FAQ
240-Hour Visa Free Transit Policy
As of 17th Nov 2023, foreign nationals from 54 countries are eligible for 72/144-hour visa free transit policy holding interline tickets to transit to a third country or region via ports and cities in Chinese mainland. Please see https://en.nia.gov.cn/n163/n227/c117540/content.html for details.
Do I have to book an appointment?
No. No appointment needed at this moment. Please just turn up in business hours.
Can I apply for a visa online?
Sorry, you cannot. Please fill in an online visa application form and bring all your application documents to the visa centre for your biometric information. Please check your documents lists here. You don't have to give your biometric information unless: 1) You are under 14 years old; 2) You are o
Can I used my valid visa on my old passport?
A valid Chinese visa on an expired UK passport is good for travelling to China provided it is used together with a new valid passport bearing the same name, sex, date of birth and nationality. If any change is made to the above-mentioned information on the new passport, a new visa shall be applied.
How to upload the photo when filling in the online application form?
1) The online application form photograph can only be accepted as JPEG format, dimensions of which cannot exceed 354*472, with a file size between 40KB-120KB.2) The photograph must be of the applicant taken within the past 6 months with a white or close towhite background conforming to photograph re
What if my photo didn't pass the quality check?
1)if you have already uploaded the photograph 3 times and have not yet uploaded successfully, the system will remind you to bring a suitable photograph. When you come to the centre to submit the application, please bring a recent photograph of yourself with a white or close to white background and c
What if I lost my pick-up form?
If you lost your pick-up form, please present your photo identity card, i.e. drivers license, tothe Visa Centres staff for verification. Visa Centre will return your passport after confirming your identity and making a copy of your ID.
How long should be the remaining validity of my passport when I apply for a China visa?
Generally speaking, there should be at least six months left before the passport expires.
How to understand the validity of a visa, number of entries and duration of stay?
Validity of a visa refers to the period within which the visa holder is allowed to enter China.Unless otherwise specified, a visa is effective from the date of issuance to midnight Beijing Time on the last date of validity. The number of entries refers to the number of times the visa holder is perm
Why do Chinese visas have different categories?
In light of China's laws and regulations, consular officers decide what type of visa is best suited for an applicants stated purpose of visit to China.