How to apply for a China Visa

I. Basic Requirements:

Applicants should fill in one visa application form accurately and appropriately with one recent passport size photograph. Applicant's passport should be valid for at least six months with two blank visa pages.

The Visa applicant may look for a travel agency to apply on his/her behalf. Applications by courier or through mail will not be accepted.

The normal visa procedure takes 4 working days. Extra fees will be charged for Urgent Service.

Applications will be declined if applicants provide fake information or application forms are not duly completed.

This Consulate General receives Demand Draft only from any of the national or foreign banks. The Demand Draft should be payable to "The Consulate General of China, Mumbai".

II. Type of Visas and Related Requirements:

The items below should not be considered an exhaustive list and presentation of these documents does not guarantee visa issuance. Be prepared to explain to the visa officer and present evidence further required.

1. Diplomatic/Official Visa

A. verbal Note from Ministry of External Affairs of India or concerned diplomatic mission or International Organization in India.

B. Visa notification letter from relevant authorities in China, namely, Ministries and Commissions of the State Council, the Governments of all Provinces, Autonomous Regions, and Municipalities directly under the Central Government, and Foreign Affairs Offices and Bureaus of Economy and Commerce, and departments and units recognized by the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.

2. Tourist Visa ("L" Visa for sight-seeing or tour, usually single entry, 30-days stay only)

A. Proof of Finances including Covering letter from applicant's company or bank statement. The documents should be presented in their original form.

B. Confirmed return flight ticket and its photocopy.

C. Hotel booking information.

D. Foreigners in India should have valid Indian visa or valid Resident Permits in India.

3. Tourist Visa ("L" Visa for visiting relatives and families)

A. Proof that you have a genuine ongoing relationship with the person inviting you in China.

B. Confirmed return flight ticket and its photocopy.

4. Visa for Commercial Business ("F" Visa):

A. Original China Visa notification letter from relevant authorities in China, namely, Ministries and Commissions of the State Council, the Governments of all Provinces, Autonomous Regions, and Municipalities directly under the Central Government, and Foreign Affairs Offices and Bureaus of Economy and Commerce there under, and departments and units recognized by the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China. Or Visa notification letter from the authorities Chinese companies.

B. Covering letter from applicant's company or office.

C. Confirmed return flight ticket and its photocopy.

D. Hotel booking information.

5. Visa for Conference, Art Performance (nonprofit purpose)& Sports Meeting ("F" Visa)

A. Visa notification letter from relevant authorities in China, namely, Ministries and Commissions of the State Council, the Governments of all Provinces, Autonomous Regions, and Municipalities directly under the Central Government, and Foreign Affairs Offices and Bureaus of Economy and Commerce there under, and departments and units recognized by the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.

B. Covering letter from applicant's company or office with the details of the visiting purpose.

6. Transit Visa ("G" Visa)

A. Applicants should have destination country visa first and a photocopy of the visa.

B. Confirmed flight ticket and its photocopy.

C. Covering letter from applicant's company or office.

7. Employment Visa ("Z" Visa)

All documents required under this category should be presented in the original form as well as a photocopy.

A. "Alien Employment License" issued by the Ministry of Labor & Social Security, Govt. of China, or "Foreign Specialist's License" issued by Foreign Specialist Bureau, Govt. of China.

B. Visa notification letter issued by relevant authorities in China.

C. Covering letter from applicant.

D. "Physical Examination Record for Foreigner" issued by an Indian state hospital.

8. Student Visa ("X" Visa)

All documents required under this category should be presented in the original form as well as a photocopy.

A. "Admission Notice" issued by the University in P. R. China.

B. "Student Visa Application Form" (JW201 form or JW202 form) issued by the Ministry of Education, Gov. of China.

C. Covering letter from the applicant's recently graduated school, university or applicant himself/herself.

D. "Physical Examination Record for Foreigner" issued by doctors from an Indian state hospital.

9. Visa for Journalists

Please contact with the Press Office of the Chinese Embassy.

Tel: 0091-11-26881249 Fax: 0091-11-26882024.

10. Visas for crew members of airplane, ship or train

Applicants should provide certain documents in accordance with bilateral agreements between China and India.

11. Other visas

Please enquire the visa officer straightly about application requirements of any visas other than the above-mentioned categories.

[Source: http://mumbai.chineseconsulate.org/eng/lsyw/visa/t182553.htm]