China
General visa requirements for travelling to China. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Business visa (ASEAN Visa (Business - 5-Year Multiple Entry))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Processing time
- Varies by location
- Fee
- Fee details to be confirmed by Chinese embassies
- Validity
- 5 years, multiple entry
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Eligibility
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Nationality
Business personnel from ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and ASEAN observer state Timor-Leste
Eligible countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Viet Nam
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Purpose of visit
Business activities. Spouses and children of qualifying business personnel are also eligible.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Invitation letter
Host requirements: Business invitation from a Chinese entity demonstrating qualifying business activities
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA); Form url: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn
How to apply
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Online application
Apply online through the COVA system selecting the ASEAN Visa category.
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Document submission
Submit application and supporting documents at local Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
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Processing wait
Processing times vary by location.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with ASEAN Visa sticker.
Business visa (F Visa - Exchange/Visit Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Processing time
- 4 business days (express and rush options available)
- Fee
- $30 USD (varies by nationality; US: $185)
- Validity
- Single or multiple entry: 3-12 months
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Available to nationals of all countries
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Purpose of visit
Non-commercial exchange: research, lectures, scientific exchange, cultural exchange, study tours, academic visits, technical cooperation
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Color photo, 33mm x 48mm, white background, bare-head, full face, taken within past 6 months
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Invitation letter
Host requirements: Invitation letter from a duly authorized Chinese entity or relevant institution. Must include visit purpose, itinerary, and details of the exchange program. For academic visits, letter from the hosting university or research institute.
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA); Form url: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn
How to apply
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Online application
Complete the COVA form online selecting F visa category.
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Document gathering
Obtain invitation letter from Chinese host organization and prepare all supporting documents.
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Document submission
Submit at CVASC or Embassy/Consulate with all required documents.
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Fee payment
Pay applicable visa fee.
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Processing wait
Standard: 4 business days. Express and rush options available.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with F visa.
Business visa (M Visa - Business/Commercial Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 4 business days (express: 2-3 days, rush: 1-2 days)
- Fee
- $30 USD (varies by nationality; US: $185, UK: GBP 85+, Canada: CAD 100+)
- Validity
- Single entry: 3 months; Double/Multiple entry: 6-12 months
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Available to nationals of all countries not covered by visa-free policies for business purposes
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Purpose of visit
Commercial and trade activities: business meetings, contract signing, trade fairs, exhibitions, market research. No employment permitted.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Color photo, 33mm x 48mm, white background, bare-head, full face, taken within past 6 months
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Invitation letter
Host requirements: Invitation letter from a Chinese business partner, trade organization, or authorized Chinese entity. Must include: applicant's full name, gender, date of birth, passport details, purpose of visit, dates of visit, places to be visited, relationship between applicant and inviting entity, and financial support details. Must also include the inviting entity's name, contact info, address, official seal, and signature of legal representative or authorized person.
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA); Form url: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn
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Company registration
Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.
Accepted documents: Copy of Chinese company's business license or organization code certificate (may be required depending on consulate)
How to apply
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Online application
Fill in the Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA) form online. Select M visa category.
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Document gathering
Obtain invitation letter from Chinese business partner. Gather passport, photo, COVA form, and supporting business documents.
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Appointment booking
Schedule appointment at Chinese Visa Application Service Center or Embassy/Consulate.
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Document submission
Submit all documents in person. Biometrics may be collected.
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Fee payment
Pay applicable fee based on nationality and entry type.
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Processing wait
Standard: 4 business days. Express: 2-3 business days. Rush: 1-2 business days.
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Visa collection
Collect passport from CVASC or Embassy/Consulate.