Documents Required for a China Visa
Passport · Photo · COVA form · Type-specific papers — everything you need, organized by visa category.
Quick answer: Every China visa application needs a valid passport, one recent photo, and your printed COVA confirmation form. Beyond that, each visa type requires specific supporting documents — tourism (L) needs an itinerary, business (M) needs an invitation, family (Q) needs proof of relationship, and so on.
Documents everyone must submit
- Passport valid at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages
- One recent color photo meeting the China visa photo spec
- Printed COVA confirmation page with its barcode
- Previous China visa page / prior passport if your name has changed
Tourist visa (L)
- Round-trip flight reservation
- Hotel booking or day-by-day itinerary
- For some applicants, an invitation letter or travel plan
Business visa (M)
- Invitation letter from a Chinese company or trade partner, on official letterhead, stating purpose, duration, and host contact details
Family visas (Q1/Q2, S1/S2)
- Q: proof of relationship to a Chinese citizen or foreigner of Chinese origin, or their Chinese residence permit
- S: proof of relationship to a foreign national working, studying, or residing in China
- Invitation letter from the relative in China
Other types (F, Z, X, G)
- F: invitation for non-commercial exchange, visit, or study tour
- Z: Notification Letter of Work Permit (often with a PU/invitation letter)
- X: school admission notice plus the JW form
- G: confirmed onward ticket to a third country
Tips to avoid rejection
- Use your legal name exactly as printed on your passport
- Do not submit stale or altered photos
- Confirm your consular district before submitting
- Bring photocopies where the form requests them
Related pages
FAQ
A: A valid passport, one photo, your COVA confirmation, and typically a flight reservation and hotel itinerary. Some applicants may also need an invitation letter or a travel plan.
A: Yes. An M visa requires an invitation letter from a Chinese company or trade partner on official letterhead stating the purpose, duration, and host details.
A: China uses a 48mm x 33mm color photo on a plain white background, taken within the last 6 months. See the full specification on our photo page.
A: Submit your previous passport showing the prior China visa, or a clear copy if the old passport is unavailable. Name changes require proof of the change.
A: You may qualify for a Q visa (family visit). You will need proof of Chinese heritage or relationship to a Chinese citizen or relative, plus an invitation letter. Many receive a 10-year Q2 visa.
Disclaimer: This page is for visa consulting and document preparation reference only. It is not legal advice, does not represent any embassy, consulate, or visa authority, and does not guarantee any visa outcome. Consulate addresses, office hours, and jurisdictions may change at any time; all information is subject to the latest published rules of the relevant authorities.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-22