Are you planning to visit China soon but unsure about the China tourist visa application process? I recently applied for a China tourist visa and would like to share my personal experience to guide you through the steps and requirements you’ll need to submit to the China Visa Application Center.
This was my second application, as I was previously granted a single-entry visa back in 2019. The requirements for renewal are simpler compared to those for first-time applicants. In this blog post, I’ll be covering both the requirements for first-time and renewal applicants.
Note: Since I’m based in the Philippines, I’m sharing the process as it applies here. If you’re in a different location, be sure to double-check the China visa requirements in your area.
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- Where to Apply
- How to Apply
- What to Submit
- How much is the China Visa Fee?
- What is the VIP Service?
- How is the Application Process?
Where to Apply
All China visa applications are submitted to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center, located at the 6th Floor, Noble Square, 6762 Ayala Avenue, Makati City, Manila.
However, the building is still known by its former name, Sikatuna Building. If you’re booking a Grab, you can search for Noble Square, but once you arrive, the drop-off point will be at Sikatuna Building.
Business Hours: Monday to Friday (Except public holidays)
Application submission: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Payment & Collection: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Please note: Proper attire is required when visiting the China Visa Application Service Center. Applicants wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, or slippers may not be allowed entry. When I applied, there was one applicant who wasn’t allowed to enter because he was wearing shorts. For your reference, see the photos below showing examples of allowed and not allowed attire.
Dress code photos were taken from the signage displayed at the China Visa Application Service Center in Makati.
How to Apply
To start your application, first visit visaforchina.cn. Once on the website, you can either click Application Form and create an account, or begin by selecting the following details from the drop-down menu on the homepage.
- Select your passport type
- Enter the validity of your passport
- Input your date of arrival in China
- Indicate your purpose of visit – choose L for tourism
- Click Start a Form
After clicking Start a Form, the system will ask you to log in or create an account if you haven’t done so yet. Take note that a separate account is required for each applicant. If you’re applying for a family member, you’ll need to create an account for them as well.
Make sure to prepare your passport-size photo before filling out the application form, as you won’t be able to proceed to the next page without uploading it. Write your answers in capital letters and for any items that don’t apply to you, simply put N/A.
After completing the China visa application form, print all the pages on letter-size paper and ensure that the page is set to actual size. Printing services is also available at the China Visa Application Center for a fee.
What to Submit
Requirements for First-Time Applicants
If this is your first time applying for a China tourist visa. you’ll need to prepare the following documents. Although the list below is exhaustive, not all requirements apply to every applicant. Prepare the documents relevant to your situation.
- Passport – with at least six months of validity and has 2 blank visa pages
- Photocopy of the passport’s bio page
- Visa application form – printed on letter-size paper and signed by hand (e-signature is accepted for VIP service)
- Recent photo – must meet the following requirements
– Passport-size (48 mm x 33 mm size)
– Taken within the last 6 months
– White background
– Colored or dark top (white tops are not allowed)
– No head covering - Roundtrip flight reservation and hotel booking
– Must be printed or photocopied
– For family or group applications, each member must provide their own copy - Travel Itinerary (you can check the sample itinerary I submitted)
– Must be printed or photocopied
– For family or group applications, each member must provide their own copy - Bank Certificate
– Must cover the last six months
– Include the official receipt for the bank certificate fee - BIR-stamped Income Tax Return or Certificate of Employment (COE)
– For employed applicants - Business Registration Certificate (DTI,
– For business owners or self-employed applicants - Student ID
– For student applicants - Retirees or Seniors
– Senior citizen ID (photocopy front & back) - Invitation Letter (if applicable)
– If the inviter is a Chinese citizen – include a copy of their Chinese ID (front and back)
– If the inviter is a foreign citizen living in China – include a copy of their passport and residence permit
– The invitation letter must also state:
• Applicant’s full name, gender, and date of birth
• Travel details: arrival and departure dates, places to visit, and accommodation
• Inviter’s name, phone number, address, ID number, and signature (or official stamp if applicable) - Proof of legal stay or residence status in the Philippines
– Applicable only to foreign citizens applying in the Philippines
– Examples: Residence permit for employment or study in the Philippines
– Include a photocopy of the Philippine visa and immigration entry stamp on your passport - Additional requirements for minor applicants (under 18 years old)
– Photocopy of birth certificate (with parents’ names)
– Photocopy of parents’ passport bio pages (this is the same type of bio page copy required in #2)
– Consent letter signed by parent(s) not traveling
– Student certificate from school
– If parents hold non-Filipino passports, provide their original proof of legal stay in the Philippines (same as requirement #12)
Requirements for Second-Time or Renewal Applicants
The requirements for second-time or renewal applicants are fewer compared to those for first-time applicants. Since it was my second time to apply, I submitted requirements #1 to #6 from the first-time list.
Aside from requirements #1 to #6, I also submitted my son’s school certificate and birth certificate. The birth certificate wasn’t actually required, but the staff at the China Visa Center accepted it as part of his documents, so it’s good to include just to be safe.
Depending on your situation, you may also need to submit supporting documents. This could include those under requirement #11 if you are invited by a Chinese citizen or someone residing legally in China, requirement #12 if you are a foreigner residing in the Philippines, or additional documents for dependents who are students and minors.
The main additional requirement for renewal applicants is the photocopy of your previous Chinese visa, along with the passport where the visa was stamped if it’s not in your current passport.
There’s no need to submit a Bank Certificate, ITR and COE for employed applicants, or a Business Registration Certificate for self-employed individuals.
How much is the China Visa Fee?
The China visa fees vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your nationality. For applicants in the Philippines, you can check the updated visa fees on the official China Visa Application Service Center website.
What is the VIP Service?
The Chinese Visa Application Center offers optional VIP services for an extra fee of ₱1,848 per person, per service.
The VIP Services Include:
• VIP Room Service – Submit your application in a lounge with staff assistance and a free beverage, plus complimentary photo and printing services.
• Form-Filling Assistance – Staff will complete the application form for you based on your details, with free photo and printing services included.
• Next Day Docs – If you’re missing some documents, you can submit them the following day. However, if you fail to do so, the VIP service fee will not be refunded.
• Queue-Free Service – A dedicated counter service for VIP applicants
• Extended Service Hours – Includes free printing and copying services
• Car Service – Reservations are required a day in advance, and available to Makati & BGC locations.
I also processed my sister’s application, and she availed of the VIP service at the China Visa Center. Since I filled out the form for her, the only way she could sign it was through an e-signature. E-signatures are allowed under the VIP service for an additional fee of ₱1,848. On top of that, we also availed of the VIP room service, where the staff completed the missing details in her form and provided free printing services.
Whether or not you should avail of the VIP service really depends on your situation and budget. In my sister’s case, it was expensive but worth it. The e-signature option and staff assistance were necessary, and the service saved us time and effort. Just take note that availing of the VIP service does not guarantee the approval of your visa application. The decision still lies with the Chinese Embassy.
How is the Application Process?
The application process at the China Visa Application Center is generally efficient. After logging in with the guard, the front desk will scan your visa form and provide you with a queue number. You then wait for your number to appear on the monitor. The process moves quickly, except during lunch hours when fewer staff are available.
Reminders:
• Each applicant must submit separate copies of documents such as round-trip airfare confirmation, hotel booking confirmation, and travel itinerary.
• The passport photo you submit will be returned to you along with your passport once the visa is processed.
• Express and Rush services are not available for first-time applicants or for foreigners applying in the Philippines
The China visa application may look overwhelming, but not all requirements apply to every applicant. Just make sure you have everything you need before your visit to the visa center. Once you’re there, the staff will let you know if additional documents are required. To save time, it’s best to double-check the requirements for your situation. I hope this post helps guide you through your visa application, and that you enjoy your upcoming trip to China.
Please note that the approval of your China tourist visa is solely at the discretion of the Chinese Embassy.
If you’re also planning to apply for a Japan tourist visa, you can check out my step-by-step guide here. To make your trip smoother, you might also find my Travel Planner helpful for organizing your flights, accommodations, and itinerary.
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Simply Sha 
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