numbers. The letter must be dated and be no older than 3 months.

~ Must be fully addressed to the Embassy:
Embassy of the peoples Republic of China 49-51 Portland Place, London W1B 1JL

~ Has to include who is financially responsible for the trip to China.

~ State the relationship with invitee and inviter.

~ Must include the purpose, exit and entry dates to China. Must be signed and have the round or oval shaped company seal or stamp on it (must not be the department stamp)

~ Must include the following details from the applicants passport:

1. Applicants full Name
2. Date of Birth and Sex
3. Passport Number
4. Start date of passport
5. Expiry date of passport
6. Nationality

~ Have the following information written in BOTH Chinese and English:

1. Full name of the person who signed the invite
2. The inviters Job title. Names the places to be visited.

~ The signature must be in Chinese (if a Chinese person signed the invite) Otherwise see below please:

If the person who signed the invite is not Chinese then supply a copy of their passport and Chinese visa.

~ If applying in Manchester then address it to: 'Chinese Consulate General Manchester'. Also add who is financially responsible for the applicant

Duly Authorized Unit

~ This is an alternative to the invitation letter. It is issued by the Chinese Government.

~ It must have a bar code on it and must be original.

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

~ Media staff and religious personnel applying for Chinese visa must write a personal statement confirming the purpose of their visit. They will need to conduct any media related activities in China or involve any religious activities.

~ Job title should be clarified on application form

~ This letter must be typed and signed, including the date

~ Applicants must apply one month prior to their travel date