GUIDELINES FOR CHINESE VISAl Brief Introduction to Chinese VisaA Chinese visa is a permit issued by the Chinese visa authorities to an alien for entry into, exit from or transit through China's territory in accordance with Chinese laws. The Chinese visa authorities shall have the power to issue visas, to refuse visa applications, or to revoke visas.China's diplomatic missions, consular offices and other resident agencies abroad authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall be the Chinese Government's agencies abroad to handle aliens' applications for Chinese visas. They also handle overseas applications for visa or entry permit to Hong Kong (SAR). Please refer to GUIDELINES FOR HONG KONG SAR VISA/ENTRY PERMIT.Different categories of visa, such as diplomatic visa, courtesy visa, service visa, and ordinary visa, shall be issued to different aliens in accordance with the different capacities in which they visit China and also with the different categories of passport they hold. In accordance with aliens' reasons for coming to China, the ordinary visas to be issued shall be marked with the following Chinese phonetic letters: C, D, F, G, J-1, J-2, L, X and Z.Introductions to Tourist /Family Visit Visa (L), Business Visa (F), Employment Visa (Z), Student Visa (X/F) and Transit Visa (G) continue as follows. For information of other visas, please contact China's diplomatic missions, consular offices and other resident agencies abroad authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.I. Tourist /Family visit Visa (L)L Visa is issued to a person who comes to China for sightseeing, visiting relatives, or private matters. Documents to be included with application:1. Applicant's passport with blank pages and at least 6 months validityleft before expiration.2. A truly and completely filled application form affixed with onepassport-size or 2x2 colored photo, with white background, full-facefront view, and no hat. Photo must be glued on the application form.Stapled pictures will not be accepted. Scanned photos will also notbe accepted.U.S. passport holders must submit two application forms with two photos.3. A copy of the round-trip plane ticket4. Hotel reservation / invitation letter with a copy of the inviter's validchinese residence visa and passport information page of inviter's orChinese national identity card.5. Previously used China visa in old or new passport (Only visa stickerswill be accepted. Those with stamped visas must submit additionaldocuments for first time China visa applicants. Please refer to the listbelow.)6. For first time applicants to China (Philippine passport holders, 18 yearsold and above), they are required to provide thefollowing:a) original NBI clearance valid for travel abroadb) original bank certificate with receipt or original passbook, updatedwithin the month that you are applying or....- If a company will sponsor the trip, provide the company's bank certificate, sponsorship letter from the company and thecompany's business registration.- If an individual will sponsor the trip, provide his bank certificate, sponsorship and invitation letter, copy of sponsor's validresidence visa and passport information page or Chinese national ID.c) for employed persons, also provide an employment certificate,company ID, SSS ID and contributions, TIN ID and latest ITRd) for students, provide school IDe) for businessmen, provide business registration of company, TIN IDand latest ITRf) Personal appearance is required for those who are 16-21 years old.7. The emergency contact information page in the applicant's passport shouldbe filled out and photocopied.8. Other documents required by the visa officers if necessary.II. Business Visa (F)F Visa is issued to a person who is invited by Chinese authorities authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (M.F.A) to come to China for a visit, investigations, giving lectures, doing business, carrying out scientific, technical and culturalexchanges, pursuing short-term advanced studies or doing short-term fieldwork, for a period of less than 6 months. Documents to be included with application:1. Applicant's passport with blank pages and at least 6 months validityleft before expiration.2. A truly and completely filled application form affixed with onepassport-size or 2x2 colored photo, with white background, full-facefront view, and no hat. Photo must be glued on the application form.Stapled pictures will not be accepted. Scanned photos will also notbe accepted.U.S. passport holders must submit two application forms with two photos.3. An original Visa Notification Form issued by Chinese authorized unit.4. A copy of the round-trip plane ticket5. Hotel reservation / invitation letter with a copy of the inviter's validresidence visa and passport information page or inviter's Chinesenational identity card and the company's business registration.6. Previously used China visa in old or new passport (Only visa stickerswill be accepted. Those with stamped visas must submit additionaldocuments for first time China visa applicants. Please refer to the listbelow.)7. For first time applicants to China (Philippine passport holders, 18 yearsold and above), they are required to provide thefollowing:a) original NBI clearance valid for travel abroadb) employment certificate, company ID, SSS ID and contributions, TINID and latest ITR8. The emergency contact information page in the applicant's passportshould be filled out and photocopied.9. Other documents required by the visa officers if necessary.III. Employment Visa and Dependent Visa (Z)Z Visa is issued to a person who comes to China for a post or employment and to the person's accompanying family members. It is also issued to a person who comes to China for commercial entertainment performance. Documents to be included with application:1. Applicant's passport with blank pages and at least 6 months validity leftbefore expiration.2. A truly and completely filled application form affixed with onepassport-size or 2x2 colored photo, with white background, full-facefront view, and no hat. Photo must be glued on the application form.Stapled pictures will not be accepted. Scanned photos will also notbe accepted.U.S. passport holders must submit two application forms with two photos.3. An original Visa Notification Form issued by Chinese authorized unit.4. Original Working Permits, such as: Working Permit issued to foreignexperts by The State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs,Alien Employment License of the People's Republic of China issuedby Ministry of Labor and Social Security, Letter of Invitation forForeigners Engaged in Offshore Petroleum Operations in thePeople's Republic of China, etc.For those engaged in offshore petroleum operations, also provide aguarantee letter from your shipping company.5. All working visa applicants shall provide a Physical ExaminationCertificate for Foreign Citizen (physical exam forms, guidelines andlist of accredited hospitals are available at the visa counter).6. All Philippine passport holders who will go to China for the first timemust submit an original NBI clearance valid for travel abroad.7. The emergency contact information page in the applicant's passportshould be filled out and photocopied.8. Other documents required by the visa officers if necessary.Requirements for accompanying family members applying for dependent visa:1. Accompanying family members must ba an immediate relative of the personworking in China (i.e. child or spouse).2. Proof of relationship - original NSO birth certificate or marriage contract.3. An original Visa Notification issued by the Chinese Ministry of ForeignAffairs.4. Copy of relative's valid residence visa, working visa, working card andpassport information page.5. All Philippine passport holders (18 years old and above), who will go to Chinafor the first time must submit an original NBI clearance valid fortravel abroad.6. Applicants who are 7 years old and above shall provide a PhysicalExamination Certificate for Foreign Citizen (physical exam forms,guidelines and list of accredited hospitals are available at the visacounter).7. Applicant's passport with blank pages and at least 6 months validity left beforeexpiration.8. A truly and completely filled application form affixed with one passport-sizeor 2x2 colored photo, with white background, full-face front view,and no hat. Photo must be glued on the application form. Stapledpictures will not be accepted. Scanned photos will also not beaccepted.U.S. passport holders must submit two application forms with two photos.9. The emergency contact information page in the applicant's passport should befilled out and photocopied.10. Other documents required by the visa officers if necessary.The holder of Z Visa shall go through residential formalities in the local public security department within thirty days of entry into China.IV. Student Visa (X/F)Student Visa is distinguished into X Visa and F Visa. X Visa is issued to a person who comes to China to study, engage in advanced studies, or do fieldwork, for a period of more than 6 months. F Visa is issued to a person who comes to China with same purpose but for a period of less than 6 months. Documents to be included with application:1. Applicant's passport with blank pages and at least 6 monthsvalidity left before expiration.2. A truly and completely filled application form affixed with onepassport-size or 2x2 colored photo, with white background, full-facefront view, and no hat. Photo must be glued on the application form.Stapled pictures will not be accepted. Scanned photos will also notbe accepted.U.S. passport holders must submit two application forms with two photos.3. An original admission notice from the Chinese school isrequired.4. X Visa applicant (will study for more than 6 months) shallalso provide an approved Foreign Student Visa Application Form(JW101 or JW202) issued by the Chinese authorized unit or theMinistry of Education.F Visa applicant (will study for less than 6 months) must provide anoriginal Visa Notification issued by the Chinese government ororganizations authorized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.5. The applicant who will study in China for more than 6months shall also provide a Physical Examination Certificate forForeign Citizen (Forms and the lists of designated hospital areavailable at the visa counter).6. All Philippine passport holders who will go to China for the first timemust submit an original NBI clearance valid for travel abroad.7. The emergency contact information page in the applicant's passportshould be filled out and photocopied.8. Other documents required by the visa officers if necessary.The holder of X Visa shall go through residential formalities in the local public security department within thirty days of entry into China.V. Transit Visa (G)G Visa is issued to a transit traveler. It is also issued to Filipino seaman who comes to China to onboard vessel.Documents to be included with application:1. Applicant's passport with blank pages and at least 6 monthsvalidity left before expiration.2. A truly and completely filled application form affixed with onepassport-size or 2x2 colored photo, with white background, full-facefront view, and no hat. Photo must be glued on the application form.Stapled pictures will not be accepted. Scanned photos will also notbe accepted.U.S. passport holders must submit two application forms with two photos.3. A valid visa to final destination country/region and anonward air ticket. For Filipino seaman, a guarantee letter fromemployer shipping company, letter of invitation from shippingcompany in China and a Visa Notification Form issued by Chineseauthorized unit.Aliens may be exempted from going through the procedures for obtaining a transit visa if they hold an onward ticket and have booked seats on international airliners flying directly through China, and will stay in a transit city for less than 24 hours without leaving the airport.●Requirements for Multiple-Entries VisaQualified Filipino and foreign citizen who is currently residing or working in the Philippines may apply for F Visa or L Visa with multiple entries' privilege valid for 6 months, 12 months or 24 months. Documents to be included with application:1. Regular required documents for F/L Visa.2. All multiple entry visa applications are subject for approval bythe visa officers.NOTE:- The type of visas, number of entries, duration of each stay will be decided by the consuls.- Requirements and procedures are subject to change without prior notice.●How to Apply, Visa Fee & Processing Time:1. You may come to the Consular office of the Embassy of thePeople's Republic of China in the Philippines to submit theapplication; or you may send someone else or a travel agent to acton your behalf if you cannot come personally. Representatives mustpresent an authorization letter and a company ID. Mailedapplications are not acceptable and will be refused.2. All application forms must be completed by the applicants. Travelagency or representatives are not allowed to answer the forms ontheir behalf. For false information, the applicants shall be fullyresponsible. Any false, misleading or incomplete statement mayresult in the refusal of a visa for or denial of entry into China.3.Visa Fee: (peso/per)3. The regular processing time is 4 working days. For expressservice, additional fees of 1700 peso/per for next-working-dayreleasing, or 1100 peso/per for third-working-day releasing will becharged.* Next working day processing is temporarily suspended due to system upgrade.Rules on Visa Issued at Entry PortsFor entry into China, aliens shall apply for visas from Chinese diplomatic missions, consular posts or other resident agencies abroad authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Rules on Visa Issued at Entry Ports are not applicable to the nationals of United States.Aliens who hold ordinary passports issued by countries which have diplomatic relations or official trade links with China as well as letter(s) or telegram(s) from authorized units in China, may, under any of the following circumstances where they must necessarily rush to China but have no time to apply for a visa to the aforesaid agencies, may apply to the visa-granting departments at entry ports as authorized by the Ministry of Public Security:1. They are invited at the last moment by a Chinese host tocome to China for a trade fair.2. They are invited to come to China to submit a tender or tosign a formal economic or trade contract.3. They come to China by appointment to supervise theinspection of import and export commodities or to participate in acheck-and-accept operation in accordance with contracts.4. They are invited to participate in the installation ofequipment or in the emergency repair of engineering projects.5. They come to China at the request of the Chinese side tosolve a problem of claims.6. They are invited to come to provide technical advisoryservices.7. They come to China due to a last-minute change in thecomposition of a visiting group and with consent of the Chinese sideafter the visas are granted.8. They come to China to see patients in critical conditions, orto undertake funeral matters.9. Owing to force majeure, transit visa holders cannot leave thecountry within twenty-four hours by taking the original place or bytaking other means of transport.10. Other invited guests who really have no time for visaapplication to the aforesaid China's resident agencies abroad, andwho hold letter(s) or telegram(s) from competent authorities whogive the consent for the invited guests to apply for the visa at thedesignated entry ports.The visa-granting agencies at entry ports shall not accept and handle visa applications filled out by people who do not come under the aforesaid circumstances.Some accredited International Travel Agencies incorporated under Chinese laws may apply for group-tour visa at entry ports with Visa Notification Form issued by provincial office of foreign affairs.Visa-issuing departments at port of entry, as authorized by the Ministry of Public Security, are stationed at the following ports: Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Dalian, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Xi'an, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Guangzhou (Baiyun Airport), Shenzhen (Luohu, Shekou), Zhuhai (Gongbei), Haikou, Sanya, Jinan, Qingdao, Yantai, Weihai, Chengdu, Nanjing, Changchun, Huichun, Hekou, Mohan.Rules on Visa Exemption1. According to an agreement between China and thePhilippines, nationals of China and the Philippines, who are holdersof valid diplomatic or service (official) passports, shall be exemptedfrom visa requirement for entry into, exit from, or transit through theterritory of the other Contracting state for a period not exceeding30(thirty) days.2. No visa is required for ordinary passport holders fromSingapore, Brunei and Japan to visit China for up to 15 days forsightseeing, doing business, visiting relatives and friends or transit.3. Aliens may be exempt from going through the proceduresfor obtaining a transit visa if they hold a through ticket and havebooked seats on international airliners flying directly through China,and will stay in a transit city for less than 24 hours without leavingthe airport.4. Visas are not required of citizens of the following countries,who transit through Pudong Airport or Hongqiao Airport ofShanghai, provided they hold valid passports, visas for the onwardcountries, final destination tickets and have booked seats, and stay inShanghai for less than 48 hours: Republic of Korea, United States,Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Netherlands,Belgium, Luxemburg, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Austria, Greece.5. Visas are not required of citizens of the following countries,who join group tour to Hainan province, provided they hold validordinary passports and stay in Hainan not exceeding 15 days:Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Indonesia,Germany, Great Britain, France, Austria, Italy, Russia, Switzerland,Sweden, Spain, Netherlands, United States, Canada, Australia andNew Zealand.For more information about Chinese Visa, please call the Consular Office of the People's Republic of China at 63-2-8482395 or visit our website .。