china embassy tourist visa

Part 1. Visa Category

Part 2. Visa Application Processes

Part 3. Supporting Documents Based on Visa Category

Part 4 .   Special Reminder

Part 1.   Visa Category

Part 2 .   Visa Application Processes

1.  Complete Visa Application Form Online

Please complete China Online Visa Application Form on the China Online Visa Application website ( cova.mfa.gov.cn ). Print out all pages of Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China and Confirmation of Online Visa Application which generated automatically.

Please Note:

1) Your application will be declined, or you can be refused entry permission to China if you provided inaccurate, false, or misleading information.

2) You need to upload an ID photo of yourself, and it must meet the visa photo requirement. Your application will be declined if you uploaded a photo of someone else.

3) Applicants must sign on the Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China and Confirmation of Online Visa Application.  

2. Submit application in person  

After completing the online application, applicants need to submit the following documents to the Chinese Embassy in person.

1) Visa Application Form  and Confirmation Form of Online Visa Application.

2) Passport . Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of bio-data page of the passport.

3) Photo . Must be a recent coloured ID photo, facing forward and with white coloured background, and bareheaded.

4)Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-Samoa passport holders applying for Chinese visa in Samoa).

5)Original and photocopy of previous Chinese passport and photocopy of naturalization certificate   (applicable to applicant who was of Chinese nationality and this is the first time to apply for Chinese visa after naturalization in a foreign country). If the name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, an official document of name change is required.

6)For children born in Samoa with Samoa Citizenship and Chinese descent applying for Chinese visa for the first time, applicants shall also submit the original and photocopy of birth certificate, the photocopy of parents’ passports and permanent residence permits.

7)Original or photocopy of supporting documents. (Please refer to Part 3)

3. Biometric collection

Applicants are required to have biometric information collected when submitting application at the Embassy.

The following applicants are exempted from collecting fingerprints:

1) Applicants who under the age of 14 or over 70.

2) Diplomatic passport holders, or applicants who are eligible for diplomatic, official and courtesy visas. 

3) Applicants holding the same passport with fingerprints collected within 5 years. (The exemption will only be granted when the biometric sticker visa is still identifiable)

4) Applicants with all ten fingers mutilated or all ten fingerprints unable to collect;

5) Between 10 August and 31 December 2024, eligible applicants applying for single or double-entry visas under the categories of business, tourism, short-term family visit, transit, and crew membership are exempt from the fingerprint collection requirement.

4 . Payment and Pick-up 　

Applicant should proceed to an ANZ Bank counter with the Pickup Form issued by the Embassy, deposit the fee into the Embassy's bank account in accordance with the fee indicated on the Pickup Form, and fill in the Pickup Number in the reference field.

Once the payment is successful, applicant can collect visa from the Embassy on the date specified on the Pickup Form with the original Pickup Form and the Bank Payment Receipt.

Part 3 . Supporting Documents Based on Visa Category

A letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity in China.

The original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.

An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation should contain:

1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).

2) Information on the planned visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures).

3) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, a signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual).

An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date to the destination country or region.

J1 /J2 -Visa  should refer to the requirements of the competent authority.

Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation, etc. or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. For invitation letters issued by individual, photocopies of Chinese ID (front and back) of the inviting person must be included. The invitation letter should contain:

2) Information on the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, etc.).

Documents on the commercial activity issued by a trade partner in China, or trade fair invitation or other invitation letters issued by a relevant entity. The invitation letter should contain:

2) Information on the planned visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity, financial source for expenditures).

For family reunion, the following documents are required:

(1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:

1)Information of the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).

2)Information on the visit (the purpose of visit, intended arrival date, place(s) of intended residence, intended duration of residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures).

3)Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address,  a signature of the inviting individual, etc.).

(2) Photocopies of both sides of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.

(3) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and inviting individual.

"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, parents-in-law, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons and granddaughters.

For foster care, the following documents are required:

(1) Foster entrustment notarisation issued by Chinese Embassies/Consulates General in foreign countries or Foster Care Power of Attorney notarized and authenticated in the country of residence or in China.

(2) Original and photocopy of the consignor's passport(s), as well as the original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship between parents or guardians and children.

(3) A letter of consent on foster care issued by the trustee living in China who has agreed to provide foster care services and a photocopy of the ID of the trustee.

(4) A photocopy of the certificate indicating the permanent residence status abroad of the parent(s) when the child was born, provided that either or both parents of the child are Chinese citizens.

(1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:

1)Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).

2)Information on the visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures).

3)Information on the inviting individual (name, contact number, address, signature etc.).

(2) Photocopies of both sides of Chinese ID or foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviting individual.

A photocopy of Confirmation Letter for High Level Foreign Talents.

(1) An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:

2)Information on the visit (the purpose of visit, intended arrival date, place(s) of intended residence, intended duration of residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.).

3)Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.).

(2) A photocopy of the inviting individual's passport and residence permit

(3) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of immediate family members between applicants and inviting individual.

"Immediate family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 and parents-in-law.

For visiting family members for a short period , the following documents are required:

(1) An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:

2)Information on the visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.).

3)Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)

(2) A photocopy of the inviting individual's passport and residence permit.

(3) Photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and the inviting individual.

"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, parents-in-law, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters.

For private affairs, documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs  should be provided as required by the consular officer.

1) Original and photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entities in China.

2) Original and photocopy of "Confirmation Form for Study in China" (Form JW201 or Form JW202).

Original and photocopy of Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities in China.

Notice for the Work Permit for Foreigners

(1) The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout, but the consular officer may require the applicant to submit the original of the invitation letter.

(2) If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials, or require an interview with the applicant.

(3) The consular officer will decide on whether or not to issue the visa and on its validity, duration of stay and number of entries in light of specific conditions of the applicant.

Ⅳ.How to submit visa applications

1.The applicants shall prepare visa applicaiton materials as requested in " ⅢVisa Types and Required Documents" ,   and fill out the "China Online Visa Application(COVA)" form on https://cova.mfa.gov.cn/ . 

2. The applicants or agents shall take all  visa application materials and visit the Visa Office to submit visa applications. The Office will isse a receipt with date for passport pickup. The applicants or agnets can come back to the Office for payment and pickup on the date written on the receipt.

Annex 1 Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling

(1) Please carefully read the prompts and requirements of the COVA form system, and complete the entries of the visa application COVA online form step by step, making sure that the information is true, accurate and complete. Please note: Once the application form has been submitted, it cannot be modified in any way.

(2) The"location"option for submitting the visa application should be in line with the consular jurisdiction.

(3) Basic personal information. Surname, middle name (please fill the middle name into  1.1C together with the given name),given names, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport type, etc. must be exactly the same as those on the passport information page, otherwise your visa application will be returned.

(4) If you were born in China (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan), please note:

1. Application form 1.1E The native language name must be entered in Chinese with the Chinese character input method, please do not fill in "Chinese", "Chinese language", etc.

2. In the application form 1.6G, select "Yes" for "former nationality", and then select the nationality information.

3. Item 1.6H of the application form is required if the applicant was born in China and is applying for a Chinese visa for the first time. This entry will be automatically generated during the form filling process.

(5) Completely fill in the work experience and educational background

1. Please fill in the complete work experience after graduation from school.

2. The “position” and “duty” of the application form 3.3D and 3.3E must be filled in completely.

3. Please fill in the complete learning experience since high school in 4.2, and the diploma/degree and major in 4.2C and 4.2D must be completed.

(6) Completely fill in each address

The address of the spouse in 5.5A of the application form, and the addresses of the parents in 5.5B and 5.5C must fill in the address of the current location, not the address of the place of birth. The address must be filled in completely, including street, city, state, and country.

(7) If you choose "not applicable" for any entry in the form, you need to state the reason for “not applicable”. 

(8) Printing and signing. After completing the COVA online form filling, you must print out a full set of application forms, including the "Confirmation of Online Visa application" and "Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China" (depending on the individual filling situation, a total of 9 to 10 pages will be generated). All the pages of the forms must be printed to turn in, the signature and date on the Confirmation Page and the 8th page of Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China must be handwritten by the applicant him/herself. Visa applicant under the age of 18 is signed by their guardian, and meanwhile add a handwritten signature in the "For person filling in the application on the applicant’s behalf".

Annex 2 Contents of S1, S2, Q1, Q2 Visa Invitation Letter

Inviter’s name XX, gender X, date of birth: XX, Chinese ID number XXX (or foreign passport number XX, Chinese permanent residence card number XX), current address in China is XX, contact phone number XX, email XX.

I hereby invite the following relatives to visit China for a short-term visit/long-term residence. He/She plans to go to China on XX, and stay in China for XX days.

Invitee information: name XX, gender X, date of birth XX, nationality XX, passport number XX, and the relative relationship with the inviter is XX.

Inviter's signature:      Date:

  Annex 3  Contents of M,  and F Visa Invitation Letter

(1) Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.

(2) Information about the invitee’s visit to China: reason for coming to China, date of arrival and departure, place of visit, relationship with the inviting unit or inviter, who will pay for the travel, etc.

(3) Inviting party information: inviting party name, address, telephone number, official seal, legal representative or inviter’s signature, date, etc. (the information must be included in the text of the invitation letter)

Annex 4    Where You Stay Form

Please note: According to the visa application requirements, applicants not in the United States can not apply for a visa from the Consulate-General in the United States.)

• Start an appointment
• Check/Cancel an appointment

2. You must follow the instructions of the Chinese embassy/consulate when scheduling an appointment. Not all embassies and consulates offer an online booking of appointments service. If the embassy/consulate is not open to scheduling visa appointment online, you can take the printed application form directly to submit.

3. This website is accessible 24 hours a day. You will not be charged any fee to schedule an appointment via the website.

4. Please complete the China Online Visa Application (COVA) . You will need the application ID to book an appointment.

5. You can ask someone to book an appointment on your behalf.

6. Please schedule your appointment well in advance. How many days in advance you can make an appointment is decided by the embassy/consulate where you will submit your application for this visa.

7. Once you have made an appointment, you cannot change it. If you need to reschedule your appointment, you must first cancel your booked appointment by going to the (Check/Cancel an Appointment) page.

8. You can check your appointment details and print a confirmation of your appointment on the (Check/Cancel an Appointment) page after successfully booking an appointment.

9. If you need to cancel a booked appointment, please do so at least one day in advance, otherwise your application ID will be revoked and you will need to make a new application.

10. If you have successfully booked an appointment, you must arrive at the embassy/consulate at least 20 minutes in advance. Please ensure to have with you: your passport/travel document, your signed online visa application form and the confirmation page, your AVAS confirmation and any supporting documentation you may need.

11. You can book one appointment for a maximum of six applicants. All applicants must go to the embassy/consulate together.

12. This website is supported by Google Chrome, Windows Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Mozilla Firefox 3.6 or higher, Safari 5.0 or higher and Opera 13.0 or higher.

13. Please fill in the form in Chinese or English .

Retrieve reservation information

The above information needs to be filled in with the application form.

Copyright©1998-2014, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China   

• General Information
• How to get a Visa
• Step By Step Guidance
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Tourist Visa (L-visa) is issued to those who are going to travel to China for tourism.

Please provide the following documents, printed document and photocopies should be in letter size paper.

If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials, or require an interview with the applicant. The consular officer will decide on whether or not to issue the visa and on its validity, duration of stay and number of entries in light of specific conditions of the applicant.

Business Hours: Monday - Friday，Visa application: 9:00-15:00，Payment and collection 9:00-16:00

Location：Bureau 700, 2000, rue Mansfield, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2Z6, Canada

Call：+1-514-680-8472    Fax：+1-514-680-8473

Email： [email protected]

How to Apply for a China Visa — a Step-by-Step Guide

Visa-Free Access to China : If you're from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, and Poland, you can visit China visa-free for 15 days until December 31st, 2025. If you're from Singapore, you can relish visa-free access to China for up to 30 days.

If your nationality isn't listed above or if you aim to discover China for more than two weeks, we offer a Port Visa Service for just US$100 per person  once your tour booking is confirmed with us. No stress of embassy visits and visa interviews.

How to Apply for a China Visa

Planning to visit China, but don't know how to apply for a China visa? We're breaking it down for you with our step-by-step guide, follow the steps and get your China visa efficiently.

The visa information we provide is for reference only. We are a travel agency. If you book a trip with us, we can provide you with an invitation letter when applying for a tourist visa.

1. Find out if you need a visa

The first thing is to check whether you need a visa or not. You usually need to apply for a Chinese visa unless you meet one of China's visa-free policies . 72- and 144-hour visa-free transit offer great convenience if you have a layover in China.

2. Find out which visa you need.

There are many types of China visas. Choose a visa type that applies to your situation. If you are planning to go on a vacation in China, apply for a Tourist Visa (L Visa).

3. Prepare the required documents.

The following list of documents are required for any China visa application:

• A valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when you enter China.
• A complete visa application form (The visa application form can be downloaded from the Chinese embassy website or from our website. You complete it by computer, print and sign it. In some countries such as UK you should complete an online form . On the form, you might find an item "Serial number of invitation letter of the authorized organization", you may skip this item if you don't have an invitation letter, or the invitation letter is not of this type.)
• A recent passport-type photograph (head and shoulders only, front view, with a white background, approximately 48mmx33mm)

Along with the aforementioned generally required documents, several additional documents are required depending upon the type of China visa applied for.

For instance, if you are applying for a tourist L visa , you need to prepare an air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation OR an invitation letter issued by a Chinese travel agency. ( An invitation letter could be provided by us without extra charge if a China tour of 3 days or more is booked .)

An invitation letter can replace the air ticket and hotel booking if you are planning to stay with friends or family who live in China and can't provide the hotel confirmation, or if your travel is being organized by a travel agency (or other duly authorized organization) in China . We can provide you with the invitation letter if you book a tour with us.

4. Submit the application.

You may submit the application to the Visa Office at Chinese embassies or consulates, or China Visa Application Service Centers (also called CVASC) if they are operating in your country.

Starting from 2018, visa applicants from more and more countries (including the U.S., the UK, and Canada) have to make their visa application in person and have their fingerprints collected .

The regular service processing time is 4 days, and the rushed service takes about 1 day. The latter is only available in extreme emergencies pending a consular officer's approval.

5. Pay the fee and collect your visa.

Go to the place where you apply for a China visa, pay the fee, and collect your visa.

The fees vary enormously depending on your nationality and number of entries. Here we listed China visa prices for some countries for your reference. It may change based on the updated policies.

The fees shown in the table are only for the cost of visa. If you apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center, the service fee and tax are required.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

When to Apply for a Visa

It is important to get your visa early, but not too early because it is only valid for 90/180 days for single/double-entry visas from the issue date.

It is usually recommended that you apply for the visa one or two months before the intended travel .

Apply for Special Permits, If Necessary.

If you are planning on traveling to the Tibet Autonomous Region, you will need to get a Tibet Travel Permit from a Chinese travel agency. As a travel agency based in China for more than 20 years, we can help you apply for the Tibet Travel Permit.

Check the most popular Tibet tours .

Apply for a China Visa in Hong Kong

If you are already in Hong Kong and want to visit the Chinese mainland, it is possible to get a China visa in Hong Kong. Read our step-by-step guide .

Tailor-Making a Private China Tour

China Highlights is your China tour tailor-making expert. See the recommended tours below for inspiration or check out our ideas and suggestions on How to Plan Your China Tour .

• 8-Day Shanghai - Xian - Beijing Private Tour - China's Ancient and Modern Collision
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How to Get A Chinese Tourist Visa | Application Guide and Tips

Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on July 15, 2024 :

1. Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, Xishuangbanna and 5 regions in Yunnan Province are applicable to 144-hour visa-free transit policy. Mohan Railway Port at China-Laos border can be used to enter/leave Yunnan.

2. Breaking News! a. China will be 15-day visa-free for Australia, New Zealand and Poland from July 1st, 2024 to December 31st, 2025. b. 15 days visa free for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg has been extended until December 31, 2025. Read more »

3. Hong Kong High-speed Rail West Kowloon Station has been added to Guangdong Province 144-hour transit visa-free.

4. China - Georgia Mutual Exemption of Visa, starting from May 28, 2024.

5. Booking of flights and hotels, China itineraries and invitation letters are not required for application of Chinese Tourist Visa for U.S.nationals.

6. Appointment is not required for visa application in many embassies and consulates.

8. Starting from 00:00 on November 1, 2023, individuals entering or exiting the country are exempt from filling out the "People's Republic of China Health Declaration Card for Entry/Exit."

7. Norway has become the 54th country whose passport holders can transit without visa up to 72/144 hours in China.

8. Starting from August 30, 2023, individuals traveling to China will no longer be required to undergo pre-entry COVID-19 nucleic acid or antigen testing.

9. U.S. citizens holding multi-year multiple-entry visas issued before March 28, 2020, whose visas temporarily lost entry functionality between March 28, 2020, and March 14, 2023, due to the pandemic, are eligible to apply for compensation. Those who choose to apply for compensation will receive a free 3-year multiple-entry visa. Those who choose to waive the compensation can apply for a new 10-year multiple-entry visa at the regular fee.

China Discovery will keep focusing on the updates of the latest Chinese visa and entry policy! You can also call +86 010 12367 (Official telephone number of China National Immigration Administration) to check further information. Welcome to join in our Facebook Groups to catch up with the latest news!

Invitation letter is a vital document for Chinese visa application. If you travel with us, we will not only create a valuable tour for you, but also provide you an invitation letter if you request, which will help you obtain your visa successfully. Start customizing your tour in China now!

We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to China?

A China Tourist Visa (L Visa) is required for normal visit to mainland China. However, special visitors may travel to China without visa when visa free policy is availble. Click Visa Free Policy of China to find out whether you need to get a visa for tour in China.

How Many Times can I Enter China on a Tourist Visa?

China Tourist Visa is divided into three kinds with different number of entries: single entry , double entries and multiple entries . That means you can enter China 1/2/many times during the validity of your China Visa. When applying, you should choose the intended number of entries based on the planed visit. Note that the visa will become invalid if entries have been used up, or the visa has expired.

Our American Clients Enjoyed Beijing Tour

What are the Requirements for China Tourist Visa Application?

Chinese Tourist Visa is issued to aliens who plan to visit China for tour. Visitors can apply Chinese Visa from overseas countries, at entry port on arrival or in China . This article mainly offer guide at Chinese Embassy or Consulate abroad. Like all other visa categories, all applicants are required to prepare and submit necessary materials properly and truthfully. Read our step-by-step instruction to China Tourist Visa application below.

Basic Requirements

1. Passport

Original passport with a validity of at least 6 months, and at least one blank visa pages left. Also, make one copy of the data page & photo page, previous visa pages.

If you already use a new passport, a valid Chinese Tourist Visa is still in the old passport, you are allowed to use the two passport together to visit China if your purpose of visit remains the same.

2. China Visa Application Form

Log in the official website of COVA (https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn), choose the country and city you will submit application. Create an new China Visa Application Form online, fill in the electronic form step by step, provide all personal information completely and truthfully. After careful check, save and submit the application form. The form cannot be changed once it is submitted. Print the completed form out, sign and date it.

3. Visa Photo

Two recently-taken (within the past 6 months) front passport-size bareheaded color photos. The photos need to taken against a white or light solid background, hatless, frontal view presenting full face. One photo shall be attached on the printed visa application form. China Tourist Visa Photo Requirements, Size >>

Paper Photo Size: 33mm×48mm

Digital Photo Size: horizontal: 354 - 420 pixels, vertical: 472 - 560 pixels

4. Proof of Legal Stay or Residence (apply to outlander applicants)

Provide the original and photocopy of the valid certificate or visa, which shows your legal stay, residence, work and study in the residing country (not in your home country).

China Tourist Visa Application Requirements

Fill in China Tourist Visa Application on Website of CVASC

5. Previous Chinese Passport or Chinese Visa (apply to former Chinese citizens who later joined to foreign nationality)

Submit the original passport and a copy of the passport’s date page, if it’s the first time you apply for a Chinese Visa.

If you once obtained Chinese Visa, and now apply a new one with a new passport, you please provide the photocopy of the previous passport’s date page, and the old Chinese Visa. (Official certificate of name change is needed, if the name on the current passport is not the same on the old passport.) 

Supporting Documents

Relavant travel documents showing the itinerary, including booked refundable round-trip air tickets and hotel reservation record, proposed travel schedules and else materials, or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. 

China Tourist Visa Invitation Letter

Invitation letter is one of the optional supporting documents for China Tourist Visa Application. To some extent, an Invitation Letter will help to explain your travel purpose, if you are indeed invited to visit China by friends, family or authorized travel agency. The letter should cover the following informations:

a. Information on the applicant (passport number, nationality, full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b. Information on the planned tour (departure and arrival dates, places going to be visited, etc.) 

c. Information on the inviting entity or individual (the host company name or inviter’s name, contact telephone number, address, official seal of the unit, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual, and so on.)

Please visit Required & Supporting Documents for China Visa , if you apply for other type of China Visa, such as, China Business Visa, China Work Visa, etc.

China Tourist Visa Invitation Letter (Sample)

How Do I Apply for A Tourist Visa to China?

Once know what documents are needed, let’s move to the most important processes for submission.

STEP 1: Check passport status, make photocopy of data page, used visa pages;

Prepare others travel materials, e.g. flight tickets, hotel booking record, rough travel itinerary, etc. If you have an true and valid invitation letter, provide it as well.

STEP 2: Fill in visa application form , print it out, paste one photo on the paper application form, and sign and write down the submission date;

STEP 3: Make online appointment , if you’re required to submit to China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). Please use the application form ID to schedule appointment in advance.

Else applicants may visit visa section of overseas Chinese Embassy or Consulates during office hours. (you can check updated time on official website)

STEP 4: Bring all prepared documents, visit the right authority, CVASC or Chinese Embassy/Consulatem, wait for your order and submit. Pay visa fees and get a pick-up slip.

STEP 5: Collect passport and Chinese Visa (if granted successfully) back after tracing it has been processed and wait for pick up. With the slip, you may pick it up in person or entrust your friend, family, travel agency for help.

China Visa Service Center in Malaysia

Single-entry China Tourist Visa Issued in Vancouver, Canada (Old Version Used before June 1st 2019)

How Much is A Tourist L Visa for China?

China Tourist Visa Fees and cost differ by nationalities, number of entries and visa services, and where you submit.

* US Passport Holders: USD 140 for (Single/Double/Multiple) China Tourist Visa to 6 months, 1 year and above

* Canadian Passport Holders: CAD 100 for (Single/Double/Multiple) China Tourist Visa to 6 months, 1 year and above

* Single-entry Chinese Tourist Group Visa : CAD 40 for Canadians, USD 110 for US Citizens

China Visa Application Fees for Different Nationalities

Note of Payment: ① Embassy and Consulate only accept Master Card, Money Order, Cashier's Check or Company Check. Cash or Personal checks are not acceptable. ② China Visa Application Service Center just receives cash, debit cards, credit cards (Visa and Mater Card only) and company cheques. Know more details about China Vis Cost >>

How Long does It Take to Get A Tourist Visa to China?

Chinese Embassy and Consulate will start to process your application until all required documents submitted. Regular application takes about 4 working days , which you may pick up on the 4th or 5th working day. Express Service takes around 2-3 working days, that means, you may collect on the 3rd to 4th working day. Rush Service generally needs nearly 1 working day for processing, and applicants may obtain on the second working day. Same Day Rush Service for emergency entry is offered for applicants in US.

Useful Links: China Visa Processing Time | Fast China Visa Services

Special Notes:

1.) Express and Rush Service are not available in all foreign countries. If you want to use the services, please check on official website. If it’s valid, extra fees will be charged.

2.) If you apply for China Tourist Visa by mail in Australia, it takes at least 10 working days for processing, postal time is excluded.

3.) Visa processing time is listed for reference only, accurate time depends on personal situations. Chinese Embassy and Consulate may require supplementary materials if necessary.

Canadian Picked up Passport & Visa from Chinese Embassy

FAQs and Useful Tips about Chinese Tourist Visa

Q1: Is it easy to get a Chinese Tourist Visa?

It’s hard to say it’s easy or not to get a Chinese Tourist Visa, because there is no guarantee of issurance of a Chinese Visa, under any circumstances. Our advice is that, prepare all needed documents as required for maxmium success.

Q2: Where should US citizens apply for a China Tourist Visa?

Holders of US passports should submit application to corresponding Chinese Embassy or Consulate which is in charge of your area. If you reside in Washington DC, Montana, North Carolina, Virginia, you shall apply at Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C., and if you live in New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, visit Consute in New York, more details in http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/zmzlljs/t84229.htm.

Q3: Does Singaporean need visa for travel to China?

According to relevant China’s laws and regulations, citizens from Singapore may enjoy 30-day visa-free entry to China if he go for business, tour or family visit.You will need a Chinese Visa with intention to overstay and travel for other purposes.

Q4: What’s the maximum stay of a China Tourist Visa?

The accurate length of permitted stay is clearly marked on the visa page of your passport, which is normally 30 days. That means holder can stay in China for up to 30 days. The time counts from the 00:00 the day after entry and till 24:00 of the last day . Please enter before the “Valid For Entry By”, otherwise it will be expired and null.

If you will stay in China more than regular 30 days, you’re suggested to make it clear on the application form, and shown in related travel itinerary.

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Introduction to China Visa

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China Visa Application

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China Visa Exemptions

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3 Days Guangzhou History & Culture Experience Tour

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A Quick Guide to Chinese Tourist Visas

Since China does not have mutual visa-free agreements with many countries, ordinary passport holders from most countries who want to visit China as a tourist must obtain a tourist visa (L visa) unless they meet one of the visa exemption criteria.

While it does involve some documentation and logistics, applying for a Chinese tourist visa doesn't require too much effort or time. In this article, we will provide an overview and some tips on how to apply for a tourist visa for China or take advantage of one of the visa exemption policies. Please be aware that all government regulations are subject to change without prior notice. Contact the visa office at the Chinese embassy or consulate nearest you for the latest requirements for a Chinese tourist visa.

Types of Chinese Tourist Visa

China usually issues three types of tourist visa: single-entry (valid for 3-6 months), double-entry (valid for 6 months), and multiple-entry (valid for 6 or 12 months). Single-entry tourist visas usually grant a maximum stay of 30 days, but you can ask for up to 90 days. The number of days you receive partly depends on the passport you hold. Tourist visas can normally be extended no more than two times within China.

US citizens are eligible for a 10-year multiple-entry visa with a maximum stay of 60 days per entry. In order for US citizens to be eligible for the ten-year visa, US passport holders must have more than one year of validity remaining on their passports. If their passports have one year or less of remaining validity (more than 6 months), they will receive a visa with less than one year of validity.

When and How to Apply for a Tourist Visa

The single-entry tourist visa normally has a validity period of three months so it's best to apply for a China tourist visa 30 to 60 days before your intended date of entry. If you apply too far in advance, the visa may expire before you arrive in China.

Unless you are traveling as part of a group, you will need to arrange your own visa. Some countries have visa agents but this adds substantially to the cost. If you are able to go straight to the embassy/consulate nearest you, it will be cheaper. You can search on the internet to find the Chinese embassy or consulate closest to you. You can also apply for a Chinese visa outside of your home country—just make sure that you are able to fulfill all the application requirements.

Visa applications are normally processed within three to four working days, but you can choose to pay an extra amount for rush service. If you go to the visa office in person, you may be able to get a visa on the same day for a fee.

When applying for Chinese tourist visas, the procedures, requirements, issue time, and fee may vary from country to country. Details and application forms can be found on the website of the Chinese embassy in your country. If you need an invitation letter for your application, we can help issue one.

Whatever country you are applying from, make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months at your time of arrival in China.

15 Days Visa-free Policy for Citizens of 12 Countries

Until the end of 2025, citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg with ordinary passports are allowed to enter and stay in China visa-free for up to 15 days for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit.

The entry date is calculated as the first day. Visitors entering under this 15-day visa-free policy need to leave China before 24:00 on the 15th day.

24, 72, and 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit

China allows 24, 72, or 144-hour visa-free stays for travelers from certain countries who transit via mainland China for a third international destination (Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are included).

The 24-hour visa-free transit is relatively simple: it applies to travelers from most countries at most Chinese ports of entry, except the airports in Shenzhen, Yanji, Mudanjiang, Fuzhou, and Huangshan. The stopover time is calculated from your scheduled arrival time until your scheduled departure time. Travelers with this visa-free transit are allowed multiple stops (for example, USA-to-Beijing-to-Guangzhou-to-UK) as long as they leave mainland China within 24 hours.

Xi'an, Chongqing, Guilin, Harbin, and Changsha also allow 72-hour visa-free entry for transiting travelers with passports from certain countries. The 72-hour period is counted from the moment you receive your entry permit. Travelers with this visa-free transit are only allowed to travel within the city they entered. For example, if you enter through Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, you are only allowed to travel within the Xi'an area.

The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang region, Guangdong, Chengdu, Kunming, Xiamen, Qingdao, Wuhan, and Liaoning allow 144-hour visa-free entry for transiting travelers with passports from the same countries as the 72-hour visa-free transit. The 144-hour period starts from 00:00 of the day following your arrival; that usually means a few extra hours to spend in China. Travelers with this visa-free transit are not allowed to travel outside the region or province they enter. For example, if you enter through Beijing, you are only allowed to travel within Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei province, so you cannot visit Shanghai and/or depart from Shanghai.

Countries that are eligible for the 72-hour & 144-hour visa-free transit

European countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia (FYROM), Albania, Belarus, and Monaco Countries in the Americas: the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile Countries in Oceania: Australia and New Zealand Asian countries: Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar

Here is a tool from the Chinese government that allows you to check if you are qualified for one of the above forms of visa-free transit.

How to apply for visa-free transit

To apply for any of the above three forms of visa-free transit, you must present your plane, ship, or train ticket with confirmed seat and date (a standby ticket is not acceptable) for a third country that must be different from the country you traveled from. For example, if you are doing a USA-to-Beijing-to-Hong Kong trip, you are eligible for visa-free transit, but if you are doing a USA-to-Beijing-to-USA trip, then you will not be eligible. You may also need a visa for the third country or region if applicable.

Make sure that your passport is valid at least 6 months from the date of entry, and remember to fill the arrival/departure card at the airport or on the airplane before you land before you apply for the visa-free entry permit.

Other Visa Exemption Policies

Travelers holding a valid ordinary passport from one of the following countries are eligible to visit Hainan province for 30 days without a visa: Russia, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Norway, Ukraine, Italy, Austria, Finland, Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, UAE, Qatar, Monaco, Belarus.

Visitors must travel with a travel agency registered in Hainan province. They can enter Hainan Island through any airport or ship port in Hainan province, but are not allowed to travel outside the province.

Foreign travelers arriving in Shanghai on a cruise ship can visit Shanghai and some other Chinese cities (including Beijing) for up to 15 days without a visa provided they leave China on the same ship. Travelers making use of the 15-day visa exemption are required to travel with tour groups (of a minimum of two people) organized by a travel agency that is registered in China. Travel agencies must submit details of their tour groups to the authorities at least 24 hours before the ships arrive in Shanghai; this means that travelers need to book the tour in advance to leave enough time for the travel agency to complete the application.

No visa is required for ordinary passport holders from the following countries: 90 days: San Marino 30 days: Bahamas; Ecuador; Fiji; Grenada; Mauritius; Serbia; Seychelles; Tonga; Barbados (June 1st, 2017) 15 days: Brunei; Japan; Singapore

Travel to Tibet

The requirements for visiting Tibet are very different from those for other provinces in China. All travelers to Tibet must arrange their trip in advance with a registered travel agency. This is the rule and there are no exceptions. Tibetan authorities issue a Tibet Travel Permit only after a traveler has secured a Chinese visa. Depending on the places you would like to visit in Tibet, you may need further documents such as a Military Permit and/or Alien Travel Permit. Contact us for the most up-to-date information on how to travel to Tibet.

Important Note

Be sure to double check the visa requirements at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country before you travel to China, as China's visa policies, especially their visa exemption policies, can be confusing and are subject to change from time to time. Sometimes the visa rules may be interpreted differently by various cruise lines or local officials at the port of entry.

In order to avoid any possible confusion or inconvenience, we suggest that every traveler who plans to take advantage of any visa-free policies check with the relevant port of entry in China or the Chinese embassy/consulate in your country before you travel to China. Before you board the plane bound for China, you can also ask your airline to check if you will be able to get the visa-free entry permit upon arrival. If you are not sure whether you are eligible for the visa-free entry permit, you can instead apply for a regular transit visa or a tourist visa in your home country. If you are planning a tour with us, our travel specialists will also help you with the visa issues. ■

The China Guide is a Beijing-based travel agency that customizes private tours, educational student tours, and incentive trips across China. We have more than ten years of experience crafting tours for tens of thousands of travelers from the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, and beyond. We promise all our tours have no hidden fees, no shopping stops, no touristy restaurants, just memorable experiences! Learn more about us or contact us to start planning your perfect China trip .

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How do I get a visa for China?

Sep 20, 2024 • 5 min read

The first step towards walking along the Great Wall is getting a visa for China. fotohunter / Shutterstock

Stretching from the steppes of Central Asia and Mongolia to the tropical jungles of Laos and Vietnam, China is a land of endless travel opportunities. After reopening to international travel in 2023 following the COVID-19 pandemic, China made several changes to its visa policies to encourage more visitors.

Here is everything you need to know about obtaining a tourist visa for China. Always check the latest regulations with the Chinese authorities before you travel, as policies may change.

Who needs a Chinese tourist visa?

The majority of foreign nationals require a tourist visa (also known as an "L visa") to enter and visit mainland China, though an increasing number of nationalities are granted visa-free entry. L visas can be obtained from Chinese embassies and consulates around the world, or through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center . To avoid the tedious bureaucracy when applying in person, many people obtain a visa via a tour operator or visa agent.

Can I travel visa-free to China?

As of September 2024, citizens from a handful of countries can travel visa-free to mainland China for tourism or business purposes. The following nationalities allow a 15-day visa-free entry: Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Norway.

Who can get a transit visa?

Visitors from 53 countries – including the US, Canada, UK, the EU, Japan, New Zealand, Brazil and Argentina – can spend up to 144 hours (6 days) transiting in China without a visa if they arrive by air, ship or train at selected Chinese cities. The list of cities includes Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guilin, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xiamen, Wuhan, Kunming, and Qingdao, opening up some interesting quick trip opportunities.   To be eligible, travelers must hold a passport valid for at least 3 months after entry and proof of onward travel to a third country. These visas start from the time the traveler arrives at the Chinese border and receives an entry permit. Check with your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate for the current list of eligible nationalities, entry points and specific movement areas.

What about Hong Kong and Macau?

Most nationalities do not require a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days in either Hong Kong or Macau. To travel from there into China proper, a standard tourist visa is required. These are fairly easy to obtain via China Travel Service in Hong Kong.

Since May 2018, the Chinese resort island of Hainan has offered 30-day visa-free entry to citizens of 59 countries including the US, Canada, the EU, the UK, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore. You can’t leave Hainan island and travel to mainland China on this visa – if you want to roam deeper into China, you'll need a standard tourist visa.

How about Tibet?

To travel to Tibet by air, road or train, you'll need both a China tourist visa (L visa) and a Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) permit. To obtain this mandatory travel document you must book a guide for your entire trip and pre-arrange private transport for trips outside Lhasa. No direct applications are accepted, which effectively means that Tibet can only be visited on an organized tour.

How to apply for a Chinese tourist visa

Applying for a Chinese tourist visa in your home country is the most straightforward process. You'll need to fill out an application form, provide a proposed itinerary, flight ticket and proof of accommodation for your first night in China. If your country of residence is different than the country in which you're applying, the Chinese authorities may charge an extra processing fee for non-citizens.

Some embassies require extra documentation, such as an invitation letter from a person or a company in China, bank statements, and documents proving your employment record. And your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the expiry date of your visa.

How much does a China tourist visa cost?

The cost of a Chinese tourist visa varies depending on the type of visa, the length of stay, the number of entries allowed, and your nationality. Most tourists pay around US$35 for a single entry visa valid for 30 days from the day you enter China. UK citizens pay £130, US citizens pay US$140, Canadian citizens pay C$132, Australian citizens pay A$95 and French, German, Italian, Dutch and Spanish citizens pay €111.

Some nationalities are entitled to long-term multiple-entry visas that allow travelers to visit China for stints of 30 to 120 days throughout the duration of the visa. Note these are not residence permits and do not grant any right to live or work in China. Contact your local Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest fees for long-term visas.

How long is a Chinese visa valid for?

Regular China tourist visas are valid for 30 days and must be used within three (or six, if double-entry) months of their date of issue. Never overstay your visa: the fines are high and may result in being banned from visiting China. If you think you'll need to stay longer, start the process of applying for a visa extension well before your visa expires.

Can I extend my Chinese visa?

Chinese visas can be extended once without too much difficulty at the Public Security Bureau (PSB) offices found in larger Chinese towns and cities, though an extension is not guaranteed. The process takes between 2 and 7 working days, the fee is ¥160 (or ¥760/469 for US/UK citizens). You can only extend your stay for as long as the duration of your original visa. You’ll need to provide your original passport, two photos and a receipt from your accommodation in the town where you are applying for your extension.

Because of the complicated permit system, extending your stay in Tibet is impossible, and Xinjiang, Beijing and Shanghai can also be tricky places to extend a standard tourist visa. A second extension is harder to get, and a third extension is extremely unlikely.

This article was first published Oct 14, 2021 and updated Sep 20, 2024.

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Notice on issue 5-year multi-entry business, tourism, and family visit visa for Australian ordinary passport holders

The Embassy and Consulates of China in Australia to issue 5-year multi-entry business, tourism, and family visit visa for Australian ordinary passport holders.

For more details, please visit the website of the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Sydney.

http://sydney.china-consulate.gov.cn/eng/ggl/202406/t20240626_11441727.htm

                                 Chinese Visa Application Service Center Sydney

                                                27-June-2024

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South China Morning Post

A string of recent stabbing attacks on foreigners in China could fuel worries about personal safety in the country’s expatriate community, according to diplomatic observers, who say that more transparency from authorities will be crucial to ease fears and restore confidence in the country.

The latest violence – in which a 10-year-old Japanese boy died on Thursday morning (Sep 19), a day after he was stabbed in the southern city of Shenzhen – has renewed calls for Beijing to be more transparent in how it addresses such incidents.

Local authorities had said the attacker was a man with a previous criminal record, but have not disclosed a motive. Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning did not comment on a motive on Friday, citing the ongoing investigation.

In a phone call on Thursday, Chinese foreign vice-minister Sun Weidong told Japan’s ambassador to China, Kenji Kanasugi, that the killing was an “isolated case carried out by an individual with a criminal record”, according to the Japanese embassy.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian also described the incident as “isolated” and stressed that such attacks could happen anywhere in the world.

“China has always taken, and will continue to take effective measures to ensure the safety of all foreign nationals in China,” Lin said, adding that he did not foresee the latest incident affecting relations between China and Japan.

By Friday, extra security cameras near the school and the crime scene had been installed.

In a meeting with Shenzhen vice-mayor Luo Huanghao, Kanasugi called for security to be improved to help keep Japanese residents safe.

The message was repeated during an emergency meeting held by the Japanese embassy, which was attended by representatives from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China and the Japanese School of Beijing.

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The incident on Wednesday was the third knife attack against foreigners in China in the past four months.

In early June, four American teachers from Cornell College in Iowa were stabbed in a park in the northeastern province of Jilin.

They survived their injuries but later that month, a Chinese school bus chaperone was killed in the eastern city of Suzhou while trying to protect a young Japanese student and his mother from an attacker.

Chinese officials have not given motives for any of the attacks, but on Thursday Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida demanded an explanation for the stabbing in Shenzhen.

“We strongly demand that the Chinese side explain the facts of the case. As more than a day has already passed since the crime, we have demanded them to provide an explanation as soon as possible,” Kishida said.

A 44-year-old suspect, surnamed Zhong, confessed to attacking the boy, according to a report by Southern Metropolis Daily and Shenzhen Special Zone Daily, citing a police source.

Diplomatic observers cautioned that an outbreak of violence against foreigners combined with Beijing’s opaque approach could fuel insecurity, undermining China’s attempts to lure back foreign visitors. The authorities should release more details on the incidents to ease public concerns, they said.

Last year, China introduced visa-free entry policies for several countries and recently broadened the scheme to include visa-free transits, allowing travellers from certain countries to remain in specific areas for up to 144 hours.

Despite China’s multiple measures to attract foreign investment and tourists, the recent attacks could “significantly undermine these efforts”, according to Zheng Zhihua, an associate professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Police statements about such incidents tended to “downplay the involvement of foreigners in the stabbing incidents”, Zheng added, noting that the latest victim was only identified as a minor with the surname Shen.

“It seems to be a conscious effort to prevent any perception of animosity or violence towards foreigners in Chinese society.”

The assault happened on a significant date in China – the anniversary of the 1931 “918 Incident” – also known as the Manchurian, or Mukden, Incident – which led to the Japanese invasion of the region and has come to symbolise national disgrace.

Ahead of the anniversary, Japan had asked that Chinese authorities step up safety measures at Japanese schools. It was not clear if this had happened at the school in Shenzhen before the sensitive date.

“Given this situation, we are profoundly disappointed that the incident still took place,” Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said.

Chong Ja Ian, an associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore, warned that more such attacks could foster a perception that foreigners were unwelcome in China, potentially leading to a decline in people-to-people exchanges.

He added that stabbings might reinforce the perception that China was not a welcoming place for foreigners.

“Foreigners and foreign companies could stay away as a result. This could also accelerate the relocation of corporations away from China,” he added.

“Should this trend increase and become persistent, people-to-people exchanges in China could diminish. There could well be a view that people-to-people contact in the country could be dangerous rather than beneficial,” Chong said.

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In response to the attack, Panasonic Holdings Corporation is allowing its Japanese employees in China to temporarily return home, and is covering the costs for both the employees and their family members. The company will also provide counselling for its employees, according to a report by Japan’s Jiji Press.

“Local governments have shown some deficiencies in handling these incidents, such as not fully disclosing to the public the attackers’ motives, their mental state, whether they were targeting foreigners, as well as criminal procedure process,” Zheng, from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, said.

The government had a responsibility to clarify and keep the public informed to dispel any concerns foreigners may have about potential hostility or aggression towards them in China, he added.

Chong agreed, adding that a “lack of transparency and explanations tend to fuel speculation. Foreigners are more likely to attribute threats to physical safety to China’s social environment more broadly”.

Foreigners might conclude that increasing Chinese nationalism had contributed to the recent attacks, he said.

Zhang Yun, an associate professor of international relations at Japan’s Niigata University, said the most important step now would be to “calm down emotions in both countries”, noting that it remained uncertain if nationalist motives were the sole reason for the attack.

“Such incidents can easily create negative societal perceptions in both countries. If societal perceptions deteriorate or become negative, it can be extremely detrimental to the entire Sino-Japanese relationship, both politically and economically,” Zhang said.

The incident sparked strong anti-Chinese and anti-Japanese sentiment in both countries.

On X, numerous Japanese users urged their government to cut diplomatic relations with China and advise nationals to leave immediately. They also said the authorities should not allow Chinese tourists to visit.

In China, some online posts labelled Japanese schools as espionage hubs and demanded they be closed.

But Beijing has also been criticised for fanning nationalism, with one person commenting that the recent attacks were the result of “spreading the seed of hatred in the daily education and propaganda in the country”.

After the Suzhou attack, Japan’s foreign ministry requested a ¥350 million (US$2.4 million) budget for the next financial year to help improve the safety of Japanese school buses in China.

The additional funding would pay for security guards to be assigned to each school bus serving the 11 Japanese schools located in nine major cities in China.

This story was first published on SCMP . 

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  In November 2023   in San Francisco , Chinese President Xi Jinping announced   an important new initiative, inviting 50,000 young  Americans to China for exchange and study over the next five years. The initiative aims at bolstering U.S.-China relations, through exchange of younger generations. The “Young Envoys Scholarship”   (YES) program has came into being to support this powerful initiative, executed by China Educational Association for International Exchange (CEAIE).

  In favor of the initiative and YES program, the Chinese Embassy and the Consulates-General in the US shall issue five-year F   v isa with multi ple entries , applicants with exclusive YES Invitations issued by CEAIE are eligible. At the same time, visa processing fees (including expedited fees)  will be waived.

  The notice shall take effect as of the date of publication.

Address of the Visa Office of the Chinese Embassy:

2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 110, Washington D.C., 20007, USA

Office Hours: 9:30-14:30 (Monday to Friday, except for holidays)

Email address: [email protected]

Tel: 001-202-855-1555  (12:30-16:30, Monday to Friday, except for holidays)

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