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Requirements and Procedures for Chinese Visa Application
2025-05-14 10:34

Holders of valid ordinary passports of the Kingdom of Thailand shall be exempted from visa requirement for entry into,exit from or transit through the territory of China, for each single stay not exceeding thirty (30) days and for a cumulative period of stays not exceeding ninety (90) days in any one hundred and eighty (180)-day-period.The above mentioned passport holders who intend to stay in China for a period of more than thirty (30) days or to reside or engage in employment, study, media activities, or other activities which require prior approval from the competent authorities, shall apply for an appropriate visa before entering China.

1.The application procedures for ordinary visa to China:

(1) An applicant within the Embassy’s consular jurisdiction is required to complete an online application form and upload application documents via the website https://bio.visaforchina.cn/BKK3_ZH.Please print out the confirmation page and the full form (double-sided printing recommended), and sign on the bottom of the confirmation page and on item 9 of the form.

(2) Submit the application in person to Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Bangkok and have all ten fingerprints collected there.

The following applicants can be exempted from fingerprints collection:

1) Applicants under the age of 14 or over 70;

2) Diplomatic passport holders, or applicants eligible for diplomatic, official and courtesy visas;

3) Applicants who already had their fingerprints collected within the past five years with the same passport at the Chinese Embassy in Thailand or Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Bangkok.

4) Applicants all/some fingerprints of whom are uncollectible.

The four kinds of applicants mentioned above can entrust an agent or agency with application submission.

5) Applicants for single- or double-entry visas (within 180 days of stay) are exempted from fingerprint collection before and on December 31, 2025, according to the announcement of the Chinese Government.

2.Documents Required for Ordinary Visa Application

(1) Visa Application Form and Photo: Printed form filled in online, and hard copy of the photo uploaded;

(2) Original and photocopy of the applicant’s passport (with enough blank visa pages and a validity period of no less than six months from the day of submitting the application);

(3) Original and photocopy of the applicant’s proof of legal stay or residence status in Thailand (applicable to foreign citizens who stay in Thailand other than Thai or Chinese people);

(4) Previous Chinese passport (applicable to foreign citizens who used to be Chinese citizens) or previous Chinese visas: 

1) If a foreign citizen who used to be a Chinese citizen is applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, the original of the previous Chinese passport and a photocopy of its information page should be submitted.

2) If a foreign citizen who was issued a Chinese visa before is applying for a Chinese visa with a different foreign passport, a photocopy of the information page of the previous passport and a photocopy of the previous Chinese visa should be submitted.

3) If the name on the current foreign passport differs from that on the previous Chinese passport or the previous Chinese visa, an official document issued by competent authorities on the name change should be submitted.

(5)Other essential documents required according to visa types:

Visa Types

 Visa Description

Required Documents

L

For individual tourists

 

Please upload one of the following documents:
 ◎ A reservation of hotel room and a round-trip flight ticket.
 ◎ An Invitation Letter issued by an authorized unit or Invitation letter from an individual in China and the photocopy of the inviter’s Chinese ID.
 An Invitation Letter must contain the following information:
-- Information of the applicant: full name, gender, date of birth, etc.;

-- Information of the planned visit: purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to visit, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.;

--Information of the inviting entity or individual: name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual.

 Please provide one of the following documents:
 ◎ A reservation of hotel room and a round-trip flight ticket.
 ◎ An Invitation Letter issued by an authorized unit or Invitation letter from an individual in China and the photocopy of the inviter’s Chinese ID.
 An Invitation Letter must contain the following information:
-- Information of the applicant: full name, gender, date of birth, etc.;

-- Information of the planned visit: purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to visit, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.;

-- Information of the inviting entity or individual: name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal  representative or the inviting individual.

 

M

For commercial/business activities

 

An Invitation Letter issued by the commercial business partner in China (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.)
The Invitation Letter must contain the following information:
-- Information of the invitee: full name, gender, date of birth, etc.;
-- Information of the planned visit: purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to visit, relation between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenses, etc.;
-- Information of the inviting entity or individual: name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual.

 F

For a visit for academic, cultural, scientific and other  non-commercial activities

 

Please upload one of the following documents:
◎ An Invitation Letter issued by relevant units in China;
(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.)
The invitation letter must contain the following information:
-- Information of the invitee: full name, gender, date of birth, etc.;
-- Information of the planned visit: purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to visit, relation between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.;
-- Information of the inviting entity or individual: name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual.
◎ Personnel engaged in geographic surveying and mapping activities in China: An Invitation Letter issued by the Science and Technology and Cooperation Department of the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping of China;
◎ Exchange performers: An Invitation Letter issued by the event organizer and a photocopy of the non-commercial approval document for the performance issued by the cultural authorities;
◎ Experts who stay in China for no more than 90 days: An“Invitation Letter for Foreign Experts to China issued by the competent department of foreign experts at the city level (including) with districts;
◎ Volunteers who stay in China for no more than 90 days: an invitation letter issued by a unit in China.

X1

For studying in China for more than180 days

The original or photocopy of Admission Letter/ Admission Notice issued by the school or other entities in China for new students and the proof of returning to school for returning students;
2. The original or photocopy of “Visa Application for Study in China Form JW-201”or “Form JW-202”

*For applicants who are primary or secondary students, the original or photocopy of Confirmation Form for Elementary Stage Students Study in China.

X2

For studying in China for less than 180 days

The original or photocopy of Admission Letter/ Admission Notice issued by the school or other entities in China.

Z

For working in China

Please provide one of the following documents:
◎ Photocopy of “Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit”;
◎ Photocopy of the“Invitation Letter for Foreigners to Engage in Offshore Oil Operations”issued by CNOOC;

◎ Photocopy of the“Registration Certificate of Permanent  Representative  Office of Foreign (Regional) Enterprises” issued by the market supervision and management department;

◎ Original  of the“Confirmation Letter for Employment of Staff in Foreign Cultural Centers issued by the Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism;(*Please present the original certification when input fingerprint at the Chinese visa center)

◎ Photocopy of the“Representative Qualification Confirmation  Letter” issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism; 

◎ For commercial entertainment performance or shows for less than 90 days: The original and photocopy of “Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in P. R. China”and “Approval for Performance issued by a competent Cultural Department/Bureau.

 

Q1

00001. For family members of Chinese citizens, who apply for a stay in China (more than 180 days) for family reunion;
        
2. For  family  members of foreigners  with “Chinese  permanent  residence status”,  who apply  for a stay in China (more than 180   days) for family reunion;
    
3. For people who apply for  entry and stay for reasons like foster care.
    

00002. *Family members include spouses, parents,spouse’s parents,  children, children’s  spouses, grandparents, siblings,  grandchildren, and maternal grandchildren.)

For the purpose of family reunion, please provide:
    
1. An Invitation Letters from the relatives in China with a photocopy of his/her Chinese ID or“Chinese Permanent Resident Permit”, and original and photocopy of kinship proof.      
(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.
    
The invitation letter must contain the following information:
    
-- Information of the invitee: full name, gender, date of birth, etc.;
    
-- Information of the planned visit: purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to visit, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.;

-- Information of the inviter: full name, contact telephone number,  address, signature.

2. The original of the proof of family relationship between the applicant and the inviter (marriage certificate, birth certificate, proof of kinship issued by the Local Security Bureau or the notarial certificate of kinship, etc.) (*Please present the original certification when input fingerprint at the Chinese visa center)

3. Photocopy of the inviter’s Chinese identity certificate (such as Chinese ID card or household registration booklet, overseas Chinese and Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and Taiwan compatriots can provide passport, Home Visit Permit, Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents, and proof of work or residence in China for more than 6 months), or photocopy of passport of the foreigner and his/her “Chinese Permanent Residence Permit”.

    
    
In case of foster care, the following must be provided:
1. The original of the foster care power of attorney notarial issued by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate abroad, or the  foster care power of attorney notarized by the host country or China;(*Please present the original certification when input fingerprint at the Chinese visa center)

2. The original and photocopy of the client’s passport;(*Please present the original certification when input fingerprint at the Chinese visa center)

3. A Letter of Consent to accept foster care issued by the trustee accepting foster care and a photocopy of his/her ID card;
4. If both or one of the parents of the foster child is a Chinese citizen,a photocopy of the Overseas Settlement Certificate of Chinese parents at the time of the child’s birth must also be provided.
    

Q2

1. For relatives of Chinese citizens  residing in China, who intend to go to China for a short-term visit (not exceeding 180 days);
    
    
    
2. For relatives of  foreigners with  Chinese permanent  residence status, who intend to go to China for a short-term family visit (not  exceeding  180days).
    

1. An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen living in China or a foreign citizen with Chinese permanent residence status.
(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.)
The invitation letter must contain the following:
-- Personal information of the invitee: full name, gender, date of birth, etc.;
-- Visit information of the invitee: reason for coming to China, dates of arrival and departure, places to visit, relationship with the inviter, financial source of expenditures, etc.;
 -- Inviter’s information: name, contact number, address, inviter’s signature, etc.
-- Photocopy of the inviters Chinese identity certificate (such as Chinese ID card or household registration booklet, overseas Chinese and Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and Taiwan compatriots can provide  passport, Home Visit Permit, Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents, and proof of work or residence in China for more than 6 months), or photocopy of passport of foreigner and Chinese permanent residence permit.

S1

 

For spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18years,parents of spouses of foreigners residing in China for work, study, etc.,who intend to go to China for a long-term visit (more than 180 days),  and those  who need to reside in China

for other  personal  affairs.

If the inviter has been working or long-term studying in China:
1. An Invitation Letter issued by the foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or long-term study;
(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.)
The invitation letter must contain the following information:
-- Information of the invitee: full name, gender, date of birth, etc.;
-- Information of the planned visit: purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to visit, relations between the applicant and the  inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.
-- Information of the inviting entity or individual: name, contact telephone number, address, official
2. A photocopy of the inviter’s passport and residence permit;
3. Original of certification of family relationship between the applicant and inviter (such as marriage certificate, birth certificate, certificate of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or the notarial certificate of kinship).(*Please present the original certification when input fingerprint at the Chinese visa center)

If an applicant who applies at the same time with the foreigner who going to China for work or long-term study:
1. Photocopy of work or long-term study visa application documents;
2. The original certificate of relationship between the applicant and the applicant who applies for working visa or long-term study visa (such as marriage certificate, birth certificate, not arialcertificate of kinship,etc.);2.original of kinship proof(*Please present the original certification when input fingerprint at the Chinese visa center) 

3. A statement issued by the relevant unit. 
For accompanying family members of foreign journalists: a “visa notification letter” issued by the Department of Information of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of People’s Republic of China.

S2

1.Family Visitor Visa of less  than180 days for family members of foreign nationals who work or study in China;
    
*Family members include spouses, parents,spouse’s parents, children, children’s spouses,grand parents, siblings, grandchildren, andmaternal grandchildren.)
      
    
2. Visitor Visa for personal affairs to stay in China for less than 180 days. 

For a short-term family visit

1. A photocopy of the passport and residence permit of the inviter (a foreigner who stays and resides in China for work, study, etc.);

The invitation letter must contain the following:

-- Personal information of the invitee: full name, gender, date of birth, etc.;

2. An invitation letter issued by the inviter;(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.)

-- Visit information of the invitee: reason for coming to China, dates of arrival and departure, places to visit, relationship with the inviter, financial source of expenditures, etc.;
-- Inviter’s information: full name, contact telephone number, address,signature, etc.
3. Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, a copy of the certificate of kinship, etc.) between the applicant and the  inviter issued by the police station or a notarial certificate of kinship, (spouse, parents, children, spouses of children, brothers and sisters, grandparents, maternal grandparents, grandchildren, maternal  grandchildren, and parents of the spouse).
For personal affairs, the consular officer may require to provide relevant proof documents.

 

J1

For resident foreign journalists in China

Visa notifications issued by the Information Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and official letters from the applicant’s employer.

J2

For foreign  journalists who visit China for temporary  news coverage.

Visa notifications issued by the Information Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry or other competent Chinese authorities and official letters from the applicant’s employer.

C

For foreign crew  members of international transportation international aircraft, trains, ships, or motor vehicle driversengaged in cross-border transport activities, or for the accompanying family  members of the crew on board the above-mentioned ships

A guarantee letter issued by a foreign transportation company, or an invitation letter issued by a relevant unit in China.

G

For people who transit  through China

A connecting flight (vehicle/train/ship) ticket with a confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region.

R

For foreigner of high talent or specialists

A photocopy of the“Confirmation Letter for Foreigners of High Talent or Specialist”.

D

For permanent residence

The original of  the“Confirmation Form for Foreigners  Permanent Residence Status”issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.(*Please present the original certification when input fingerprint at the Chinese visa center)

3.Processing Time for Ordinary Visas

(1)Regular Service: If you have submitted all documents required in the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre, it normally takes 4 business days (it may vary case by case).

(2)Express Service: If you have a special or emergent situation, you may request an express service (2 or 3 business days) with an additional fee after submitting all documents required in the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre.Approval for such services may or may not be provided by the Chinese Embassy.

4. Other Reminders

(1)On filling in the form online: Please read the system prompts carefully and fill in the form in a truthful, complete, and accurate manner, and upload the the photo of the applicant in line with the standards. If such information as the name, gender, date of birth, passport number, passport issuance country, etc. is incorrect, or the photo is of someone else, or the key information in the application form is intentionally concealed or falsely stated, the application will be rejected or returned, and the applicant will need to submit a new application form online.

(2) For those who intend to visit China for humanitarian reasons, such as visiting an immediate family member who is in critical medical condition, arranging funeral matters of an immediate family member in China, or for other emergencies, please email bangkokcentre@visaforchina.org in advance for enquiry.

(3) 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.

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

(5) 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.


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