From 01 December 2023 to 30 November 2024, the Chinese government will implement 15-day visa free policy for Malaysian citizens holding ordinary passport who enter China for business, tourism, family visit and transit purposes. Those who do not meet the purposes of visit and time limit for 15-day visa free policy are still required to apply for visas to China.
Traveling to China can be an exciting adventure, but before you pack your bags, you’ll need to go through the visa application process. Applying for a China visa may seem daunting at first, but with the right information and guidance, it can be a straightforward process.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know, from the different types of visas available to the step-by-step application process, ensuring that you are well-prepared for your journey to China.
Table of Contents
How to Apply for China Visa
Applying for a China visa involves several steps and requirements, and it’s crucial to follow them to ensure a smooth and successful application process.
- Determine the type of China Visa you require.
- Fill in the online application form.
- Take passport photo for China Visa and gather the required documents.
- Use Travelution Holidays’ runner service to save time and skip personal visits to the visa center.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the China Visa application process:
1. Understanding the Types of China Visas
Before you dive into the application process, it’s essential to understand the various types of visas available for China. The most common categories include:
Tourist Visa (L Visa)
The tourist visa is perfect for those planning a vacation or a short visit to China. It’s usually issued for a maximum stay duration of 30 days.
Business Visa (M Visa)
If you’re traveling for business purposes, the M visa is what you need. This visa allows you to attend conferences, meetings, and other business-related activities.
2. Complete the Application Form
Fill in the China visa application form online. Here are some important reminders when filling the application form:
| Section 1 | Personal Information |
| 1.1A and 1.1C | Fill in according to the first page of your passport |
| 1.1E | Fill in your Chinese name (if any). Otherwise input “Not Applicable” |
| 1.1F | Upload Photo. Note: The two printed photos must be the same as uploaded to the online form. |
| 1.7 | Select “Ordinary” unless you have a different type of passport |
| Section 2 | Type of Visa |
| 2.1 | Choose Visa Type • L – Tourism (Holiday) • M – Commercial Trade Activities (Trade Shows, Business Meetings, etc) |
| 2.2 | Select Service (Visa Processing Time) • Normal – 4 working days • Express – 3 working days |
| 2.3A | Input Validity of Visa Tourism Visa • 3 months (Single Entry) • 6 months (Double Entries) Commercial Trade Activities • 3 months (Single Entry) • 6 months (Double Entries) • 12 months (Multiple – Subject to Approval) |
| 2.3B | Input 30 days as the maximum duration of your stay in China |
| 2.3C | Choose The Number of Entries Tourism Visa • Single (3 months) • Double (6 months) Commercial Trade Activities • Single (3 months) • Double (6 months) • Multiple (12 months – Subject to Approval) |
| Section 3 | Employment |
| 3.3A | Input Employment History including Supervisor’s Name, Phone, Position and Duty |
| Section 4 | Education |
| 4.1 | Input language skills (English, Malay, Chinese) |
| 4.2 | Input Education Information including Name of Institution, Diploma/Degree and Major |
| Section 5 | Family Information |
| 5.5B / 5.5C | Input Father’s and Mother’s information. In case of deceased parents, full name and nationality is required. |
| Section 6 | Information About Your Trip |
| 6.1 | Input flight details and the places that you will be visiting |
| 6.2 | Input the inviting person or organization / hotel or temporary residence in China |
| 6.3 | Fill in emergency contact |
| 6.4 | Fill in who will pay for this travel – self or sponsor. If sponsor, input details |
| 6.6 | Input your travel companion details |
| Section 7 | Past Travel Information |
| 7.1 | Input details of the past 3 years China travel information |
| 7.2 | Input Previous China Visa details |
| 7.3 | Input if you hold valid visas for other countries |
| 7.4 | Input the countries visited in the past 5 years |
| Section 8 | Other Information |
| 8.1 – 8.11 | Answer the security questions |
| Section 9 | Signature & Declaration |
| 9.1 | Sign this section and input the date. |
| 9.2 | If the form is completed on behalf of applicant, fill in this section Note: For children under 18, the parent or guardian should complete this section and sign on behalf of the child. |
Important:
1. Be sure to double-check the form for any errors or missing details before printing the form.
2. Print and sign the form in section 9 and on the first page of the form with black ink pen.
3. Gather the Required Documents
Collecting the required documents is a crucial step in the visa application process. The documents may vary depending on the visa type.
Tourist Visa (L Visa)
- Original passport with at least six months of validity remaining, and a minimum of two blank pages.
- Completed visa application form
- Photocopy of the data page of your passport in portrait orientation, which contains your name, date of birth, date of issuance, expiry date, and other relevant details.
- Photocopy of Chinese visa and records of travel to China in portrait orientation (if any).
- Photocopy of birth certificate and both parents passport page or identity card in portrait orientation (for applicants under 18 years of age)
- Two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background. These photos must match the one uploaded to the online visa application form.
- Proof of travel arrangements (flight itinerary, hotel reservation, etc.)
Commercial Trade Activities (M Visa)
- Original passport with at least six months of validity remaining, and a minimum of two blank pages.
- Completed visa application form
- Photocopy of the data page of your passport in portrait orientation, which contains your name, date of birth, date of issuance, expiry date, and other relevant details.
- Photocopy of Chinese visa and records of travel to China in portrait orientation (if any).
- Two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background. These photos must match the one uploaded to the online visa application form.
- A local company letter, printed on the company’s letterhead with address and phone number of local company, addressed to the Chinese Embassy. The letter should include traveler’s full name, passport number, trip details which encompass travel dates and the purpose of the visit.
- An invitation letter from a Chinese company or organization must bear the company’s stamp on its official letterhead. The letterhead should include the address and phone number of the Chinese company, along with the traveler’s full name, passport number, and trip details (including travel dates and the purpose of the visit). The letter should be addressed to the Chinese Embassy.
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia
229, Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
Additional documents for non-Malaysians
- Photocopy of valid Malaysian visa and latest Malaysia entry stamp. For travellers using the e-gate, please visit the Malaysian Immigration Department with a letter in Bahasa Malaysia requesting for an entry and exit letter for China Visa Application purpose.
- Travel history since 2021 to present
- A signed declaration is applicable for applicant under 18 years if one of the parents is a China nationality.
Proof of Travel Arrangements for China Tourist Visa
When applying for a Chinese Tourist Visa, it is essential to provide evidence of your travel arrangements to demonstrate your intent and plans for your visit. Here’s a breakdown of the required documentation:
Flight Reservations
You must include a copy of your flight reservations that clearly indicate your onward or return journey. This document should prominently feature your Passenger Name Record (PNR) reference. If you have already booked your flights, you can submit a copy of your electronic ticket (e-ticket) as proof. However, if you haven’t secured your ticket yet, you can provide a flight reservation as an alternative. You can request assistance from a travel agency.
Hotel Reservations
You are also required to submit a copy of hotel reservations made under your name. It’s advisable to choose accommodations that offer FREE CANCELLATION options in case your visa application is rejected or delayed. If you’re unsure about the hotel reservation process, you can seek assistance from a travel agency.
Train Reservations (for travel from Hong Kong to China or vice versa)
In the event that you plan to travel by train from Hong Kong to China, you should include a copy of your train ticket reservation.
Please ensure that all the provided documents are in the English language to facilitate the processing of your China Tourist Visa application. Meeting these requirements will help substantiate your travel plans and increase your chances of a successful visa application.
4. Submitting Your Application
The following items are required for submission:
- Original Passport
- Completed online application form
- Supporting documents as listed above
Runner Service
Travelution Holidays provides a runner service to streamline your China visa application. For a fee of RM200 per passport, our runner service encompasses:
- Securing a date slot for visa issuance or biometric collection, if applicable.
- Submission of your passport and documents to the Chinese Visa Processing Center
- Retrieving your passport after the visa has been issued.
If biometric collection is required, our runner will assist you throughout the process, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience at every step. We highly value your time and are committed to streamlining the China visa application process. Through our runner service, you’ll be able to save significant time and effort, allowing you to concentrate on other essential aspects of your travel.
Important:
We strongly recommend initiating your visa application at least three weeks before your planned travel dates. Please consider Malaysia and China public holidays, which could potentially lead to longer processing times.
Chinese Visa Fee in Malaysia
The China visa fee varies based on the chosen processing time. For the Chinese Tourist visa, you can opt for either Single or Double Entries. However, the multiple entry visa is only applicable for the Chinese Business Visa and subject to approval from the China Embassy.
| Nationality | Entries | Normal 4 Working Days | Express 3 Working Days | Rush 2 Working Days |
| Malaysia | Single | RM103 | RM245 | RM322 |
| Malaysia | Double | RM118 | RM260 | RM337 |
| Malaysia | 6 Months Multiple | RM140 | RM282 | RM359 |
| Malaysia | 12 Months Multiple | RM170 | RM312 | RM389 |
| USA | All | RM684 | RM826 | RM903 |
| Canada | All | RM305 | RM447 | RM524 |
| Others | Single | RM178 | RM320 | RM449 |
| Others | Double | RM230 | RM372 | RM449 |
| Others | 6 Months Multiple | RM268 | RM410 | RM487 |
| Others | 12 Months Multiple | RM380 | RM522 | RM599 |
5. Passport Collection
Upon the successful processing and approval of your visa application, our designated runner will assume the responsibility of collecting your passport. The runner will promptly retrieve your passport and return it to the Travelution Holidays office for safekeeping and collection. We will coordinate with you regarding the passport’s return.
FAQs about China Visa Application
Here are some common questions about applying for a China visa:
Do I need a visa to travel to China?
From 01 December 2023 to 30 November 2024, the Chinese government will implement 15-day visa free policy for Malaysian citizens holding ordinary passport who enter China for business, tourism, family visit and transit purposes. Those who do not meet the purposes of visit and time limit for 15-day visa free policy are still required to apply for visas to China.
Can I apply for a China visa online?
No, China visa applications cannot be submitted online.
Is it necessary to provide an invitation letter for a China visa?
Business and work visas will require an invitation letter from a Chinese company or organization. Tourist visas typically do not require an invitation letter.
What should I do if my China visa application is denied?
If your China visa application is denied, you can inquire about the reason for the rejection and, if possible, rectify any issues and reapply with a revised application.
Conclusion
Applying for a China visa may seem like a complex process, but by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can navigate through it smoothly. Remember to determine the visa type, check the requirements, complete the application form accurately, gather the required documents, submit your application, and wait for processing. Once you have your visa, you’ll be ready to explore the wonders of China. Safe travels!
