China Visa
Chicago Consulate

Fill out the China Online Visa Application (COVA) and upload scanned documents directly to the form.

After the application has been completed online, it will be reviewed by the Chinese embassy/consulate for pre-approval. In some cases, you may be asked to make corrections or provide additional information. The approximate time for review is 4-7 business days.

Once the Chinese Embassy/consulate pre-approves your application, ship your physical passport and pre-approval documents to us to complete the process of obtaining your visa!

IMPORTANT
- Consular preliminary review time is separate from the visa processing time.
- Processing time starts when the physical documents are submitted to the embassy or consulate.

• Register a new account on the China Online Visa Application (COVA) website by entering your email and creating a password.
• Start a new application and select your consular jurisdiction. Fill out your form and upload supporting document scans.
• Question 2.2 Service Type - Select the appropriate option based on your order's consular fee. See COVA Navigation Tips below.
• Click the [Save] button to save an unfinished form. You can continue to fill in the unfinished form within 30 days by logging in to your account.
• Review your form before you click the "Submit" button. Once the application is submitted, you cannot make any changes.

The China visa application requires a copy of this document to be uploaded to your online form.
Your physical passport is also required

• Must have more than 6 months of validity remaining to apply for any visa
• Must contain at least 2 blank 'Visa' pages - 'Amendment' pages are not accepted for visa issuance
• Your physical passport must be signed

1. Clear and legible color copy of the information pages of your passport: Passport Scan Example.
2. Two (2) blank visa pages from your passport

The Chinese visa application requires digital/scan of this document to be uploaded to your online form.

For digital photo upload, you may either:

1. Scan a recent 2x2 passport photo OR;
2. Take a digital photo of yourself using a camera. Must be taken up against a white or light background - China Photo Sample

• Taken within the last 6 months.
• Taken on a white background.  Clothing cannot match the background (avoid wearing white-colored clothing).
• Neutral facial expression – eyes open, mouth closed, looking directly at camera.
• Hair cannot cover eyebrows, eyes, or ears.
• Jewelry, earrings, glasses must be removed.

The China visa application requires this document to be uploaded to your online form.

Upload one (1) of the acceptable proof of residence documents that matches the address entered on the application. P.O. Box address is not accepted.

• Valid Driver's License or State ID
• Most recent utility bill - Gas, water, or electric only
• Bank statement - remove account numbers

The China visa application requires a copy of this document to be uploaded to your online form.
The physical document may be required as well.

Is your visa still valid? How To Read a China Visa

If you have an expired or lost Chinese visa, upload the following:

1. A copy of your previous Chinese visa(s)
2. If issued on an old passport, a copy of that passport's information page
3. If you no longer have record of your previous visa or passport it was issued in, a signed letter of explanation must be provided detailing why you are unable to provide it. Previous China Visa Missing (Sample Letter). 

• You are applying for a new visa type
• Your name, nationality, sex, or date of birth changed on your new passport
• Your old passport with valid visa is severely damaged
• Your visa expires before your upcoming trip to China

1. Upload a copy of your valid visa.
2. If issued on an old passport, upload a copy of that passport's information page
   1. You must send the physical current/previous passport that contains the valid China visa as well

The China visa application requires a copy of this document to be uploaded to your online form.

If you hold dual citizenship, you must upload a copy of your additional passport(s).
In some cases, the original passport may be requested.

China Visa Exemption - do I need a visa?

Passport holders of the following countries are allowed to enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business (M and F types), or family visits. 

The China visa application requires this document to be uploaded to your online form.
The physical document is required as well.

If you have previously traveled to Turkey with your current passport and there are entry/exit stamps on the visa pages, or mentioned that you visited Turkey on your application, a signed statement letter detailing the trip(s) is needed.

• Address letter to (Embassy/Consulate General) of P.R. China
• Provide details of your trip(s) to Turkey.
  • Dates of travel
  • Locations visited
  • Purpose of travel.
• Handwritten signature is required

The China visa application requires these documents to be uploaded to your online form.

Parents must submit the following documents:

For all minor applicants: 

• Copy of the child applicant's birth certificate
• Copy of both parents' passport data page
• Copy of both parents' Driver's License/State ID or utility bill
• If a parent is not a US citizen, provide a copy of current U.S. status (visa or green card)

• Copy of US Naturalization Certificate - If Chinese parent obtained US citizenship before child was born.
• Front and back copy of Green Card - If Chinese parent obtained US permanent residency before child was born.

• Copy of minor's adoption papers

• Copy of proof of full legal custody of minor
• Copy of death certificate of deceased parent

IMPORTANT: 
If one or both parents are Chinese citizen without a 10-year valid U.S. permanent resident card, or permanent residency was obtained after the child was born, we cannot assist you. In this case, the parents and the applicant must apply with the embassy/consulate directly for a Chinese Travel Document, even if the minor holds a U.S. passport.

1. Your name must be typed in Chinese characters on question 1.1D "Chinese Name (in Chinese, if any)"
2. Select "China" on section 1.6 question "Have you ever had any other nationalities or resident status?"

• Copy of your last Chinese visa and passport it was issued in, if applicable.
• If first time applying for a Chinese visa, copy of the most recent Chinese passport + U.S. naturalization certificate.
  • Your physical Chinese passport must be sent as well
• Copy of proof of name change - if your name on your current passport is different from the above mentioned documents.

• Copy of your previous Chinese visa, if applicable.
• If first time applying for a Chinese visa, provide copy of your last-issued Hong Kong or Taiwan passport data page - if you are no longer in possession of your last passport, a copy of your birth certificate must be provided.
• Copy of proof of name change - if your name on your current passport is different from the above mentioned documents.

After your online application is reviewed and pre-approved by the consulate, you will send us the following physical documents:

• Application Information page with barcode and "Passport to be submitted" status. COVA Print Sample - Passport to be Submitted
  • The "Amount due" must match the consular fee on your order.
• Valid, and signed, passport
• Previous passport with still-valid Chinese visa (if applicable)
• Previous Chinese passport (if applicable)
• Signed statement letter regarding previous travel to Turkey (if applicable)
• Other documents requested by the consulate during review