How to Apply for Chinese Tourist Visa in the Philippines?
China is one country that I was hesitant to visit because I was under the impression that getting a Chinese tourist visa was elusive. Some said that visa requirements were strict and I needed around 6 digits worth of savings in my account to successfully get a tourist visa. Also, because of some of the negative things that going on between China and the Philippines, I somehow lose my interest to travel to China.
But China is a huge country that offers so much to visit and explore. It is blessed with plenty of amazing tourist attractions and beautiful places to see. Explore ancient cities, temples and stunning natural wonders. China is also home to many UNESCO heritage sites. It’s also on my bucket list to see the Great Wall of China. So sooner or later, I’ll see myself visiting China. And so when I chanced upon a promo fare for flight to Beijing when I was looking for a destination to go during the holiday season, I didn’t think twice anymore and booked the ticket right away.
After receiving the confirmation of my plane ticket, I then checked online the steps on how to apply for Chinese tourist visa. I got excited that I already read some blogs even though it was still three months before my trip. There are actually a lot of resources available online. Then, I learned that it wasn’t that really difficult to apply for Chinese tourist visa. The requirements are pretty easy than I thought.
How to apply for Chinese tourist visa?
First thing to do is to download the application form on this link and filled it out truthfully, completely and clearly. Applicant must answer the form in capital English letters provided in the space or tick the relevant box to select. Please type N/A or None for items that do not apply. Please note that the form should be typewritten. The embassy is not accepting handwritten forms anymore. After which, complete these requirements:
Basic Requirements
- Duly accomplished visa application form – Signed and complete
- Passport – Original passport that is valid for at least another 6 months with at least one blank visa page. Also give a photocopy of the passport’s bio page and emergency contact page. Submit the previous old passport as well if available. If the old passport is lost, or the applicant never holds a passport before, please make a clear statement in the item 3.7 of the visa application form.
- Photo – Two recent colored photos with white background. Affix one of the photos on the application form. The photo should be in 48mm x 33mm size without head covering. Stapled, taped, clipped or detached photos will not be accepted.
- Roundtrip Ticket – Proof of booked roundtrip airline ticket.
- Hotel Reservation – Hotel reservation indicating the hotel address, name of guest/s and stay period
- Travel Itinerary – Write travel itinerary in the designated spaces on the application form. Indicate the dates, activities and places to visit. Use a separate sheet if needed.
- Invitation Letter – Invitation letter only if staying at a friend’s house or with relatives. Also present the photocopy of the inviter’s Chinese ID or Passport with Chinese Residence Permit.
Financial Requirements
To prove that the applicant is financially capable to fund the trip, the embassy also ask the following financial requirements:
- Bank Certificate of Deposit Balance (including the past 6 months bank statement) and the official receipt for payment of this certificate
- Bank Statement
- Photocopy of BIR-stamped Income Tax Return Form
- Certificate of Employment detailing the salary, length of employment, name and office address.
- Business Registration Certificate (if the applicant is the owner)
- Professional ID or Student ID (photocopy of company ID in my case)
- Other relevant documents proving the applicant’s economic condition, employment, study, or supporting the applicant’s travel to China, or explaining the travel purpose (if applicable)
When all the requirements are ready, go to the Chinese Embassy and submit the documents in person or through travel agency. Appointment is not required. Visa application is only from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Mondays to Fridays except holidays. Processing time is 4 days.
Fees and Releasing of Visa
I went back to the embassy 4 days after I submitted my application. Payment of visa is made on the day of visa release. The visa fees are as follows:
- Single Entry: Php1,400
- Double Entry: Php2,100
- Six Months Multiple Entry: Php2,800
- More than Six Months Multiple Entry: Php4,200
Applying for a Chinese tourist visa wasn’t really that difficult. I think what was agonizing were the hours of waiting to submit the documents and to claim the passport. But generally, the process is easy and straightforward. I submitted all the requirements and I was approved for a single entry visa. I’m glad that I was already able to visit China and tick one item off my bucket list, to see the Great Wall of China. I had a great time in the country. Because of that, I think I’m going to see myself visiting China again.
How to apply for a double entry Chinese tourist visa?
It was few months ago when I applied for a Chinese tourist visa again but this time, I needed a double entry. The reason was because of my flight with China Southern Airlines going to United States. I thought a transit visa would appropriate but my trip has multiple stop-overs in China. The airline required me to apply for a double-entry tourist visa. Good thing I was issued a Chinese tourist visa already before, so applying for another one would going to be a little easier.
So how to apply? The process is pretty simple. Applicant has to fill up the form electronically, print it and submit other necessary documents. If you need a double-entry visa, you have to state it also in the form. Since it was my second time already for applying a Chinese tourist visa, the documents to be submitted are now lessened. Financial documents are not required anymore from the applicant. Here is the list of requirements on applying for a Chinese tourist visa the second time.
- Duly accomplished visa application form
- Passport
- Photo
- Roundtrip Ticket
- Hotel Reservation
- Travel Itinerary
Since I was only going to use the visa for transit, I didn’t provide hotel reservation and travel itinerary. I indicated in the form my purpose why I applied for a double entry Chinese tourist visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to apply for Chinese Tourist Visa? I suggest two to three weeks before the trip. I applied mine three weeks before my flight.
- Do I need to have a show-money? Yes. Applicant must submit bank certificate and bank statement.
- How much should be the show-money? Before I thought I needed at least Php100,000 in my savings account to apply for Chinese tourist visa. But when I submitted my financial documents, I have less than that amount.
- My bank can only issue 3 months worth of bank transaction. Can I submit bank certificate and bank statement showing 3 months of transaction instead? I can’t totally say yes but in my case, I only submitted 3 months worth of bank transaction. Apparently, it takes two weeks for the bank to issue bank statement with 6 months worth of transactions. I didn’t have much time to wait for the bank statement showing full 6 months so I just submitted whatever is available.
- Can I submit Form 2316 instead of BIR-stamped Income Tax Return form? Yes, this is the one that I submitted to the Chinese embassy. If the applicant is an employee, request it from the company HR.
Please note that steps provided in this blog are for first time application for a Chinese tourist visa only. If you are traveling to China for study, transit, work or business, please contact the embassy or visit the official website.
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
Consular Section
2F The World Center
330 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue
Makati City, Philippines
http://ph.china-embassy.org/eng/
