China Visa Application Form - Summary
China visa application form is the official document issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China for foreign citizens applying to enter mainland China. The bilingual document in English and Chinese is required for all standard entry categories, including tourist (L), business (M), student (X), and work (Z) visas.
The standard paper form consists of 4 pages divided into four parts. Most Chinese embassies and consulates now require applicants to complete the questionnaire online through the China Online Visa Application (COVA) system at cova.mfa.gov.cn, which generates a printable barcoded form.
Main sections in China visa application form
The 4-page form collects travel and personal records across four distinct parts:
- Part 1 covers personal details, including full name, birth date, nationality, passport number, current occupation, education, and family members.
- Part 2 covers travel information, including visa type, validity requested, planned arrival date, cities to visit, and host or inviting unit in China.
- Part 3 covers other information, such as prior visits to China, valid visas for other nations, and medical or legal declarations.
- Part 4 contains the declaration and signature, where the applicant confirms all entered details are accurate, along with an optional section for a representative helping with the form.
Documents required with the form
Applicants must carry these documents when submitting the completed form:
- Original passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, plus a photocopy of the bio-data page
- One recent passport-size color photograph taken against a white background
- Proof of legal stay or residence permit for applicants applying outside their home country
- Supporting travel documents, such as flight bookings, hotel reservations, or an official invitation letter from China
How to fill and submit the form
STEP 1 – Fill out your application online on cova.mfa.gov.cn or complete the standard 4-page paper form in clear English capital letters.
STEP 2 – Print all pages of the completed application form and the confirmation sheet on clean white A4 paper.
STEP 3 – Paste one recent color photograph measuring 33 mm by 48 mm in the designated photo box on page 1.
STEP 4 – Sign and date the declaration in Part 4 using black or dark blue ink.
STEP 5 – Book a submission appointment through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website at visaforchina.cn, if an appointment is required in your area.
STEP 6 – Submit the signed form, original passport, supporting paperwork, and visa fee at the designated visa center or embassy consular office.
