China~Private Visit visa

Requirements

~ All applicants between the ages of 14 to 69 must attend the China visa centre to have their finger print scanned as part of the visa process.

Documents

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 Chinese visa in another passport then supply that actual passport as well.

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

~All UK Passport holders that were born in another country and their previous Chinese visa is in another passport they must now present that passport as an original and the UK Passport that they are applying on.

~ 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

~ Flight booking confirmation of the full round trip, start and finish in UK.

~ 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.

Proof of immigration status of the host

~ Non Chinese nationals provide a copy of the immigration pages(s) from their passport, including their work or residence visa. This must be provided as a copy of the information page(s) of the host's passport including their work/residence visa or a copy of their residence/I.D. card

~ If the inviter is a Chinese national provide a copy of their I.D. card

~ Please note that Hong Kong ID is not accepted by the Embassy

~ If the inviter does not have a passport, the inviter has to state that in the letter of invitation.

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.

China declaration form

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

An invite letter from the host:

~ Has to be issued by a person holding legal residence in mainland China:

  1. State the applicants full name exactly as it appears on their passport.

  2. State the applicants gender.

  3. State the applicants date of birth.

  4. State the applicants passport number.

  5. State the relationship between the applicant and the host.

  6. State financial support whilst in China.

  7. State the date of issue of the passport.

  8. Include the date(s) of entry and exit from China.

  9. State the number of entries required.

  10. State the purpose of the trip.

  11. Include the full name and address of the host.

  12. Include the phone number of the host.

  13. Bear the signature of the host.

  14. Be issued within the last three mont

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.

Important Information

~ Private Visit falls under the "L" category visa.

~ Under 18's applications must be submitted with their original Large Birth certificate, and both parents Original Passports.

~ British passport holders who also have an Iraqi passport cannot apply on the express visa service

~ If you have a China visa in your passport which is valid for 3 months or more, then you must use it

~ Additionally, those in certain occupations, such as doctors, priests, and media professionals, must provide a detailed day-to-day itinerary of their trip.

~If a long stay Private visit visa is needed than a finger print scan is required to be taken at the China visa centre.

~ Applicants with a criminal record must provide a copy of their police report.

~ If applying for a visa at the Manchester visa center, the Declaration form in the downloadable pack must be completed.

Health requirements

~ If you are traveling to China via a third country then you must supply a valid PCR Health form certified by the Chinese Embassy.

~ To board a flight to China you need to supply a valid PCR health form for COVID-19 certified by the Chinese embassy, or NHS test report, taken within 3 days of travelling to China.