DIY Chinese Visa Application: Tips for L (Tourism) & M (Business)
Hello everyone. After lurking here for a while, I'm finally sharing some tips and required documents for applying for a Chinese visa.
I have visited China about 5 times, and each time I have applied for the tourist visa myself. This time was no exception! 😆
I am based in Hanoi. This latest application was for an M visa (Business, 3 months/60 days). Just like previous times, I prepared many documents, and if you are applying for an L tourist visa, you shouldn't worry too much.
Here is the step-by-step guide:
- First, visit the website: visaforchina.cn to fill out the online application form. Select the visa type you need to apply for (L15-L30-M, etc., as there are many different purposes).
- The required documents you need to prepare include: your passport, national ID card (CCCD), a neat 4x6 photo with a white background, CT07 form (if you have never left the country before), a detailed itinerary, flight tickets + hotel bookings (as a backup), AND a bank statement showing a minimum balance of 50 million VND or a savings book at the time of application, which is even better.
For my specific case, applying for the M visa, I also needed an invitation letter and the Business Registration Certificate from both Vietnam and China. This included the inviting company's information and the guarantor's phone number. I also supplemented this with extra financial details to increase credibility. 
Afterward, the key is to declare the content and purpose of your visa application as truthfully as possible.
You will receive an email within two days detailing any necessary amendments or supplements to your application.
Once the email confirms that your online application has been accepted, you must take your original passport, page 1 and page 7 of the application form, and your ID photo to the Visa Application Service Center. This center is located on the 7th floor of Truong An Building, No. 1 Phung Chi Kien Street, Hanoi. You will submit the documents and pay a fee of 725,000 VND.
After receiving the appointment slip for result collection, your job is to wait. The visa will be ready in 4 days, and remember to bring 45 USD to pay the final fee upon collection.
In reality, the visa application procedure is quite simple. However, if you have never applied before and encounter slight issues with the itinerary or the online application form, you should consider carefully or perhaps consider using a service to save time and reduce the hassle of multiple trips.
I submitted my online application on October 10th, and today, October 20th, I received my visa.  If anyone has any questions regarding the visa application procedures, feel free to ask, and I will try to provide specific assistance. I am happy to help!
Thank you all for reading my post! 😍
Credit: Hoang Ngoc Bao Tram
