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

Travel information and arrangements

~ Confirmation showing the China inbound and outbound flights.

~ Hotel booking confirmation, must match the dates of the flight confirmation and be near the city shown on the flight confirmation.

~ The applicants full name must appear on both the flight and hotel confirmation.

~ If you are considering applying for a Double entry then please note you must supply the flight itineraries and hotel confirmations for both trips.

Child’s application

~ The parent who signed the visa form must supply a colour photocopy of the bio page from their passport.

~ Original & a photo copy of the child's large birth certificate. This has both parents names on.

~ If any of the applicant’s surname is different then supply the original & a copy of the Marriage certificate.

~ Part 4 of the visa form must be left blank and part 5 must be signed by one of the parents.

~ If one of the parents is Chinese then supply additionally both parents original passports plus copies of their bio pages, and the original Marriage certificate plus a copy.

Frequently travelling to China

~ To qualify for a 5 year visa a national who travels to China frequently must have at least two previously done 2 year multiple L visas (tourism). They must show a minimum of 3 entry/exit stamps in the passport per year, over 4 year time period on these visas.

China declaration form

~ It will be attached to the downloadable application pack at the end.

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

~ If applicant works in media but isn’t travelling for media purposes, must supply:

1. the applicants Job title to the form.

2. Include an Employers letter stating that the applicant will not be conducting any media related work whilst in China.

3. Must produce a signed and dated letter (typed) to say that no media related work will be under taken whilst in China.

4. Applicants in this situation should apply one month for the visa before their travel date.