China is often on travelers’ lists for its mix of modern cities, historic landmarks, and landscapes ranging from coastal skylines to mountain towns.
For Filipino passport holders, a visa is required before entering mainland China. The type depends on the purpose of travel: a tourist visa (L) for leisure trips, a student visa (X) for studies, and a business visa (M) for work-related visits.
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The application process begins online through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center, where applicants must create an account and prepare the required documents before submitting their application.
Preparing for the Chinese visa application
The visa application form is the core of the process and needs to be completed carefully. All fields must be filled out in capital letters, with no blanks left empty. If a section does not apply, “N/A” should be indicated. The form also requires a handwritten signature, so it must be printed and signed physically.
Photo: Vecteezy
Applicants must also prepare two passport-size photos (33mm x 48mm) taken against a plain white background. The photo should show a full, front-facing view, with no accessories such as earrings or head coverings. One photo is attached to the form using paste or tape—staples are not allowed.
A valid passport is required, with at least six months’ validity beyond the intended stay and at least two blank visa pages. A photocopy of the passport’s information page and emergency contact page must also be included. If there is a previous or expired passport, it should also be submitted. If unavailable, this must be declared in the application form.
Financial and supporting documents for a Chinese visa application
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Applicants must also present proof of financial capacity. This comes in the form of a bank certificate that includes account type, number, opening date, and both current and average daily balances. A minimum balance of around ₱100,000 is typically expected.
This is supported by a bank statement covering the last six months or a passbook with updated entries. The details across all documents must match. If the account is joint, proof of relationship, such as a Philippine Statistics Authority-issued (PSA) birth certificate or marriage contract, is required.
A latest income tax return (ITR) with a BIR stamp is also required, along with a photocopy.
Travel plans and accommodation
Applicants must submit proof of travel arrangements, usually a round-trip flight booking and hotel reservation or accommodation voucher.
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If these are not yet available, an invitation letter from a host in China may be submitted instead. This should include the applicant’s personal details, travel dates, destinations, and accommodation arrangements, as well as the host’s contact information, address, and identification details. A signature or official company stamp is required when applicable.
All details must be consistent with the visa application form, including the spelling of names and travel dates.
Additional requirements
Recent travel history may also be requested, such as entry and exit stamps from previous trips. If these are not available, applicants may submit a screenshot of their latest eTravel record from the eGovPH app.
First-time applicants must also submit a certificate of employment indicating the position, salary, and length of employment, signed by the Human Resources department. A copy of the latest income tax return is also required.
For applicants under 18
Minors must submit additional documents, including a PSA-issued birth certificate showing both parents’ names and copies of their passports. If the child is traveling with only one parent, a notarized consent letter from the non-accompanying parent is required.
Submission at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center
Once documents are complete, applicants proceed to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Makati. After a preliminary check, a queue number is issued for submission.
Biometrics, such as fingerprints, may be collected depending on the applicant. In some cases, an interview or additional requirements may also be requested.
After submission, applicants receive a pickup form and must pay the visa fee in cash on the same day. This form indicates the passport’s release date and must be kept securely.
Visa fees and processing
Fees vary depending on entry type and processing speed:
- Single entry: ₱2,898 (regular), ₱4,922 (express), ₱6,446 (rush)
- Double entry: ₱3,448 / ₱5,472 / ₱6,996
- Multiple entry (6 months): ₱3,948 / ₱5,972 / ₱7,496
- Multiple entry (over 6 months): ₱4,998 / ₱7,022 / ₱8,546
Where and when to apply
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The Chinese Visa Application Center is located on the 6th floor of Noble Square, 6762 Ayala Avenue, Makati City.
Submission hours are from 9 AM to 3 PM, Monday to Friday, while passport collection is from 9 AM to 4 PM on weekdays.
Applicants are advised to apply at least one month before their intended travel date, but no earlier than three months.
Visa applications can feel document-heavy, but most of the process comes down to preparation and consistency. Once the requirements are complete, the submission typically follows a straightforward process.
ALSO READ: Planning a Japan Trip Soon? The Japanese Embassy Shares Practical Visa Reminders
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