China Tourist Visa Application Process and Requirements 2025

Dreaming of walking along the Great Wall or wandering through the ancient charm of Fenghuang Ancient Town? A China tourist Visa is your key to unlocking a journey to this billion-strong nation. This Visa is mandatory for Vietnamese citizens planning short-term travel to explore China’s culture and landscapes. In 2025, new regulations require online form submission and clear proof of financial stability. These changes aim to enhance security measures and ensure transparency. By understanding the process and preparing thoroughly, you can confidently apply for a Visa and ensure a smooth trip.

Types of China Tourist Visas Available

The China tourist Visa (Type L) is the most popular choice for Vietnamese travelers eager to explore this vast country. With a Type L Visa, you can visit iconic destinations like the Forbidden City in Beijing, the majestic Great Wall, or the picturesque Fenghuang Ancient Town. It is ideal for short-term trips combining sightseeing and immersion in China’s unique culture and cuisine.

However, not every trip suits the Type L Visa. Depending on your purpose, you may need other Visa types, such as a family visit Visa (Q1/Q2) or a business Visa (M). Understanding the differences between Visa types will help you prepare accurate documents, avoiding issues like entry denial or legal complications.

Visa Type	Purpose	Duration of Stay	Number of Entries
Visa L	Tourism, sightseeing, exploration	15–30 days	1 entries
Visa Q1/Q2	Visiting relatives in China	Maximum 180 days	1 entrie and multiple entries
Visa M	Business, trade, conferences	30–90 days	1–2 entries or multiple entries

Important Notes When Choosing a Visa Type

• The Type L Visa is strictly for tourism. If you plan to work, study, or stay long-term in China, you must apply for a different Visa type suited to your purpose.
• The Q1/Q2 Visa requires documents proving family ties, such as a birth certificate, household registration, or an invitation letter from relatives in China.
• The Type M Visa requires an invitation letter from a Chinese company or organization to verify the business purpose.
• Selecting the correct Visa type from the start increases your chances of approval and saves processing time.

Before applying, clearly define your trip’s purpose. This is the most critical factor for a smooth, safe, and uninterrupted journey to China. This is very similar to planning and preparing for a tourist visa application to Dubai.

Required Documents for a China Tourist Visa in 2025

Preparing complete and accurate documents is the most crucial step to boost your chances of Visa approval. Missing documents or unclear information can easily lead to rejection. Therefore, meticulous preparation from the outset ensures a smooth application process. This is also similar to preparing for a Japan tourist visa application.

What do you need to apply for a China tourist Visa?

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months with at least 3 blank pages.
• Photos: Two 4×6 cm photos with a white background, taken within the last 6 months, unedited.
• Visa application form: Completed online at www.Visaforchina.cn (COVA form), printed, and signed.
• Proof of financial status: Bank statement or savings account (minimum 50 million VND).
• Employment verification: Leave approval letter from your employer (if employed).
• Household registration/CT07 or CT08: Notarized photocopy, required if you have not traveled abroad before.

Note: Avoid crossing out or altering documents. Unclear or inconsistent information may lead to rejection.

Step-by-Step Process for Applying for a China Tourist Visa

To successfully obtain a China tourist Visa, follow these steps carefully:

 

Step 1: Choose the appropriate Visa type

First, determine your trip’s purpose to select the correct Visa type. Ensure you are eligible to apply for that specific Visa.

Step 2: Prepare complete documents

Based on the document checklist provided above, prepare accurate paperwork for your chosen Visa type. Thorough preparation significantly increases your chances of approval.

Step 3: Complete the online Visa application

Visit the official website www.Visaforchina.cn, select your country and application submission location, and fill out the online form. Provide all personal information, upload required documents as instructed, and submit the application online. The system will conduct a preliminary review. Note that all applicants (except those applying in Hong Kong or Macau) must use this website.

Important note: During the review process, the authorities may request additional documents at any time. Regularly check the “Application Status” section to stay updated.

Step 4: Submit documents in person

Once your application status shows “online review completed” and you receive a confirmation email, bring your original passport, printed application confirmation, and related documents to the China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) for submission.

Step 5: Pay the Visa fee

When submitting your application, you will pay the service fee directly at the visa application center in VND, with the cost around 725,000 VND. If this is your first time applying for a visa, make sure to check your documents carefully before submitting them, as the fee will not be refunded if your application is rejected. To be sure, you can explore the China tourist visa service from iVISA. Our team will gather your information, provide detailed advice, and assist with submitting your application at the center, increasing your chances of approval.

Step 6: Receive your Visa

After receiving the result, you return to the center to collect your passport with the visa. If you use iVISA’s service, once your visa is successfully issued, we will contact you and deliver it directly to your hands.

Key Notes

• Interviews are typically not required for tourist Visa applications. However, if requested, provide clear answers and demonstrate strong ties to Vietnam to assure your return.
• If you wish to cancel your application after submission, inform the CVASC to avoid permanent restrictions on your application profile.

Tips for a High Success Rate in Obtaining a China Tourist Visa

Many Visa applications are rejected due to minor errors in preparation. To minimize risks and improve your chances of success, consider these tips:

• Clean and clear documents: Ensure photocopies and originals match perfectly, with no alterations. Photos must meet the 4×6 cm standard, white background, taken within 6 months.
• Detailed and logical itinerary: Round-trip flight tickets and hotel bookings must align with the information provided in the COVA system. Transparency enhances approval chances.
• Apply early: Submit your application 15–20 days before your planned departure to allow time for corrections if needed. This prevents delays in case of issues.
• Use the Visa for its intended purpose: The tourist Visa is for sightseeing and leisure only. Using it for work or overstaying may result in future entry bans.
• Choose reliable support services: If you’re new to the Visa process, consider reputable agencies like iVISA. They can review your documents, ensure accuracy, minimize errors, and increase approval odds.

Applying for a China tourist visa becomes much easier with thorough preparation from the start. You’ll have the ‘golden key’ to ensure your visa is in hand and confidently explore the country of over a billion people. If Hong Kong is your next travel destination, make sure to learn more about applying for a Hong Kong tourist visa.

Receiving Results and Handling Issues

After 12–15 days, check your Visa status on www.Visaforchina.cn. On the appointment date, bring your appointment slip and receipt to the CVASC to collect your passport. If approved, pay the Visa fee in USD. If issues arise:

• Additional documents requested: Provide them promptly as per the CVASC’s instructions via email or website.
• Visa rejected: Identify the reason (e.g., missing documents or incorrect information), revise, and resubmit.
• Errors on the Visa: Contact the CVASC via hotline or email to correct them before entering China.

Note: From June 30, 2023, CVASC Hanoi no longer allows passport collection through authorization. You must collect it in person or use a delivery service. If you use iVISA’s China tourist visa service, in case you cannot pick it up in person, iVISA will assist in receiving and delivering it to you.

Frequently Asked Questions About China Tourist Visa in 2025

 

Can I apply for an urgent China Visa in emergencies?

Yes, for urgent business or events, you can apply for an expedited Visa, processed in 1–2 working days. However, the fee for expedited processing is higher than standard applications.

Can I apply for a tourist Visa if my passport is valid for less than 6 months?

No, the embassy requires passports to be valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages. You must renew your passport before applying.

Can I use unpaid hotel bookings for the application?

Yes, the embassy accepts online hotel bookings without prepayment, provided the details match your travel itinerary.

Can friends traveling together submit a joint application?

Each individual must submit a separate application, but groups can share the same itinerary. Group travel can make your application more convincing.

Can I apply for a China tourist Visa and Hong Kong/Macau Visas simultaneously?

No, these are separate Visas handled by different authorities. You must submit individual applications for each.

Is travel insurance required for a China Visa?

Travel insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended. It strengthens your application and provides peace of mind during your trip.

If my China Visa was previously rejected, can I reapply?

Yes, you can reapply. If your previous application lacked financial proof or a clear itinerary, prepare more thoroughly. Services like iVISA can help review your documents to boost success rates.

A China tourist Visa is the gateway to a vibrant journey, from the Great Wall to the historic Forbidden City. Each step takes you through stories of history and breathtaking landscapes. Start preparing today to turn your dream of exploring China into reality.

iVISA Property & Citizenship

• Add: Số 99 Nguyễn Thị Nhung, phường Hiệp Bình, TPHCM
• Hotline: 0937 999 610
• Email: info.ivisatravel@gmail.com