Traveling to China

To apply for a tourist visa, the required documents checklist includes: a passport valid 6 months after return date, a visa application form duly completed, a passport-sized photo, a letter of invitation from your family or friends in China and your return plane ticket. Fees apply. 

Collective tourist visas may be issued for groups of minimum 5 persons, and collective visit visas may be issued for groups of minimum 9 persons. Requirements for collective tourist visas are as follow: participants must collectively enter and leave China. A certificate issued by the Tourist Office of China is required, as well as a letter of invitation from the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), from a region or a municipality under the Chinese central government or from a travel agency accredited by the Chinese authorities. A guarantee letter from the travel agency accredited by the Chinese government is required, as well as the participants list in triplicate. Forms are available online or in Chinese embassies and consulates. 

For collective visit visas in China (for unofficial visits, exhibitions, sporting events etc.) application formalities are the same as for collective tourist visas. Note, however, that a letter of invitation issued by the Chinese authorities is required. Fees apply. 

Note:

Citizens from Singapore, Brunei and Japan do not need a visa for a stay in China up to 15 days.

 Useful link:

Beijing Municipal public security bureau – L visa application
http://www.bjgaj.gov.cn/eng/

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