GUIDELINES FOR CHINESE VISA APPLICATION

     Brief Introduction to Chinese Visa

A Chinese visa is a permit issued by the Chinese visa authorities to an alien for entry into, exit from or transit through China's territory in accordance with Chinese laws. The Chinese visa authorities shall have the power to issue visas, to refuse visa applications, or to revoke visas.

China's diplomatic missions, consular offices and other resident agencies abroad authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall be the Chinese Government's agencies abroad to handle aliens' applications for Chinese visas. They also handle overseas applications for visa or entry permit to Hong Kong (SAR). Please refer to GUIDELINES FOR HONG KONG SAR VISA/ENTRY PERMIT.

Different categories of visa, such as diplomatic visa, courtesy visa, service visa, and ordinary visa, shall be issued to different aliens in accordance with the different capacities in which they visit China and also with the different categories of passport they hold. In accordance with aliens' reasons for coming to China, the ordinary visas to be issued shall be marked with the following Chinese phonetic letters: C, D, F, G, J-1, J-2, L, X and Z.

Introductions to Tourist /Family Visit Visa (L), Business Visa (F), Employment Visa (Z), Student Visa (X/F) and Transit Visa (G) continue as follows. For information of other visas, please contact China's diplomatic missions, consular offices and other resident agencies abroad authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.

I.     Tourist /Family visit Visa (L)

L Visa is issued to a person who comes to China for sightseeing, visiting relatives, or private matters. Documents to be included with application:

1.    Applicant's passport with blank pages and at least 6 months validity left before expiration.

2.    A truly and completely filled application form affixed with one passport-size or 2x2

colored photo, with white background, full-face front view, and no hat.  Photo must be

glued on the application form. Stapled pictures will not be accepted. Scanned photos will

also not be accepted.

             U.S. passport holders must submit two application forms with two photos.

3.   Invitation letter with a copy of the inviter's valid Chinese residence visa and passport information page of inviter's or Chinese national identity card.

4.  Previously used China visa in old or new passport (Only visa stickers will be

accepted.  Those with stamped visas must submit additional documents for first time China

visa applicants. Please refer to the list below.)

5.   For first time applicants to China (Philippine passport holders, 18 years old and above), they are required to provide the following:                          

              a) Original NBI clearance valid for travel abroad

              b)  Original bank certificate with receipt or original passbook, updated within the month that you are applying or....

                                 - If a company will sponsor the trip, provide the company's bank certificate, sponsorship letter from the company and the company's business registration. 

                              - If an individual will sponsor the trip, provide his bank certificate, sponsorship and invitation letter, copy of sponsor's valid residence visa and passport information page or Chinese national ID.

             c) For employed persons, also provide an employment certificate; company ID, SSS ID and contributions, TIN ID and latest ITR

             d) For students, provide school ID

             e) For businessmen, provide business registration of company, TIN ID and latest ITR

             f)  Personal appearance is required for those who are 16-21 years old.

6.  The emergency contact information page in the applicant's passport should be filled out and photocopied.

7. Other documents required by the visa officers if necessary.

II.    Business Visa (F)

F Visa is issued to a person who is invited by Chinese authorities authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (M.F.A) to come to China for a visit, investigations, giving lectures, doing business, carrying out scientific, technical and cultural exchanges, pursuing short-term advanced studies or doing short-term fieldwork, for a period of less than 6 months. Documents to be included with application:

1.    Applicant's passport with blank pages and at least 6 months validity left before expiration.

2.    A truly and completely filled application form affixed with one passport-size or 2x2

colored photo, with white background, full-face front view, and no hat.  Photo must be glued

on the application form. Stapled pictures will not be accepted. Scanned photos will also not be

accepted.

             U.S. passport holders must submit two application forms with two photos.

3.   An original Visa Notification Form issued by Chinese authorized unit.

4.  Invitation letter with a copy of the inviter's valid residence visa and passport information

page or inviter's Chinese national identity card and the company's business registration.

5.   Previously used China visa in old or new passport (Only visa stickers will be

accepted.  Those with stamped visas must submit additional documents for first time China visa

applicants. Please refer to the list below.)

6.        For first time applicants to China (Philippine passport holders, 18 years old and above), they

are required to provide the following:                          

              a) Original NBI clearance valid for travel abroad

              b) Employment certificate, company ID, SSS ID and contributions, TIN ID and latest ITR

7.   The emergency contact information page in the applicant's passport should be filled out and photocopied.

9.  Other documents required by the visa officers if necessary.

III.  Employment Visa and Dependent Visa (Z)

Z Visa is issued to a person who comes to China for a post or employment and to the person's accompanying family members. It is also issued to a person who comes to China for commercial entertainment performance. Documents to be included with application:

1.  Applicant's passport with blank pages and at least 6 months validity left before expiration.

2.  A truly and completely filled application form affixed with one passport-size or 2x2 colored

photo, with white background, full-face front view, and no hat.  Photo must be glued on the

application form. Stapled pictures will not be accepted. Scanned photos will also not be accepted.

             U.S. passport holders must submit two application forms with two photos.

3.  An original Visa Notification Form issued by Chinese authorized unit.

4.  Original Working Permits, such as: Working Permit issued to foreign experts by The State

Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, Alien Employment License of the People's Republic

of China issued by Ministry of Labor and Social Security, Letter of Invitation for Foreigners

Engaged in Offshore Petroleum Operations in the People's Republic of China, etc.

              For those engaged in offshore petroleum operations also provide a guarantee letter from your shipping company.

5.  All working visa applicants shall provide a Physical Examination Certificate for Foreign Citizen (physical exam forms, guidelines and list of accredited hospitals are available at the visa counter).

6.  All Philippine passport holders who will go to China for the first time must submit an original NBI clearance valid for travel abroad.

7.  The emergency contact information page in the applicant's passport should be filled out and photocopied.

8.  Other documents required by the visa officers if necessary.

Requirements for accompanying family members applying for dependent visa:

1. Accompanying family members must be an immediate relative of the person working in China (i.e. child or spouse).

2. Proof of relationship - original NSO birth certificate or marriage contract.

3. An original Visa Notification issued by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

4. Copy of relative's valid residence visa, working visa, working card and passport information page. 

5. All Philippine passport holders (18 years old and above), who will go to China for the first time must submit an original NBI clearance valid for travel abroad.

6. Applicants who are 7 years old and above shall  provide a Physical Examination Certificate for Foreign Citizen (physical exam forms, guidelines and list of accredited hospitals are available at the visa counter).

7. Applicant's passport with blank pages and at least 6 months validity left before expiration.

8. A truly and completely filled application form affixed with one passport-size or 2x2 colored photo, with white background, full-face front view, and no hat.  Photo must be glued on the application form. Stapled pictures will not be accepted. Scanned photos will also not be accepted.

             U.S. passport holders must submit two application forms with two photos.

9. The emergency contact information page in the applicant's passport should be filled out and photocopied.

10. Other documents required by the visa officers if necessary.

The holder of Z Visa shall go through residential formalities in the local public security department within thirty days of entry into China.

IV. Student Visa (X/F)

Student Visa is distinguished into X Visa and F Visa. X Visa is issued to a person who comes to China to study, engage in advanced studies, or do fieldwork, for a period of more than 6 months. F Visa is issued to a person who comes to China with same purpose but for a period of less than 6 months. Documents to be included with application:

1.  Applicant's passport with blank pages and at least 6 months validity left before expiration.

2.  A truly and completely filled application form affixed with one passport-size or 2x2 colored photo, with white background, full-face front view, and no hat.  Photo must be glued on the application form. Stapled pictures will not be accepted. Scanned photos will also not be accepted.

             U.S. passport holders must submit two application forms with two photos.

3.  An original admission notice from the Chinese school is required.

4.  X Visa applicant (will study for more than 6 months) shall also provide an approved Foreign Student Visa Application Form (JW101 or JW202) issued by the Chinese authorized unit or the Ministry of Education.

             F Visa applicant (will study for less than 6 months) must provide an original Visa Notification issued by the Chinese government or organizations authorized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

5.   The applicant who will study in China for more than 6 months shall also provide a Physical Examination Certificate for Foreign Citizen (Forms and the lists of designated hospital are available at the visa counter).

6.  All Philippine passport holders who will go to China for the first time must submit an original NBI clearance valid for travel abroad.

7.  The emergency contact information page in the applicant's passport should be filled out and photocopied.

8.  Other documents required by the visa officers if necessary.

The holder of X Visa shall go through residential formalities in the local public security department within thirty days of entry into China.

V.    Transit Visa (G)

G Visa is issued to a transit traveler. It is also issued to Filipino seaman who comes to China to onboard vessel.

Documents to be included with application:

1.  Applicant's passport with blank pages and at least 6 months validity left before expiration.

2.   A truly and completely filled application form affixed with one passport-size or 2x2 colored photo, with white background, full-face front view, and no hat.  Photo must be glued on the application form. Stapled pictures will not be accepted. Scanned photos will also not be accepted.

             U.S. passport holders must submit two application forms with two photos.

3.   A valid visa to final destination country/region and an onward air ticket. For Filipino seaman, a guarantee letter from employer shipping company, letter of invitation from shipping company in China and a Visa Notification Form issued by Chinese authorized unit.

Aliens may be exempted from going through the procedures for obtaining a transit visa if they hold an onward ticket and have booked seats on international airliners flying directly through China, and will stay in a transit city for less than 24 hours without leaving the airport.

l     Requirements for Multiple-Entries Visa

Qualified Filipino and foreign citizen who is currently residing or working in the Philippines may apply for F Visa or L Visa with multiple entries' privilege valid for 6 months, 12 months or 24 months. Documents to be included with application:

1.  Regular required documents for F/L Visa.

2.  All multiple entry visa applications are subject for approval by the visa officers. 

NOTE: 

- The type of visas, number of entries, and duration of each stay will be decided by the consuls. 

- Requirements and procedures are subject to change without prior notice.

l     How to Apply, Visa Fee & Processing Time:

1. You may come to the Consular office of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Philippines to submit the application; or you may send someone else or a travel agent to act on your behalf if you cannot come personally. Representatives must present an authorization letter and a company ID. Mailed applications are not acceptable and will be refused. 

2.  All application forms must be completed by the applicants.  Travel agency or representatives are not allowed to answer the forms on their behalf.  For false information, the applicants shall be fully responsible.  Any false, misleading or incomplete statement may result in the refusal of a visa for or denial of entry into China. 

3.    Visa Fee: (peso/per)

3.   The regular processing time is 4 working days. For express service, additional fees of 1700 peso/per for next-working-day releasing, or 1100 peso/per for third-working-day releasing will be charged.

l     Rules on Visa Issued at Entry Ports

For entry into China, aliens shall apply for visas from Chinese diplomatic missions, consular posts or other resident agencies abroad authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Rules on Visa Issued at Entry Ports are not applicable to the nationals of United States.

Aliens who hold ordinary passports issued by countries which have diplomatic relations or official trade links with China as well as letter(s) or telegram(s) from authorized units in China, may, under any of the following circumstances where they must necessarily rush to China but have no time to apply for a visa to the aforesaid agencies, may apply to the visa-granting departments at entry ports as authorized by the Ministry of Public Security:

1.  They are invited at the last moment by a Chinese host to come to China for a trade fair.

2.  They are invited to come to China to submit a tender or to sign a formal economic or trade contract.

3.   They come to China by appointment to supervise the inspection of import and export commodities or to participate in a check-and-accept operation in accordance with contracts.

4.  They are invited to participate in the installation of equipment or in the emergency repair of engineering projects.

5.  They come to China at the request of the Chinese side to solve a problem of claims.

6.   They are invited to come to provide technical advisory services.

7.   They come to China due to a last-minute change in the composition of a visiting group and with consent of the Chinese side after the visas are granted.

8.  They come to China to see patients in critical conditions, or to undertake funeral matters.

9.  Owing to force majeure, transit visa holders cannot leave the country within twenty-four hours by taking the original place or by taking other means of transport.

10.  Other invited guests who really have no time for visa application to the aforesaid China's resident agencies abroad, and who hold letter(s) or telegram(s) from competent authorities who give the consent for the invited guests to apply for the visa at the designated entry ports.

The visa-granting agencies at entry ports shall not accept and handle visa applications filled out by people who do not come under the aforesaid circumstances.

Some accredited International Travel Agencies incorporated under Chinese laws may apply for group-tour visa at entry ports with Visa Notification Form issued by provincial office of foreign affairs.

Visa-issuing departments at port of entry, as authorized by the Ministry of Public Security, are stationed at the following ports: Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Dalian, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Xi'an, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Guangzhou (Baiyun Airport), Shenzhen (Luohu, Shekou), Zhuhai (Gongbei), Haikou, Sanya, Jinan, Qingdao, Yantai, Weihai, Chengdu, Nanjing, Changchun, Huichun, Hekou, Mohan.

l     Rules on Visa Exemption

1.  According to an agreement between China and the Philippines, nationals of China and the Philippines, who are holders of valid diplomatic or service (official) passports, shall be exempted from visa requirement for entry into, exit from, or transit through the territory of the other Contracting state for a period not exceeding 30(thirty) days.

2.  No visa is required for ordinary passport holders from Singapore, Brunei and Japan to visit China for up to 15 days for sightseeing, doing business, visiting relatives and friends or transit.

3.  Aliens may be exempt from going through the procedures for obtaining a transit visa if they hold a through ticket and have booked seats on international airliners flying directly through China, and will stay in a transit city for less than 24 hours without leaving the airport.

4.  Visas are not required of citizens of the following countries, who transit through Pudong Airport or Hongqiao Airport of Shanghai, provided they hold valid passports, visas for the onward countries, final destination tickets and have booked seats, and stay in Shanghai for less than 48 hours: Republic of Korea, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Austria, Greece.

5.   Visas are not required of citizens of the following countries, who join group tour to Hainan province, provided they hold valid ordinary passports and stay in Hainan not exceeding 15 days: Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Germany, Great Britain, France, Austria, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Netherlands, United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

For more information about Chinese Visa, please call the Consular Office of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Philippines at 63-2-8482395 or visit our website http://ph.chineseembassy.org