Get a China Visa

Tourist Travel Requirements for a China Visa for Canadian Citizens

1. Fingerprint Submission

   All first-time China visa applicants, aged 14 to 70, must attend an appointment to submit fingerprints. VisaCentral will organize this appointment on your behalf.

   
   

   Your China visa application will not be considered complete until you have submitted fingerprints at a China Visa Application Service Centre (VAC). After we have received all the materials required in support of your visa application we will call you to schedule an appointment to submit fingerprints at a China Visa Application Service Centre located in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, or Vancouver. Our service includes a standard appointment which is available on a first come, first serve basis. Expedited fingerprint submission appointments are also available for those with urgent deadlines.

2. Chinese Visa Validity

   The Consulate of China determines visa validity solely at their discretion.  The length of visa requested is not guaranteed; however, it is usually limited to the length of remaining validity of your passport minus one year.

3. Passport

   You must provide your actual signed passport, including one copy of the personal information page of your passport. Your passport must:
   • Be valid for six months beyond the length of the requested visa. For example, your passport must be valid for 18 months if you requested a 12 month visa
   • Have at least two consecutive blank visa pages. Amendments and endorsement pages cannot be used to fulfill this requirement
   • Not be frayed, torn, separating, or altered in any other way

4. Visa Application and Photograph

   Complete the China Application Form by logging onto https://visacentral.ca/formfill-order/china-form after you have placed your order. This will ensure your documentation is accurately prepared and correctly submitted according to consular guidelines.

   For guidance on how to submit an acceptable photograph refer to the China Photo Guide contained in this application kit.

5. Born in China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan

   If you were born in China, Hong Kong or Macau, you must provide us with your Chinese name in Chinese characters in section 1.3 of the Chinese visa application.Additionally, you must provide us with a previous passport or ID in addition to your current Canadian passport.Note: A Hong Kong passport cannot be used as a supporting document; only an original Hong Kong Local ID card or original Home Return Permit will be accepted. If neither is available, an original Hong Kong birth certificate may be used. If the name on these documents no longer matches your current name, you must also submit an original marriage certificate or original government-issued name change document.

6. Hong Kong or Macau Travel

   If you intend to start your trip in mainland China, visit Hong Kong or Macau and then return to mainland China, you'll need to obtain either a double or multiple entry China visa.

7. Proof of Travel Arrangements

   You must provide proof of travel arrangements for the duration of your trip.  Details of your intended arrangements must include a copy of your full itinerary showing the following:

   • Your full name as printed in your passport
   • Exit details from country of residence
   • Entrance details to country
   • Travel details within country
   • Return details to country of residence

8. Hotel Confirmation

   You must provide a copy of your hotel reservation provided directly from your hotel. The reservation must:

   • State your full name as listed in your passport
   • Include the dates of your accommodations

9. Personal Statement Letter

   You must include a signed personal statement letter that states that you will not conduct or engage in any business activities during your stay.

10. Chinese Visas - Special Notes

    NOTE: The Consulate of China is requesting that 1.9 ( Local ID Card Number) on the Chinese Visa Application be filled out with one of the following: Drivers License, or Citizenship ID # and marked: DL# , CID#, Ontario Photo Card

11. Children Under 18 Years Old

    Both parents or guardians must sign the visa application form on behalf of a minor under the age of 18. The following documents must be provided if only one parent is able to sign the application form:

    • If child only has one parent, a single parent statement letter must be provided.
    • If one of the parents cannot sign the application, a copy of their passport or driver's license must be included.

12. Cruise Passengers

    Cruise passengers must provide a copy of their cruise itinerary.

13. Previous China Visa

    Travelers who have previously held a visa for China must submit a copy of the previous visa and a copy of the passport containing that visa.

14. Dual Citizenship

    If you have dual citizenship with Canada, you must use your Canadian passport to apply for a Chinese visa; foreign passports will not be accepted by the Consulate.

15. Traveller Registration (Highly Recommended)

    Feel safer and travel with peace of mind by using our Traveller Registration Service. Registration notifies the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development where and when you will be travelling, enabling the Government of Canada to reach you in case of an emergency abroad or inform you of an emergency at home. To enroll in this optional service complete the registration form in this kit and send it to us with the rest of your documents.