West China Travel

For those countries which are not in the list,their citizens need to apply for visa.

Requirements for Applying for a Chinese Tourist Visa
A Chinese Tourist Visa is designed for foreign nationals intending to visit China for tourism purposes. Applicants can submit their visa applications from abroad, upon arrival at designated entry points, or within China. This guide focuses on the application process at Chinese embassies or consulates located outside of China. As with all visa categories, it is essential that all applicants prepare and present the required documents accurately and honestly. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide for applying for a China Tourist Visa.

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Passport

You must provide your original passport, which should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into China and contain at least one blank visa page. Additionally, include a photocopy of the passport’s data page, the photo page, and any pages with previous visas.
If you possess a new passport but have a valid Chinese Tourist Visa in your old passport, you may travel with both passports, provided the purpose of your visit remains unchanged.

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Visa Application Form

Access the official COVA website (https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn) and select the relevant country and city for your application submission. Create a new China Visa Application Form online, ensuring that you fill out all required personal details completely and accurately. After reviewing your information, save and submit the form. Note that once submitted, the form cannot be altered. Print the completed form and sign and date it.

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Visa Photo

Provide two recent passport-sized color photos (taken within the last six months). The photos should have a plain white or light background, feature a frontal view of your face without a hat, and meet the following size requirements:
Paper Photo Size: 33mm x 48mm
Digital Photo Size: Horizontal: 354 – 420 pixels; Vertical: 472 – 560 pixels
Attach one photo to the printed visa application form.

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Proof of Legal Stay or Residence (for applicants residing outside their home country)

You must submit both the original and a photocopy of your valid residency or visa documents, demonstrating your legal status in the country where you are applying if your are not the citizen of the country where you stay.

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Previous Chinese Passport or Visa (for former Chinese citizens who have acquired foreign nationality)

If this is your first application for a Chinese Visa, include your original passport along with a photocopy of its data page.
If you are applying for a new visa under a new passport and have previously held a Chinese Visa, provide a photocopy of the data page of your old passport along with the old Chinese Visa. If your current passport bears a different name than your old passport, you will need to present an official name change certificate.

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Supporting Documents
You will also need to provide relevant travel documents that outline your itinerary, which may include:

Booked refundable round-trip flight tickets
Hotel reservation confirmations
Proposed travel schedules
An invitation letter from a relevant entity or individual in China (if applicable)
Invitation Letter: Although not mandatory, an invitation letter can be beneficial in clarifying the purpose of your visit, especially if you are invited by friends, family, or a recognized travel agency. The letter should include the following information:

Applicant Information: Full name, passport number, nationality, gender, and date of birth.
Travel Details: Intended departure and arrival dates, and places you plan to visit.
Host Information: Name of the inviting individual or organization, contact number, address, and if applicable, the official seal and signature of the legal representative or inviting individual.
By following these guidelines and ensuring you have all the necessary documentation, you can facilitate a smoother application process for your Chinese Tourist Visa.

3 Travel Tips For Preparation

Planning a long trip to China requires careful preparation to ensure comfort, safety, and cultural adaptability. Below is a detailed guide based on the latest travel insights and policies:

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1. Essential Documents & Travel Logistics

• Passport, Visa, and Copies: Carry your original passport with a valid visa (if required) and keep photocopies in separate bags. Store digital scans in cloud storage for emergencies 1.
• Travel Insurance: Opt for comprehensive coverage that includes medical emergencies, flight delays, and lost luggage 1.
• Transportation Tickets: Print or save digital copies of flight/train tickets. Note that domestic flight luggage allowances vary (e.g., 20kg for economy class) 1.
• Visa-Free Policies: Check if your country qualifies for China’s expanded visa-free entry (38 countries as of 2025) or 240-hour transit visas 5.

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2. Financial Preparations

• Currency: Carry Chinese Yuan (CNY) for mainland China, Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), or New Taiwan Dollar (TWD) depending on your itinerary. Exchange currency at international airports 1.
• E-Wallets: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay for cashless transactions. These apps are widely accepted, even by street vendors 15.
• Credit Cards: Visa cards are commonly accepted, but smaller shops may prefer cash or mobile payments 1.

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3. Health & Hygiene

• Medications: Pack a basic medical kit with anti-diarrheal pills (e.g., Pepto-Bismol), electrolyte solutions, and prescription medications. Include a doctor’s note for controlled substances 1.
• Toiletries: Bring your preferred hygiene products. Hotels in Hong Kong no longer provide free toiletries due to plastic bans 1.
• Water Safety: Avoid tap water—use bottled water even for brushing teeth. Baby formula should be pre-packed if traveling with infants 1.

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4. Clothing & Weather Adaptation

• Seasonal Gear: Northern China (e.g., Beijing) has harsh winters (-8°C in January), requiring thermal layers. Southern regions (e.g., Shanghai) are humid in summer—lightweight, quick-dry clothing is ideal 12.
• Respectful Attire: Modest clothing is recommended for temples or mosques. Pack a light jacket for air-conditioned indoor spaces 1.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring vast sites like the Great Wall 1.

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5. Technology & Connectivity

• VPN: Install a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) before arrival to access Google, Facebook, and other restricted sites 1.
• SIM Card: Purchase a prepaid SIM card for mobile data. Apps like WeChat are crucial for communication with guides or hotels 15.
• Offline Translator: Use apps like Google Translate (download Mandarin offline packs) to bridge language gaps 1.

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6. Cultural & Practical Tips

• Avoid Crowds: Steer clear of Golden Weeks (May 1–5 and October 1–7). Opt for shoulder seasons like April or September for fewer tourists 2.
• Transportation: Pre-book private transfers with car seats for children, as taxis rarely provide them 1.
• Air Quality: Pack face masks for cities with occasional pollution, though COVID-19 mask mandates are no longer enforced 1.

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7. Special Considerations for Families

• Kids’ Essentials: Bring sufficient diapers and formula, as Western brands are limited outside major cities. Engage children with travel-friendly toys or a digital camera 1.
• Food Safety: Stick to familiar snacks for picky eaters. Most restaurants offer rice/noodles, but avoid street food with uncertain hygiene 1.

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8. Updated Policies (2025)

• Mobile Payments: International tourists can now use UnionPay and NetsUnion for seamless transactions, with a 124% increase in usage during the 2025 Spring Festival 5.
• Tax Refunds: Utilize the pilot “Buy Now, Refund Now” service for efficient VAT refunds at departure 5.

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Final Checklist: Double-check documents, weather-appropriate clothing, VPN setup, and medical supplies. For personalized itineraries or queries, consider contacting travel experts like us. By addressing these aspects, your trip to China will be both enriching and hassle-free!