Visa application tips 签证办理

• To make sure you have enough time to prepare, please apply for your visa at least 1 month before your intended arrival date. For most attendees, the Tourist ("L") visa is the easiest option; an invitation letter is NOT required for a Tourist visa.

  1. Visa Exemption (No Pre-Arranged Visa Needed)

  Citizens of 54 countries (including Japan, Brunei, Singapore) enjoy 15–30 days visa-free entry to mainland China (valid until Dec 31, 2026; Russia until Sep 14, 2026). The 30-day stay is calculated from the day after entry and cannot be extended.

  2. Visa Application for Non-Exempt Countries

  You must apply for a visa in advance at a Chinese embassy/consulate or visa application center worldwide. China has implemented full online visa processing (https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/); you will still need to submit your passport and provide biometrics (fingerprints) in person .

  3. Main Visa Types (2026 Updated)

  L (Tourist) Visa

  • Purpose: Tourism, sightseeing, private affairs.
  • Validity: 1–10 years (multiple entries, most commonly 1–5 years).
  • Duration per stay: 30–90 days (varies by nationality and application).
  • Fee: $60–$150 (fluctuates by nationality, location, and processing speed).
  • Documents: Valid passport (≥6 months validity, ≥2 blank pages), online application form, recent photo, round-trip flight booking, hotel reservation, travel itinerary.

  F (Visit) Visa

  • Purpose: Non-commercial exchanges, visits, short-term research (not for business trips—use M Visa for business).
  • Requirement: Mandatory invitation letter from an authorized Chinese organization (no workaround in Hong Kong/Macau).
  • Stay: Up to 180 days per entry; no residence permit required.

  Z (Work) Visa

  • Purpose: Full-time employment in China; multiple-entry, long-term validity.
  • Requirements: Work permit notification, employment contract, medical examination report, and other official documents.
  • Post-arrival: Must apply for a work-type residence permit within 30 days of entry.

  X (Student) Visa

  • X1 Visa: For study programs longer than 180 days; valid for 1–5 years; requires a residence permit within 30 days of entry.
  • X2 Visa: For short-term study (≤180 days); single-entry only; cannot be extended or used for full-time work.
  • Documents: Admission letter, JW201/JW202 form, proof of financial support.

  4. Important Notes

  • Visa rules change frequently. Always confirm with the nearest Chinese embassy/consulate for the latest, accurate information.
  • Entry Declaration: Starting Nov 20, 2025, all foreigners must complete an online entry declaration via the National Immigration Administration 12367 APP/mini-program before arrival 中华人民共和国外交部驻澳门特别行政区特派员公署 .
  • Processing time: Standard 4–5 working days; expedited services available for an extra fee (≈¥170–250)
  For more details, visit the official website of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate in your country or the China Visa Online Service (https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/)

INVITATION LETTER ICCNS 邀请信

• Important information regarding invitation letters (please read):
  
  The invitation letter will be issued after the successful registration.
  
  Your name must be listed exactly as it appears on your passport. Any differences between the name on your passport and the name on your invitation letter or other documentation could lead to a delay and/or denial of your visa.
  
  Please note ICCNS Conferences and the organizing committee of the conference are not authorized to assist with the VISA process beyond providing the Notification of Invitation Letter issued by ICCNS Conferences and conference Committee Board. Should your application be denied, ICCNS Conferences and the organizing committee of the conference cannot change the decision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nor will ICCNS Conference and the organizing committee of the conference engage in discussion or correspondence with the MOFA or the Embassy on behalf of the applicant. The registration fee cannot be refunded when the VISA application of individual being denied.
  
  It takes time for the Embassy to process the VISA application, please register as early as you can to make sure you have enough time.