How to apply visa for China (mainland)
On 9 February 2024, the Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Singapore on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Ordinary Passports came into effect. Under this Agreement, holders of ordinary passports of either country may enter the other country without a visa for a stay not exceeding 30 days. Persons who intend to engage in activities subject to prior approval, such as employment or journalistic coverage, or who intend to stay for more than 30 days, are required to obtain the appropriate visa before entry.
1. Application Procedures
1.1 Complete the visa application online (https://bio.visaforchina.cn/SGP3_EN/qianzhengyewu). Upon receiving the email notification of approval, print out the Visa Application Confirmation and bring the originals of supporting documents requested by consular officers during the online application.
1.2 Ordinary passport holder shall submit application at China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC).For details, please visit: https://www.visaforchina.cn/SGP3_ZH/guanyuwomen/bangongshijianjidizhi
1.3 Special Reminders
1.3.1 The following applicants are exempt from fingerprint collection (those exempted from fingerprint collection may authorize another person to submit the application on their behalf):
(1) Applicants under 14 years of age or over 70 years of age;
(2) Holders of diplomatic passports or persons eligible for Chinese diplomatic, official or courtesy visas;
(3) Applicants who have previously submitted fingerprints for a China visa application with the same passport at the Chinese Embassy in Singapore or the China Visa Application Service Center within the past five years;
(4) Applicants with all ten fingers missing or whose ten-finger fingerprints cannot be captured.
(5) Pursuant to the announcement of the Chinese Government, fingerprint collection is waived for all applicants applying for single-entry or double-entry short term visas (with a stay of no more than 180 days) at Chinese overseas visa issuing authorities on or before 31 December 2026.
1.3.2 Except for the above-mentioned cases, applicants must attend the China Visa Application Service Centre in person to provide fingerprints. If impersonation for fingerprint capture was found, the applicant will be refused from entering China and bear all corresponding consequences.
1.3.3 The Embassy may require the applicant to attend an interview at the Embassy if needed.
1.3.4 Unless notified by the Embassy, applicants or their authorized representatives may not collect visas earlier than the collection date on the receipt. Passport and visa return-by-post service is available at the China Visa Application Service Centre.
1.3.5 Once a visa application is approved, it cannot be revoked. Applicants are required to pay the relevant fees.
2. Processing Time
2.1 Regular service: 4 working days.
2.2 Express service: 3 working days.
2.3 Rush service: 2 working days.
Some applications may take more time to process. In such cases, applicants need to wait for notification by CVASC.
3. Documents Required
3.1 Passport: the original of a passport with over 6 months’ validity and blank visa pages, and photocopies of the passport including information pages.
3.2 Visa Application Form and Photo: a printed copy of the Visa Application Form completed online, and a paper photo that is the same as the one uploaded in the application form. If the photo uploaded online is not compliant, a recent one is required which shall be front-facing, colour passport-size photo with a light-coloured background and without head covering.
3.3 Proof of legal stay or residence status in Singapore (applicable to those not applying for visas in their country of citizenship): the original and copy of valid documents can prove your legal stay, residence, employment or study.
3.4 Previous Chinese passport (applicable to foreign citizens who used to be Chinese citizens) or previous Chinese visas:
3.4.1 If a foreign citizen who used to be a Chinese citizen is applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, the original of the previous Chinese passport and a photocopy of its information page should be submitted.
3.4.2 If a foreign citizen who was issued a Chinese visa before is applying for a Chinese visa with a different foreign passport, a photocopy of the information page of the previous passport and a photocopy of the previous Chinese visa should be submitted. If the name on the current foreign passport differs from that on the previous Chinese passport or the previous Chinese visa, an official document issued by competent authorities on the name change should be submitted.
3.5 Other documents required for different visa types are listed as follows:
Visa Type | Purpose | Required Documents |
L | Persons travelling to China for tourism | Itinerary documents such as round‑trip flight tickets and hotel bookings, or an invitation letter issued by a Chinese entity or individual. The invitation letter shall contain the following information: 1. Personal information of the invitee: full name, gender, date of birth, etc. 2. Travel itinerary of the invitee: date of arrival and departure, travel destinations, etc. 3. Information of the inviting entity or individual: name of the inviting entity or name of the inviter, contact telephone number, address, official seal of the entity, signature of the legal representative or the inviter, etc. |
M | Persons travelling to China for commercial and trade activities | Invitation documents such as business activity documents and invitations to economic and trade fairs issued by Chinese trade partners. The invitation letter shall contain the following information: 1. Personal information of the invitee: full name, gender, date of birth, etc. 2. Visit information of the invitee: purpose of visit to China, dates of arrival and departure, places of visit, relationship with the inviting entity or individual, source of expenses, etc. 3. Information of the inviting entity or individual: name of the inviting entity or name of the inviter, contact telephone number, address, official seal of the entity, signature of the legal representative or the inviter, etc. |
F | Persons travelling to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other non-commercial activities | Invitation letters issued by relevant Chinese entities or individuals. The invitation letter must include the following contents: 1. Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth and other relevant information; 2. Visit information of the invitee: purpose of visiting China, arrival and departure dates, visit locations, relationship with the inviting entity or individual, source of expenses and other relevant information; 3. Information of the inviting entity or individual: name of the inviting entity or the inviter, contact phone number, address, official entity seal, signature of the legal representative or the inviter and other relevant information. |
Z | Persons work in China | One of the following supporting documents shall be provided: 1. Original copy of the Notice of Foreigner Work Permit issued by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, or a valid Foreigner Work Permit; 2. Invitation Letter for Foreigners Engaged in Offshore Oil Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation; 3. Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Office of Foreign (Regional) Enterprises issued by the administrative department for industry and commerce, or the Approval Certificate for Resident Representative Office of Foreign Enterprises issued by the commerce authority; 4. Confirmation Letter on Representative Qualifications of Resident Representative Offices of Foreign Government Tourism Departments issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism; 5. Original copy of the approval document for commercial performances issued by the cultural competent authority. |
X1 | Persons studying in China for a long‑term period (over 180 days) | 1. Original and copy of the Admission Notice issued by the admitting Chinese institution; 2. Original and copy of the Application Form for Visa for Foreign Students to Study in China (Form JW201 or JW202). Please be noted: After entering China, the holder shall apply for residence permit at the exit and entry administration department of the local government at or above county level of the intended place of residence within 30 days. |
X2 | Persons studying in China for a short‑term period (no more than 180 days) | The original and a photocopy of the Admission Notice issued by the receiving institution in China |
Q1 | Family members of Chinese citizens (spouse, parents, children, children’s spouses, siblings, paternal grandparents, maternal grandparents, grandchildren, grandchildren‑in‑law, and parents‑in‑law), and family members of foreign nationals with Chinese permanent residence status (spouse, parents, children, children’s spouses, siblings, paternal grandparents, maternal grandparents, grandchildren, grandchildren‑in‑law, and parents‑in‑law), applying for residence in China for family reunion (over 180 days); as well as persons applying for entry and residence for reasons such as foster care. | 1. Invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen residing in China or a foreign national with Chinese permanent residence status. The invitation letter shall contain the following information: (1) Personal information of the invitee: full name, gender, date of birth, etc.; (2) Visit information of the invitee: purpose of visit to China, proposed date of arrival, intended place of residence, intended duration of stay, relationship with the inviter, source of expenses, etc.; (3) Information of the inviter: inviter’s full name, contact telephone number, address, signature of the inviter, etc. 2. Copy of the inviter’s Chinese ID card, or copies of the inviter’s foreign passport and permanent residence permit. 3. Original and copy of documents certifying family‑member relationship between the applicant and the inviter (spouse, parents, children, children’s spouses, siblings, paternal grandparents, maternal grandparents, grandchildren, grandchildren‑in‑law, and parents‑in‑law), such as marriage certificate, birth certificate, certificate of kinship issued by a local police station, or notarized certificate of kinship. For applications on the grounds of foster care, the following documents are required: 1. Notarized power‑of‑attorney for foster care issued by a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad, or a power‑of‑attorney for foster care notarized and authenticated in the host country or China; 2. Original and copy of the entrusting party’s passport, together with documents proving kinship between the entrusting party and the foster child (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certificate of kinship issued by a local police station, or notarized certificate of kinship); 3. Letter of consent to accept foster care issued by the trustee who will take care of the child, together with a copy of the trustee’s identity card; 4. If one or both parents of the foster child are Chinese citizens, a copy of the document certifying the overseas residence of the Chinese‑citizen parent(s) at the time of the child’s birth shall also be provided. Please be noted: After entering China, the holder shall apply for residence permit at the exit and entry administration department of the local government at or above county level of the intended place of residence within 30 days. |
Q2 | Relatives of Chinese citizens residing in China and relatives of foreign nationals with Chinese permanent residence status, who come to China for short‑term family visits (no more than 180 days). | 1. Invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen residing in China or a foreign national holding Chinese permanent residence status. The invitation letter shall contain the following information: (1) Personal information of the invitee: full name, gender, date of birth, etc. (2) Visit information of the invitee: purpose of visit to China, dates of arrival and departure, places of visit, relationship with the inviter, source of expenses, etc.; (3) Information of the inviter: full name, contact telephone number, address, signature of the inviter, etc. 2. Copy of the inviter’s Chinese identity card, or copies of the inviter’s foreign passport and permanent residence permit. |
S1 | Spouses, parents, children under 18 years of age, and parents‑in‑law of foreign nationals residing in China for work, study or other purposes, who come to China for long‑term family visits (over 180 days); as well as persons who need to reside in China for other private affairs. | 1. Invitation letter issued by a foreign national residing in China. The invitation letter shall contain the following information: (1) Personal information of the invitee: full name, gender, date of birth, etc. (2) Visit information of the invitee: purpose of visit to China, proposed date of arrival, intended place of residence, intended duration of stay, relationship with the inviter, source of expenses, etc. (3) Information of the inviter: full name, contact telephone number, address, signature of the inviter, etc. 2. Copies of the inviter’s passport and residence permit. 3. Original and copy of documents certifying the kinship between the applicant and the inviter (spouse, parents, children under 18 years of age, parents‑in‑law), such as marriage certificate, birth certificate, certificate of kinship issued by a local police station, or notarized certificate of kinship. Please be noted: After entering China, the holder shall apply for residence documents at the exit and entry administration department of the local government at or above county level of the intended place of residence within 30 days. |
S2 | Family members of foreign nationals staying or residing in China for work, study or other purposes (spouse, parents, children, children’s spouses, siblings, paternal grandparents, maternal grandparents, grandchildren, grandchildren‑in‑law, and parents‑in‑law), who come to China for short‑term family visits (no more than 180 days); as well as persons who need to stay in China for other private affairs. | For short‑term family visit: 1. Copies of the passport and residence permit of the inviter (a foreign national staying or residing in China for purposes such as work or study); 2. Invitation letter issued by the inviter. The invitation letter shall contain the following information: (1) Personal information of the invitee: full name, gender, date of birth, etc. (2) Visit information of the invitee: purpose of visit to China, dates of arrival and departure, places of visit, relationship with the inviter, source of expenses, etc.; (3) Information of the inviter: full name, contact telephone number, address, signature of the inviter, etc. (4) Copy of documents certifying family‑member kinship between the applicant and the inviter (spouse, parents, children, children’s spouses, siblings, paternal grandparents, maternal grandparents, grandchildren, grandchildren‑in‑law, and parents‑in‑law), such as marriage certificate, birth certificate, certificate of kinship issued by a local police station, or notarized certificate of kinship. For private affairs：relevant supporting documents for private affairs shall be provided as requested by consular officers. |
R | Foreign high‑level talents and urgently‑needed specialized talents required by China. | Meet the admission criteria and requirements for foreign high‑level talents and urgently‑needed specialized talents as specified by the competent authorities of the Chinese Government, and submit the corresponding supporting documents in accordance with relevant regulations. |
C | Crew members of international trains, aircraft and vessels on international voyages performing crew, aviation and shipping duties, as well as accompanying family members of ship crew, and motor‑vehicle drivers engaged in international road transport. | Guarantee Letter from the foreign transport company or an invitation letter from a relevant entity in China |
D | Persons applying for permanent residence in China | Original and copy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigner Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China. After entering China, the holder shall apply for residence permit at the exit and entry administration department of the local government at or above county level of the intended place of residence within 30 days. |
G | Persons transit through China | An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date to the destination country or region |
J1 | Foreign resident journalists stationed at foreign news agencies in China (residence exceeding 180 days) | 1.Visa Notification Letter issued by the Department of Press, Communication and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, and an official letter issued by the journalist’s media organization. 2.The applicant shall first contact the Political and Press office of the Chinese Embassy to complete relevant formalities. After entering China, the holder shall apply for residence permit at the exit and entry administration department of the local government at or above county level of the intended place of residence within 30 days. |
J2 | Foreign journalists travelling to China for short‑term news coverage (stay not exceeding 180 days) | 1.Visa Notification Letter issued by of the Department of Press, Communication and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or relevant authorized entity, together with an official letter issued by the journalist’s media organization. 2.The applicant shall first contact the Political and Press office of the Chinese Embassy to complete the relevant formalities. |
Group L | Group tourists | Invitation Letter for Tourist Group issued by the authorized Tourism Unit |
3.5.1 Special Reminders
1. The invitation letter may be a fax, copy or printed copy; however, consular officers may require the applicant to submit the original invitation letter.
2. When necessary, consular officers may, as circumstances warrant, request the applicant to provide other supporting documents or supplementary materials, or require the applicant to attend an interview.
3. Consular officers shall decide whether to issue a visa, as well as the visa’s validity period, duration of stay and number of entries, based on the applicant’s individual circumstances.
4. Fees
Item
| Fees(SGD) | ||
Singapore citizen | Citizens of other countries (In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, Chinese visa fees for some foreign citizens may be different. Please take the embassy’s explanation as the final authority. ) | ||
China Visa (Exclude China Visa Application Service Center service fee)
| Single Entry | 19 | 38 |
Double Entry | 26 | 56 | |
6-month Multiple Entry | 34 | 75 | |
12-Month Multiple Entry | 49 | 113 | |