How to Apply for a Chinese Visa
A Chinese visa is applied for before travel: the form is completed online (COVA), an appointment is booked (AVAS), the documents and passport are handed in at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center or consulate, fingerprints are taken, and the passport is collected with the visa after about four working days.
Key facts
- Regular processing
- 4 working days regular; 2–3 days express and 1 day rush where offered, at a surcharge
- When to apply
- Apply 1–2 months before departure and no earlier than 3 months (the visa's validity starts on issue)
- Online form
- COVA — cova.mfa.gov.cn[1]
- Appointment
- AVAS — avas.mfa.gov.cn[2]
- Fingerprints
- Applicants aged 14–70, at submission
Step by step
1. Check whether a visa is needed at all
Nationals of the 50 visa-free countries need no visa for stays up to 30 days; many others qualify for 240-hour visa-free transit. Work, study and journalism always need a visa.
2. Complete the online form (COVA)
Fill in the China Online Visa Application at cova.mfa.gov.cn, upload a passport photo, and print the confirmation page and the form. The form must be signed by the applicant.
3. Book an appointment (AVAS)
Reserve a submission slot through the Appointment for Visa Application Submission system at avas.mfa.gov.cn, or on the local CVASC website where the centre handles bookings.
4. Gather the documents
Passport with at least six months' validity and two blank pages, the printed COVA form, the photo, proof of travel (flights and hotels) or the invitation letter, and any category-specific papers such as a work permit notification or admission notice.
5. Submit in person and give fingerprints
Applicants aged 14 to 70 provide fingerprints at submission. Some centres accept mail-in applications for applicants who have given fingerprints within the last five years.
6. Pay the fees
The consular fee depends on nationality and is paid together with the CVASC service fee; express and rush processing cost extra.
7. Collect the passport
Collect in person or by courier when the pickup notice arrives. Check the visa sticker for name, passport number, entries, validity and duration of stay before travelling.
See the document checklist and the fees.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- China Online Visa Application (COVA) — Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China (retrieved 6 September 2026)
- Appointment for Visa Application Submission (AVAS) — Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China (retrieved 6 September 2026)
- Chinese Visa Application Service Center — application guide — CVASC (retrieved 6 September 2026)
Related
Visa
30-day visa-free entry →
The countries, the conditions and how long the scheme is confirmed for.
Visa
240-hour visa-free transit →
Ten days in China on the way to a third country: eligible countries, ports and rules.
Visa
Digital Arrival Card →
Mandatory for every visitor, free on the official NIA channels, completed before arrival.
Visa
Visa types →
L, M, F, Z, X, Q, S, G, J, C, R and D explained.
Visa
Documents checklist →
The core documents and what each visa category adds.
Visa
Visa fees →
Consular fees by nationality, service fees and the current reduction.