How to get a Chinese visa
China is a reliable strategic partner for our country, both in trade and as a popular tourist destination. It’s a country with a rich culture, where historic buildings stand alongside futuristic skyscrapers, and Asian traditions are complemented by cutting-edge technology. People travel to
China to enjoy breathtaking views, tackle challenging mountain trails, have unforgettable experiences, and, of course, secure international business deals. To achieve these goals, you need to know how to navigate the process correctly without wasting money or time.
Where to apply
Traditionally, visa processing is carried out at visa centers in Moscow and St. Petersburg. You can also contact representative offices located in other cities. However, there are some limitations:
- Tourist visas cannot be obtained at consulates in the capital and St. Petersburg as they only serve diplomats.
- However, it can be done in Yekaterinburg, Khabarovsk, Irkutsk, and Vladivostok. Your place of residence doesn’t matter—you can apply at any institution.
You can obtain a tourist visa during individual or group travel at land border crossings. This requires an invitation from a travel agency or an individual based in China.
Types of visas available
There are several types of visas:
- Family visa. It comes in two types: S and Q. The first type is issued for 180 days or longer for relatives of people who are permanent Chinese residents. The second type is issued for those who wish to visit loved ones who are not citizens but reside in the country.
- Work visa. It is required for those planning to work in China who already have the necessary permit.
- Crew visa for employees who transport people and cargo.
- Transit visa. A special type of document that allows movement within the country during transit, if the transfer involves leaving the airport.
- Business visa. Allows you to manage your own business interests, attend and participate in local exhibitions, sign international contracts, purchase real estate, or arrange leases. This is the visa that everyone traveling to China on business should apply for, even if you’re not sure you’ll find a partner. It’s better to have the ability to sign a contract right away than to regret wasting time.
- Non-business visit visa. An unusual type of visa, suitable for attending various lectures and conferences or participating in contests and internships. This type of visa is also issued to exchange students.
- Student visa. A specialized document for those wishing to undergo relevant training or internships in the country.
- Talent visa. An exclusive prerogative of the government to invite outstanding experts in their field.
- A permanent residency visa is required for those planning to stay in the country permanently.
- Tourist visa. The most common type of visa for visitors, with a purpose clear from its name.
Specialized experts can help you determine which type of visa you need. Just explain the circumstances of your visit, and you’ll be provided with comprehensive information about available options and required documents.
Documents to prepare
The exact set depends on the type of visa you wish to apply for. In some cases, additional permits from relevant agencies may be necessary. You can obtain accurate information on specific visas by submitting a request on our website. General document package:
- Original and a copy of your international passport. It’s important that the document is valid for more than six months and has at least three blank pages for the required visa. You must also provide a copy of your passport with completed details and a photograph.
- Application form and confirmation. Everything is done online, after which you’ll need to print the document. The confirmation page should also be printed. Please note: the QR code must be clearly visible.
- The photo should not only be included in the electronic document but also be attached to the printed copy. A recent color photo without headgear on a light background, sized 33×48 mm, should be pasted in the appropriate corner of the page.
- Printout of appointment confirmation. You can schedule an appointment online, and you’ll need to print the confirmation page and include it with your main application packet.
- Copy of your Russian passport, including the page with registration data.
- If available, the original and a copy of a previously issued visa. If your passport details have changed, you’ll have to provide additional proof of the change.
- Insurance policy covering the entire duration of your trip. Please note: policies are usually issued electronically, in which case you’ll also need to provide a printout.
- If you’re visiting the country independently, you’ll have to provide additional documents. These include: round-trip tickets and a hotel reservation. Please note: the hotel must provide confirmation of your reservation; be sure to request one.
- If traveling through a travel agency or local organization, a letter of invitation is required. It contains personal data as well as information about the itinerary and the inviting organization or individual.
If you’re applying outside Russia, you need to supplement your document package with proof of legal residence in the country where you’re applying. This can be a visa, citizenship, residence permit, etc.
How to fill out the application form correctly
The likelihood of your application being approved depends on how well your paperwork is filled out. Therefore, we recommend following these tips:
- The application form should be filled out online in English and Chinese.
- Save the application number right away.
- When filling in personal data, enter information from your international passport.
- When selecting the visa type and purpose of travel, you can specify whether you need a regular or urgent visa.
- You’ll need to list all official places of employment for the last five years, so be sure to prepare all necessary company data in advance.
- It’s also recommended to update the information about your university’s name.
- Prepare accurate details of your accommodations in China, as well as contact information for emergencies.
- Sponsor details are required if you’re completing the document for a child or if someone else is paying for you.
- A child’s data should be indicated on their own application form, even if they’re registered in your international passport.
- If you’ve previously been issued Chinese visas, provide information about the most recent one.
- If you have valid visas for other countries, provide information on all of them.
Even with helpful prompts, it can be challenging to fill out the application form on your own if you lack experience. Don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals.
Embassy interview: important considerations
When submitting documents through a consulate, ensure you have a complete package of required documents. Be prepared for the possibility that even a perfectly filled-out application might not always produce the expected result. Each case is considered individually.
Recommendations to follow:
- Prepare copies of all previously issued Chinese visas, even though only the most recent one is indicated on the application form.
- Bring your marriage certificate, especially if you’ve recently married, as the data may not have been updated yet.
- Applications are processed within a week, so if time is limited, it’s better to request an urgent or express visa right away.
- Prepare a trip itinerary: you can print out information about tours and excursions, or simply create a travel plan and put it on paper.
Interviews for tourist visas are very rare and are mainly required for issuing specific documents.
Please note: you can only submit documents to the institution you selected when filling out the application form. You can schedule an appointment online using the application number generated when you filled out the form. After choosing an available date and time (when applying through a visa center), you’ll just need to print the confirmation and arrive on the specified day and time.
Consulates operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s advisable to contact the specific institution in advance to clarify when it’s best to arrive and what rules are in effect at the time of application.
The standard processing time is 5 to 7 days. You can pay extra for urgent processing (two days) or express processing (next day). Please note: payment doesn’t guarantee expedited processing. The issuance period may be extended at the consulate’s discretion.
Official price
The fees have been reduced by the government until the end of 2024.
The official fees are:
- RUB 2,500 for a regular visa
- RUB 5,000 for a double-entry visa
- RUB 7,000 for a multiple-entry visa
Additional fees include:
- RUB 2,000 for urgent processing
- RUB 4,600 for express processing
When applying through a visa center, you’ll need to pay an additional service fee. This fee also depends on the type of visa. For a single-entry visa, you’ll need to pay RUB 3,800; for urgent processing, RUB 5,800; for express processing, RUB 7,600. The service fee is non-refundable, but the consular fee may be recalculated if the visa is not issued for the expected duration.
Can you enter China without a visa?
There are clearly defined situations where a visa is not required:
- Groups of 5 to 50 people entering for up to 15 days under the guidance of an accredited company.
- Visits to Hainan for up to 30 days, individually or in groups (in the latter case, the agency must have local registration).
- Passengers of ships arriving in Shanghai: stays of up to 15 days are allowed within a limited area.
- Tourist groups visiting Guangdong from Hong Kong and Macau: stays of up to 144 hours.
- APEC Business Travel Card holders can stay for up to 60 days.
- As part of an ASEAN tourist group visiting Guilin.
- If you possess a permanent or temporary residence permit.
Additionally, no visa is required for transit travel, except in cases outlined in this article.
For professional advice and assistance with any Chinese visa application, call us or submit a request on our website.
