Visa to China – Complete Guide to Applying, Requirements & Fees

Recommendation: Complete the official online registration and schedule your submission at least six to eight weeks before travel. This reduces the risk of delays and ensures your application enters processing during quiet periods.

Prepare your passports with name exactly as on tickets, ensure validity for the duration of your trip plus six months, and assemble a short itinerary and hotel schedule. Include a current photo that meets the official specs, a copy of each passport data page, and proof of financial means. For families or groups, use a consolidated registration approach to keep data consistent. Maintain a white list of documents for quick reference.

Citizens from Brunei и Micronesia may have simplified steps or exemptions in some cases; travelers from europe should verify whether an online submission is possible and whether a prior interview is needed. During the process, keep a note about dates and the registration reference, because you will need to provide it when confirming arrangements.

Charges are shown on the official portal and depend on nationality and service speed. Expect costs that appear as line items; you can pay online and receive a confirmation of payment. If something changes, update the schedule and notify the office promptly.

After submission, you will receive a confirmation number and a status update. Save the registration reference and check the portal regularly during the review. If authorities request more documents, upload them here and respond quickly. Thanks for staying on top of the process.

China Visa Guide for Hong Kong Residents: Applying, Costs, and eTA Options

If you are a Hong Kong resident with a Home Return Permit, start by using that document to enter the Mainland; this is the fastest route.

Without HRP, begin the standard entry authorization process through the Hong Kong Public Security Bureau channels or the PRC consulate. The address to start is the PSB office or official service centers; consider using a trusted travel service to streamline the documentation.

• Route options:
  • Home Return Permit for eligible residents visiting the Mainland; it remains the simplest path for stay-related trips.
  • Standard Mainland entry authorization via official applications; you will address the filing through the local PRC office or an appointed agency.
• Documentation essentials:
  • Passports (including Hong Kong SAR passport) and, if applicable, the Home Return Permit
  • Hong Kong Identity Card copy
  • Recent photographs in the specified size
  • Flight itinerary and hotel bookings or invitation letter
  • Proof of financial means and travel insurance
  • Criminal record clearance if required
  • Completed application form or online submission link
• Costs and processing:
  • HRP route: often no fee or minimal charge; processing time varies by office
  • Standard route: fees apply; typical processing window ranges from several days to weeks depending on speed requests; expedited options may exist

eTA options: currently, a broad electronic travel authorization for Mainland entry is not universal; some limited evisas pilots exist for select circumstances or nationalities. If online pre-approval is offered, it takes a few business days and remains contingent on the applicant’s documentation and policy checks. For convenience, many travelers still start with paper-based or in-person submission; verify availability and start date before relying on this route.

Country-specific notes for travelers with different passports: peru, cyprus, belarus, guinea-bissau, trinidad and australia passport holders: check mandatory steps; some cases require additional verification or apostille of documents. qatar passport holders: confirm whether an event-related policy changes the permit requirements; schedule the application start early to avoid delays. All travelers should ensure passports remain valid for at least six months beyond planned stay; note that entry policy may change during events or holidays; if you already stay in HK, you can remain flexible around dates. When you start, coordinate with trusted agencies to address the address fields and ensure the documentation is united and complete.

China visa types for Hong Kong residents

Start with an L-entry for a single city trip; for several trips in a year, request a multi-entry L or M permit, then submit to the China Visa Application Service Center in Hong Kong with an invitation from their host and proof of funds.

L-entry covers leisure, family visits, and short business discussions; invited hosts provide letters that detail trip plans; durations depend on the entry granted.

M-entry supports commercial travel, meetings, and related activities; a letter of invitation and business documentation from a mainland partner should be included; durations and entry limits vary by regime.

Q1 covers visits to close relatives in the Mainland; Q2 covers other relatives; both require the host’s invitation or sponsorship; expect longer stays with proper documents.

S1 is for family members of foreign residents or students/workers in the Mainland; S2 is for shorter stays; their inland hosts provide invitation letters and supporting documents; submission should show ties and purpose.

Z-type enables employment in the Mainland; obtain a work permit or pre-approval from the employer; submit contract or offer letter with the application.

X1 is for long-term study; X2 covers short courses or exchange programs; an admission letter from an approved school and financial proof are required.

C-entry is for crews and transit; plan your route and stay; some routes allow 24- to 144-hour transit depending on city policies; confirm where you will be staying during transit.

R-entry targets high-skilled professionals; requires an invitation from a recognized authority or employer; voices on ranking indicate select programs with strong outcomes.

Home Return Permit remains the common route for HK residents to enter Mainland China without a typical entry document; check eligibility and where to obtain the permit through the Mainland authorities or the Office in Hong Kong.

Where to submit and what to prepare: to obtain a permit, gather passport, photos, previous travel records, invitation letters, proof of funds, and proof of accommodation; submit at the Hong Kong China Visa Application Service Center or the local PSB office as directed by the Mainland authorities. Their invited partners should provide letters detailing the trip and host contact information; their documents should be translated if required; many applicants compile a clear travel plan highlighting invited events and city-by-city itineraries.

Sample origins include seychelles, rwanda, colombia, russia, abkhazia, australia, macedonia, mariana, puerto, and various parts of europe; their presence in planning notes helps verify purpose and invites; with careful preparation, many trips can be arranged and exceed expectations on multiple trips.

Third, keep an eye on province- and city-level rules since processing times vary by region and by city; ensure the white photos meet size specs and that you should submit accurate documentation for each entry category.

Required documents and photo specifications

Prepare a complete dossier and arrange delivery to the consular center well in advance; plan for at least a month before your visit to allow obtaining any additional documents if needed.

Passport and personal data: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond planned visit, with two blank pages; include a copy of the passport data page for reference.

Photo specifications: two identical color photos, 33×48 mm; head height 28-33 mm; frontal view; neutral expression; plain white background; no shadows; no hats or religious coverings; remove hair accessories; glasses allowed only if lenses are clear and there is no glare; taken within the last six months; print and digital copies should be identical.

Supporting documents: flight itinerary showing return or confirmed transit; hotel reservation or invitation letter from host; proof of sufficient funds for the stay (last 3 months bank statements, salary slips or financial sponsor letter); employment letter or student enrollment document if applicable; travel medical insurance covering the entire period.

Minors and family: For travelers under 18, provide birth certificate and parental consent; if traveling with only one parent, include notarized consent and custody documents as required.

Translations and originals: All documents not in the local language must be translated by a certified translator; bring originals and copies; ensure translations reflect exact field names used on the form.

Territory-specific notes: Travelers from salvador, seychelles, comoros, caicos or russian territories should verify policy at the consulate of the country you will visit; some locations require extra documents or longer checks; transit through third countries may trigger additional steps; prepare onward transit documentation if needed.

Processing timeline and cost: Expected processing times vary by country and consulate; typical range is several days to a few weeks after submission and any interview; costs depend on nationality and service type; check the official site for the current cost and plan budget accordingly.

Online submission notes: If submitting through the online form, ensure high-resolution digital photos saved as JPEG; upload exactly as required in the specified field; then proceed to the next step after verifying all items are in order.

How to submit: where to apply, appointment tips, and tracking

Submit a request through the official online portal to initiate obtaining the evisa; book the earliest available appointment to minimize delays. For uzbekistan and belarus residents, online submission is the fastest path, while travelers from namibia, cyprus, zimbabwe, seychelles, sierra, micronesia, syria should verify regional pages for any country-specific steps and documentation.

Where to apply: Use the embassy or consulate network’s online service, or the authorized evisa platform if offered. They may require a prior registration and a check of the applicant’s status; visafree options exist for some short stays, but always verify current restrictions regarding your nationality and intended entry. This includes travelers from seychelles and micronesia; check the official guidance regarding entry for your country prior to submitting.

Appointment tips: Reserve early reservations; pick a morning slot if available; arrive 15 minutes before the appointment time; prepare prior to the appointment: passport valid for at least six months, a recent photo, flight and hotel reservations, and any translations; if you are from namibia or cyprus, carry additional documents as requested; keep digital copies and bring originals. If they ask for payments, you may be paying additional charges–respond quickly to confirm everything is in order.

Tracking: After you submit, you will receive a notification with a tracking number; check the portal or your email for updates; they may send a request for additional documents. Respond promptly to avoid delays; once approved, verify the entry checks and restrictions for your arrival location. You can check status under the history tab and use alert options to stay informed about any changes regarding your travel plan.

Fees, processing times, and payment methods by visa type

Apply at least 4–6 weeks before departure through the official portal; during holidays add 1–2 months to allow for background checks and queue times.

L-type – Tourist Routine processing runs 4–6 weeks; expedited service may shorten the timeline to 3–5 business days where offered. Total costs depend on nationality and the chosen service path. Payment options include credit or debit cards, bank transfer, or cash at the counter; ensure the documentation package includes a passport valid for at least 6 months, recent photos, travel plan or hotel bookings, and a statement of funds demonstrating sufficient balance in your account. Some passport holders fall under visa-exempt or visafree arrangements for short stays; verify which options apply to your nationality (for example, caribbean destinations and tunisia often permit visa-exempt entries for holidays).

M-type – Business Standard review typically takes 4–8 weeks; expedited processing may be available in select offices within 5–7 days. Costs vary by nationality and service level. Payment channels mirror the tourist category: cards, bank transfer, or cash. Required documentation includes an official invitation from a china-based partner, the inviting company’s license or registration, a travel plan, and evidence of financial capacity (often a bank statement showing funds in your account).

X-type – Study Short-term X2 programs usually require 6–8 weeks; long-term X1 programs extend to 2–3 months. Expedited options are uncommon; plan for the longer window. Payment methods align with other categories: cards, transfers, or cash. Documentation includes the admission letter, enrollment notice, housing details, and proof of funds; the issued date appears on the document, and some applicants from private institutions must provide additional documentation for residence or sponsor support.

Z-type – Work Typical processing spans 6–8 weeks; expedited service is not always available. Requires a work permit and a formal job offer from the employer, plus company information and a valid employment contract. Payments follow the standard options: cards, bank transfer, or cash. Essential papers include the passport, photos, employment contract, and proof of professional qualifications; the issued date is printed on the permit, and residence details may be requested if applicable. For many nationalities, visa-exempt or visafree arrangements may apply only in specific circumstances and destinations; verify current rules with the local office.

C-type – Transit Processing generally 1–2 weeks; documentation is lighter when you only transit and do not leave the airport. Payment options remain consistent: cards, transfers, or cash. If transit rules require a separate transit permit, ensure all documentation is complete and the statement of purpose clearly shows your short stay and onward destination.

General notes: Visa-related services are often offered through private intermediaries; check which providers are authorized for your destination. For applicants from gabon, chile, or rico (Puerto Rico), separate steps may apply; visa-exempt or visafree status depends on the country of nationality and the history of travel restrictions. The caribbean region frequently provides visa-free options for limited stays; maldives and tunisia also show varied visa-exempt arrangements. Always review the residence и documentation requirements for your specific circumstance, and confirm the effective issued date on any official document before submission. Many files rely on a clear account of funds, a complete statement, and precise alignment between the applicant’s history and the requested permit type.

eTA options for Hong Kong citizens: Canada eTA and related programs

Getting a Canada eTA online before booking your flight ensures smoother entry for Hong Kong travelers.

The eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until your HK passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows multiple entries with stays up to six months per visit. The cost is CAD 7. It covers air travel from Hong Kong to Canada; entry by land or sea requires different arrangements. This option is intended for short trips such as tourism or meetings, not for long-term work.

How to apply: you will need your birth date, passport number, and contact details. The online form can be completed there; there is no need for an in-person visit. After submission, you can track the status via official pages. If approved, the eTA is linked to your passport and you can travel within the validity window and staying limits. Ensure your passport remains valid for the duration of your travel; if you renew your passport, you may need to reapply.

Related programs include International Experience Canada (IEC) options that combine travel with work under certain quotas. There are several routes, and not all applicants are listed as eligible; however, for Hong Kong citizens there are pathways that may lead to longer stays with work opportunities. Check the official resources for the latest terms and available slots.

There are several listed sources and examples of travelers from nepal, morocco, zambia, cyprus, algeria, yemen, bosnia, montserrat, colombia, venezuela and others who pursue these options. For the eTA itself, proof of funds is not required, though border officers may ask about your staying plans or onward travel. There is no lack of information on official pages, but attention to details such as birth information, validity, and staying within the allowed window is essential. For those planning to visit samui after Canada, confirm the entry requirements for that destination and ensure you can return within your allowed period.