Required Documents for China Tourist Visa: Complete Checklist 2026

ByTrue China Travel Hours
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Getting your Chinese tourist visa application right the first time saves time, money, and stress. This guide provides a comprehensive, item-by-item breakdown of every document you need to submit with your L Visa application.

Use our free Visa Checker tool above to check requirements for your nationality.

Table of Contents

  1. Overview of Required Documents
  2. Passport Requirements
  3. Visa Application Form (Form V.2013)
  4. Passport Photo Specifications
  5. Flight Itinerary and Travel Bookings
  6. Hotel Reservations and Accommodation Proof
  7. Travel Itinerary
  8. Proof of Sufficient Funds
  9. Invitation Letter (If Applicable)
  10. Documents for Former Chinese Citizens
  11. Documents for Third-Country Applicants
  12. Special Cases and Additional Documents
  13. Document Checklist Template
  14. FAQ

Overview of Required Documents

Every China tourist visa application requires a core set of documents. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to provide supplementary materials. Here is a quick overview:

Core Documents (All Applicants)

  1. Valid passport
  2. Completed visa application form (Form V.2013)
  3. Passport photo
  4. Flight itinerary (round-trip)
  5. Hotel reservations or invitation letter
  6. Travel itinerary

Supplementary Documents (As Needed)

  1. Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements)
  2. Previous Chinese visas (if applicable)
  3. Proof of legal residence (if applying outside your home country)
  4. Invitation letter (if visiting friends or relatives)
  5. Former Chinese passport/renunciation documents (if applicable)

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Passport Requirements

Your passport is the most critical document in your application. Here are the exact requirements:

Must-Have Passport Criteria

  •  Validity: At least 6 months beyond your planned date of entry into China. For example, if you plan to enter China on October 1, 2026, your passport must be valid until at least April 1, 2027.
  •  Blank visa pages: At least two blank pages designated for visas. These are the pages with the “visa” watermark — endorsement pages do not count.
  •  Condition: No significant damage. Torn pages, water damage, or detached covers can result in rejection.
  •  Type: A standard passport book. Emergency passports and temporary passports may not be accepted.

Photocopy Requirements

  •  Bio page photocopy: A clear photocopy of the biographical data page (the page with your photo, name, date of birth, and passport number).
  •  Previous Chinese visa copies: If you have held a Chinese visa before, include a photocopy of the most recent visa and the bio page of the passport it was issued in.

Tip: If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before applying for your Chinese visa. Your visa validity cannot exceed your passport validity.

Visa Application Form (Form V.2013)

The visa application form must be completed online and then printed. Here is how to get it right:

Where to Complete the Form

Go to the official Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) website for your country. Create an account, fill out the form, upload your photo, and print the completed form.

Key Fields and Tips

  • Name: Must exactly match the name on your passport.
  • Passport number: Double-check for accuracy.
  • Address in China: List your first hotel or your host’s address. Include the full address in English and Chinese if possible.
  • Purpose of visit: Select “Tourism” for an L Visa.
  • Number of entries: Choose based on your travel plans (single, double, or multiple). US and Canadian citizens should request multiple entries (up to 10 years).
  • Duration of each stay: Typically 30 days. You can request up to 60 days with a detailed itinerary.
  • Date of first entry: Your planned arrival date in China.
  • Cities to visit: List all cities you plan to visit.
  • Education and occupation: Fill out completely. For retirees, write “Retired.” For students, include your school name and address.
  • Emergency contact: Provide a contact in your home country.

Common Form Mistakes to Avoid

  • Leaving fields blank (write “N/A” if a field does not apply)
  • Using a nickname instead of your legal name
  • Mismatched dates between the form, flight itinerary, and hotel bookings
  • Forgetting to sign and date the form
  • Uploading a photo that does not meet specifications

Passport Photo Specifications

China has strict photo requirements. A rejected photo is one of the most common reasons for application delays.

Photo Requirements

  •  Size: 48mm × 33mm (1.89 inches × 1.30 inches)
  •  Background: Plain white or light blue (white is preferred)
  •  Head position: Centered, looking straight ahead, with a neutral expression
  •  Head size: 28mm–33mm from crown to chin
  •  Color: Full color, clear, and in focus
  •  Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
  •  No glasses: Glasses are not permitted
  •  No headwear: No hats, caps, or head coverings (except for religious purposes, with face fully visible)
  •  No accessories: No earrings, necklaces, or other accessories that obscure facial features
  •  No filters or editing: The photo must be unaltered

For a complete guide with examples, see our Photo Requirements Guide.

Flight Itinerary and Travel Bookings

You must provide evidence of your round-trip travel plans. Here is what is accepted:

What to Provide

  •  Round-trip flight booking confirmation: This can be a confirmed reservation or a flight itinerary. A fully paid ticket is not required — a reservation or hold is sufficient.
  •  Entry and exit dates matching your application: The dates on your flight itinerary must match the “date of first entry” on your visa application form.

Tips

  • Use a hold or refundable reservation: Many airlines and travel agencies allow you to hold a reservation for 24–72 hours. Alternatively, book a fully refundable ticket and cancel it after your visa is approved.
  • Do not buy a non-refundable ticket until your visa is approved: If your visa is delayed or rejected, you may lose money on non-refundable flights.
  • Third-country transit is fine: If you are flying through a third country (e.g., flying from New York to Beijing via Tokyo), include both legs of the journey.

Hotel Reservations and Accommodation Proof

You need to show where you will be staying during your time in China. Here are the accepted forms of proof:

Hotel Reservations

  •  Confirmed hotel bookings: Provide reservations for every city you plan to visit. The dates must align with your travel itinerary.
  •  Booking confirmation from the hotel or booking platform: Print or save the confirmation email showing hotel name, address, dates, and your name.

Staying with Friends or Relatives

If you are staying with a host in China, you need:

  •  Invitation letter from your host (see the Invitation Letter section below)
  •  Copy of your host’s Chinese ID (Shenfenzheng) or passport and residence permit (if your host is a foreigner living in China)

Mixed Accommodation

If you are staying in hotels for part of the trip and with friends for part of the trip, provide both hotel reservations for the hotel nights and an invitation letter for the nights with your host.

Travel Itinerary

A well-prepared itinerary demonstrates that you are a genuine tourist and helps the consular officer understand your travel plans.

What to Include

  •  Day-by-day plan: List each day of your trip with the city, planned activities/attractions, and accommodation.
  •  Dates: Include specific dates for each day.
  •  Cities: List all cities you plan to visit, in chronological order.
  •  Transportation between cities: Note how you plan to travel between cities (e.g., high-speed train, domestic flight, bus).

Example Itinerary Format

Day 1 (Oct 1): Arrive Beijing (PEK) at 2:00 PM
  - Check in at [Hotel Name], [Address]
  - Visit Wangfujing Street
Day 2 (Oct 2): Beijing
  - Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square
  - Temple of Heaven
Day 3 (Oct 3): Beijing
  - Great Wall (Mutianyu section)
  - Olympic Park (Bird's Nest, Water Cube)
Day 4 (Oct 4): Beijing → Xi'an
  - Morning high-speed train to Xi'an
  - Check in at [Hotel Name], [Address]
  - Muslim Quarter
...
Day 10 (Oct 10): Depart Shanghai (PVG) at 10:00 AM

Looking for inspiration? Check our Itineraries for pre-planned China travel routes.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Some consulates require proof that you have enough money to cover your expenses during your stay in China. This is more commonly required for first-time applicants.

What to Provide

  •  Bank statement: Recent bank statement (last 3–6 months) showing your name, account number, and balance. The balance should show enough to cover your trip — a general guideline is at least ¥10,000–¥20,000 (~1,400–1,400–2,800 USD) per month of stay.
  •  Savings or checking account: The account should be in your name. Joint accounts are acceptable if your name appears on the statement.

What Is Not Accepted

  • Cash
  • Credit card limits (a credit card statement showing your credit limit is not sufficient)
  • Bitcoin or cryptocurrency holdings
  • Online payment app balances (PayPal, Venmo, etc.) as the sole proof

Invitation Letter (If Applicable)

If you are visiting friends or relatives in China, you need an invitation letter from your host. Here is what the letter must include:

Required Information in the Invitation Letter

  •  Host’s full name
  •  Host’s Chinese ID number (or passport number and residence permit number if the host is a foreigner)
  •  Host’s address in China
  •  Host’s phone number
  •  Host’s relationship to the applicant
  •  Applicant’s full name (as it appears on the passport)
  •  Applicant’s passport number
  •  Planned dates of visit
  •  Purpose of visit
  •  Who will cover expenses (the host or the applicant)
  •  Host’s signature and date

The letter can be handwritten or typed, but it must be signed by the host. It does not need to be notarized.

Documents for Former Chinese Citizens

If you were previously a Chinese citizen (including those born in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau who later acquired foreign citizenship), additional documents are required:

If You Were Born in Mainland China

  •  Your last Chinese passport (original)
  •  Your current foreign passport (original)
  •  Declaration of renunciation of Chinese nationality (if you have not already submitted one)

If You Were Born in Taiwan

  •  Your last Taiwan passport (if applicable)
  •  Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents (if you have one)
  •  Proof of foreign citizenship and naturalization

If You Were Born in Hong Kong or Macau

  •  Your last Hong Kong/Macau passport or identity card (if applicable)
  •  Proof of foreign citizenship and naturalization

If You Have a Chinese Name

If your Chinese name appears on your birth certificate or previous Chinese documents, you may need to include it on your visa application form.

Note: The Chinese government may consider you a Chinese citizen even if you have acquired foreign citizenship, unless you have formally renounced your Chinese nationality. This can affect your visa application.

Documents for Third-Country Applicants

If you are applying for a Chinese visa in a country where you are not a citizen (e.g., a US citizen applying in the UK), you need to provide:

Required Documents

  •  Proof of legal residence: A valid visa, residence permit, work permit, or permanent residency card for the country where you are applying.
  •  All standard visa application documents: Passport, application form, photo, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, and itinerary.

Important Notes

  • Some consulates do not accept applications from non-residents. Check with the specific consulate before applying.
  • Tourists who are merely visiting a country (not residing there) may not be able to apply for a Chinese visa in that country. It is generally recommended to apply in your country of citizenship or permanent residence.

Special Cases and Additional Documents

Minors (Under 18)

  •  Birth certificate (copy)
  •  Both parents’ passports (copies of bio pages)
  •  Letter of consent from both parents authorizing the child to travel to China
  •  Parents’ marriage certificate (if applicable)
  •  If only one parent is traveling: A notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent

Adopted Children from China

  •  Adoption decree (copy)
  •  Child’s Chinese passport or travel document (if the child was issued one)
  •  Child’s current passport

Applicants with Criminal Records

  •  Be truthful on the application form — you must disclose any criminal history
  •  Provide court documents or rehabilitation certificates if requested
  •  A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but serious offenses (especially drug-related) may result in rejection

Business Visa (M Visa) Additional Documents

  •  Invitation letter from a Chinese business partner or trade fair organizer
  •  Letter from your employer explaining the purpose of the business trip

Group Visa Applicants

  •  Group visas are available for tour groups of 5 or more members traveling together
  •  The travel agency organizing the tour handles the group visa application
  •  All group members must enter and exit China together

Document Checklist Template

Print this checklist and use it to ensure you have everything before submitting:

Core Documents

  •  Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank visa pages)
  •  Photocopy of passport bio page
  •  Completed and signed Form V.2013 (printed from online portal)
  •  One passport photo (48mm × 33mm, white background, no glasses)
  •  Round-trip flight itinerary/booking confirmation
  •  Hotel reservation confirmations (all cities and dates)
  •  Day-by-day travel itinerary

Supplementary Documents (If Applicable)

  •  Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
  •  Photocopy of previous Chinese visa(s)
  •  Invitation letter from host in China
  •  Copy of host’s Chinese ID or residence permit
  •  Proof of legal residence (if applying outside home country)
  •  Former Chinese passport and renunciation documents (if applicable)
  •  Birth certificate (for minors)
  •  Parents’ consent letter (for minors)
  •  Adoption decree (for adopted children from China)
  •  Business invitation letter (for M Visa applicants)

Submission

  •  All documents organized and in order
  •  Application fee prepared
  •  Self-addressed stamped envelope (if applying by mail)
  •  Consulate jurisdiction verified

Tip: Use a visa service like [VisaHQ affiliate link] or [iVisa affiliate link] to review your documents and ensure nothing is missing before submission.

FAQ

Do I need to provide original documents or are copies acceptable?

For most documents, clear photocopies are acceptable. However, your passport must be the original. Some consulates may request to see original bank statements — check the specific requirements for your consulate.

Can I submit my application without a confirmed flight booking?

Yes. A flight reservation or hold is sufficient. You do not need to purchase a non-refundable ticket before your visa is approved.

Do I need to book hotels for my entire stay?

Yes. You should provide hotel reservations covering all nights of your trip. If you are staying with friends or family, provide an invitation letter instead of hotel bookings for those nights.

Is the invitation letter required for all tourist visa applications?

No. An invitation letter is only required if you are visiting friends or relatives. If you are staying in hotels, hotel reservations are sufficient.

Can I use a digital bank statement?

Yes. Downloaded PDF bank statements from your bank’s website are acceptable, as long as they show your name, account number, and transaction history.

What if I don’t have enough bank balance?

If your bank balance is low, you can provide a sponsor’s bank statement along with a letter from the sponsor stating they will cover your expenses. The sponsor should be a close family member.

Do I need to translate documents that are not in English?

Documents in English do not need translation. Documents in other languages should be translated into English or Chinese by a certified translator.

Can I submit my application by mail?

Some CVASCs accept mail-in applications. Check the website of the CVASC in your jurisdiction. You will need to include a prepaid self-addressed envelope for the return of your passport.

What if my passport was recently renewed and my previous Chinese visa was in the old passport?

Include a photocopy of the previous visa and the bio page of the old passport. This helps the consular officer verify your travel history and may increase your chances of receiving a longer-validity visa.

Do I need travel insurance for my visa application?

Travel insurance is not a formal requirement for the Chinese tourist visa. However, it is highly recommended for your trip. Consider [World Nomads affiliate link] or [SafetyWing affiliate link] for comprehensive travel coverage.

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Last updated: July 2026

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