How to Apply for China Visa

Planning a trip to China? Whether it’s for sightseeing, a business meeting, or maybe even a family visit, the first thing most travellers ask is: how to apply for China visa? It’s a fair question, and one that can get confusing with all the paperwork and changing rules.

Here’s the good news if you’re Malaysian. Malaysian passport holders no longer need a visa to enter China for short stays.

Under the mutual visa exemption agreement between China and Malaysia, holders of valid ordinary Malaysian passports can enter, exit, or transit China without a visa for up to 30 days per visit, with a maximum cumulative stay of 90 days within any 180-day period.

So if your trip falls within that 30-day window and you’re not planning to work or study there, you can pretty much skip the visa application process entirely.

Still, not every traveller falls into that category. And not every trip is a short one. So if you’re planning to stay longer, have different travel reasons, or don’t qualify for the visa-free entry, here’s how to apply for China visa.

Step 1: Understand What Kind of China Visa You Need

If you don’t qualify for visa-free entry, the first step in how to apply for China visa is figuring out which type suits your trip best.

Tourist Visa (L Visa)

Ideal for holidays, sightseeing, or casual visits. Most travellers apply for this visa when visiting China. Usually valid for a 30-day stay.

Commercial Trade (M Visa)

For those heading to China for commercial or business activities, like trade fairs, client meetings, or factory visits. This one needs an official invitation letter.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form

Once you’ve confirmed the type of visa you need, it’s time to start your application.

1. Visit the China visa application website and begin the process by selecting “Start For Visa”
2. Type of Passport: Ordinary (unless you have a different type of passport)
3. Select Passport Validity: Less or More than 6 Months
4. Input Your Date of Arrival:
5. Purpose of Visit: L -Tourism, M – Commercial Trade
6. Click: Start Form

If you haven’t registered yet, you’ll need to create an account before starting your application. There’s also a sample application form you can check out first, just to get a feel for what’s coming.

Some friendly reminders:

• Use capital letters where required (the form can be strict).
• Upload a passport-style photo that meets their specifications.
• Make sure all personal details match your passport exactly.

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

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

Depending on your visa type, the documents may vary. Here is what you need to prepare.

For Tourist Visa (L Visa)

• Original passport (valid at least 6 months, with 2 blank pages)
• Completed and printed application form
• Photocopy of passport’s data page
• Two passport-sized photos (white background)
• Previous China visa copies (if applicable)
• Travel proof: flight bookings and hotel reservations
• For children under 18: birth cert + parent’s passport/IC copy

For Business Visa (M Visa)

Everything from above, plus:

• Invitation letter from a Chinese company (with company chop)
• Company letter from Malaysia addressed to the Chinese Embassy, with travel details and purpose

Additional for non-Malaysians:

• Valid Malaysia visa and latest entry stamp
• Travel history since 2021
• If you entered Malaysia using e-Gate: get an official travel record from Immigration

Step 4: Proof of Travel Arrangements

For those applying for a tourist visa, you need to prove you’re genuinely travelling.

Flight Itinerary
This can be a confirmed reservation or an e-ticket. It should clearly show your full name and travel dates.

Hotel Bookings
Book under your name. Opt for flexible or free cancellation bookings just in case your visa is delayed or rejected.

Train Tickets
If travelling from Hong Kong to China by train, include your train reservation too.

And remember, all documents must be in English. It helps avoid unnecessary delays.

Step 5: Submit Your China Visa Application

Now for the final step in how to apply for China visa. Submitting your application.

You’ll need:

• Original passport
• Completed printed application form
• Supporting documents (travel proof, photos, etc.)

Submit them in person at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre, Level 6, Jalan Mayang Sari, Kuala Lumpur. Open 9am to 3pm on weekdays.

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.

Note: Multiple entry visas are available only for business (M Visa) applicants and are subject to approval.

FAQs About How to Apply for China Visa

Looking for a Relaxing All-Inclusive Stay? Consider Club Med China Resorts

If you’re going through all this effort to apply for a China visa, you might as well make it count. Once you’re in, why not stay somewhere that takes care of everything for you?

Club Med China resorts are a great option if you’re looking for an all-inclusive holiday with a bit of luxury and a lot less stress. From mountain escapes to cultural getaways, there’s a range of resorts in China designed for families, couples, and even solo travellers.

Some of the most popular Club Med resorts in China include:

• Club Med Lijiang – Set against the stunning backdrop of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with easy access to UNESCO heritage sites and Yunnan culture.
• Club Med Guilin – Surrounded by surreal limestone karst landscapes, this is perfect for art lovers and those seeking peaceful nature.
• Club Med Changbaishan – Ideal for ski holidays, with powder snow, scenic mountains, and traditional hot springs.
• Club Med Urban Oasis Taicang – Just outside of Shanghai, it blends snow-themed fun with city convenience. Great for families and weekend getaways.

If you’re not sure which Club Med China resort is the right fit, feel free to reach out. Travelution Holidays is a certified Club Med specialist and we can help match your travel style with the perfect resort.

Final Thoughts About How To Apply For China Visa

Figuring out how to apply for China visa might sound a bit tedious, but if you follow the steps and prepare properly, it’s actually quite manageable.

If you’re Malaysian and just heading there for a short visit, you don’t need a visa. But if you do, don’t leave it to the last minute. Gather your documents, get your photo done, and give yourself some buffer time in case of delays.

Once your visa is sorted, you can focus on the fun stuff, like planning where to eat your first bowl of real Chinese dumplings.