How to get a Visa from China
With the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in China and the relaxation of entry policies, an increasing number of international buyers are coming to China for purchasing goods. Especially at the Yiwu Market, foreign traders are gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels.
We often receive inquiries from both returning and new clients, expressing their desire to come to Yiwu for product sourcing. However, they are uncertain about the visa application process.
In today’s article, we will guide you on how to apply for a visa to come to China.
If you belong to the following scenarios, you may not need a visa.
- Holders of valid APEC Business Travel Cards are eligible for multiple entries to China during the card’s validity period, which is equivalent to a multiple-entry visa valid for 5 years. Cardholders can enter China multiple times within the validity period using the APEC Business Travel Card along with a valid passport that matches the information on the card. The duration of each stay may vary from 60 days to 90 days.
- Citizens of Singapore, Brunei, and Japan holding ordinary passports can enjoy a visa-free stay in Mainland China for purposes of tourism, business, visiting relatives, or transit for up to 15 days. When entering China through open ports for foreigners, they are exempt from the visa requirement.
- If you hold a valid Foreigner’s Permanent Residence Card of the PRC or Residence Permit for Foreigners in the PRC, you meet the visa-free qualification.
How to apply for a Visa
There are various types of Chinese visas, including diplomatic visas, courtesy visas, official visas, and ordinary visas, among others.
If you are coming to China for purchasing purposes, you can apply for either a tourist visa or a business visa.
In this section, we will walk you through the process to apply for a business or tourist visa to trade or travel in China.
Keep reading!
Step 1. Collect the required documents for your visa application
- Passport: Original passport with a validity of at least 6 months and at least one blank visa page, along with one photocopy of the passport’s data page.
- Visa Application Form and Photo: One completed “Visa Application Form of the People’s Republic of China” and one recent, front-facing, color passport-sized photo (with a light-colored background), affixed to the application form.
- Proof of Legal Stay or Residence (Applicable to applicants applying for a visa outside their country of nationality): If you are applying for a visa outside your country of nationality, you must provide the original and a photocopy of a valid certificate of legal stay, residence, work, or study in the country where you are currently located.
- If you are applying for a tourist visa, you will need the following documents: Round-trip flight booking and hotel reservation or other travel itineraries.
Invitation letter from a Chinese domestic entity or individual. The invitation letter should include the following details:
(1) Personal information of the invitee: Name, gender, date of birth, etc.
(2) Travel arrangements of the invitee: Arrival and departure dates, tourist destinations, etc.
(3) Information of the inviting entity or individual: Name of the inviting entity or individual, contact number, address, official seal of the organization (if applicable), signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual.
(5)If you are applying for a business visa, you will need the following documents:
Business documents issued by your Chinese trade partner or an invitation letter from a trade fair, etc. The invitation letter should include the following details:
(1) Personal information of the invitee: Name, gender, date of birth, etc.
(2) Purpose of the visit: Reason for visiting China, arrival and departure dates, places to visit, relationship with the inviting entity or individual, source of expenses, etc.
(3) Information of the inviting entity or individual: Name of the inviting entity or individual, contact number, address, official seal of the organization (if applicable), signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual.
Step 2. Submit your application
After collecting all the documents required for your visa application, you should submit them to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General based on your location of residence. You can either do this by yourself or entrust someone else to do it on your behalf. But anyway, remember to make an appointment online before going to the Visa Office.
Step 4. Pay the visa application fee and collect your visa
Generally, you can collect your visa 4 business days after your application. But mind that the visa processing time can be 2 business days in an urgent situation, and 3 business days for express service.
You pay the visa application fee when you collect the visa.
Visa fee varies based on citizenship and location.
Conclusion:
Obtaining a Chinese visa to visit Yiwu for sourcing purposes is a manageable process with the right support.
At Luuksourcing.com, we are committed to providing our international customers with the necessary tools and assistance to make their visit to Yiwu successful and rewarding.
With our comprehensive guide and personalized support, we are confident that your journey to sourcing in Yiwu will be both enjoyable and fruitful.
For any further inquiries or assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to welcoming you to Yiwu and helping you source the best products for your business.
