What is a China tourist visa invitation letter? This letter is an important document required by the Chinese authorities for any foreigner coming to China. Although it is not requested for all visas, common visas requiring an invitation letter include a Work Visa, Family Reunion visa, China Crew visa, Private Visa, and Business Visa.
Visas That Don't Require An Invitation Letter
The tourist and transit visas don't require an invitation letter if you have a confirmed flight ticket.
However, if you are still invited by a friend or family to visit as a tourist, they need to send you an invitation letter. The good news is that independent tourists only need an itinerary to prove they have reserved flight and hotel reservations. Invitation letters are only required for those with family, friends, or hosts in China.
Note: If you present an invitation letter at the embassy despite having no known associate in China, your application will be treated with suspicion
Contents Of A Chinese Invitation Letter
There are different types of invitation letters depending on the type of visa, but they all represent the same thing. Here are the sections all letters must contain.
Beneficiary: The PU invitation letter should include information about the beneficiary or the person invited to China. It must bear their full name, date of birth, passport number, phone number, gender, nationality, and email address. It must also state the relationship between the beneficiary and the person or entity inviting them.
Inviter Information: The letter should contain information about the inviter, such as their full name and status in China. If it is an entity, it must provide its certificate of ownership, official stamp, address, phone number, email, and signature of the director or manager.
Trip Information: The authorities will like to know the reasons for the trip and the activities planned for the trip. They must also indicate the planned route as well as the arrival and departure date.
Stamp: The letter must be written on the company's letterhead (for entities) or an A4 paper for individuals and stamped by the local government where they reside.
Signature: Last but not least is the signature. It must be signed by the inviter.
Other Documents You Must Attach To Your Application Form
Two categories of documents are required for application: basic and supportive. The former are documents required for all visas, while the latter are additional documents required for selected visas. Applicants are advised to present only valid documents that bear their names, as visas cannot be applied for or issued by a proxy.
Here are the basic documents Chinese embassies request for.
Valid Passport: The applicant must submit a valid passport for the visa. Only passports with a minimum of 6 months' validity are accepted.
Furthermore, the passport must have at least one blank page.
Photograph: A clear passport-sized photograph is required for the application. Only photos that meet the requirements of the f visa application center will be required. For instance, it must not be older than 6 months and must clearly show the applicant's face.
ID Card: In special cases, an ID card may be required to provide further proof of identity aside from the passport.
Proof of Funds: The embassy may request proof of funds to show that you can afford your travel expenses. For this, a bank statement will be required for a specified period that is stamped and sealed by the bank.
Proof of Accommodation: This is required for visitors who do not have family or a host in China. A copy of the hotel reservation can be submitted as proof.
In addition to these documents, all applicants must pay a visa fee using a credit or debit card or transfers payable to the embassy's designated bank account.
Applying For A Visa Online
Online applications are only open to selected countries, so check to see if you are eligible for a tourist visa online. If you can apply for it online, do well to visit VisaHQ.
The good thing about online applications is that you don't have to visit the embassy or a visa application center. Furthermore, you don't have to submit physical copies of your documents or wait in line as everything is done online. All you need to do is fill out the form and attach the documents online using your smartphone or computer, and you can submit them for processing. Here are the steps to take.
Log onto VisaHQ
Select China as your destination
Select your country of origin
Choose the visa you want
Fill out the application form
Upload your documents
Pay the application fee
Submit for approval
For tourist visas, you may not need an invitation letter unless it is required for online applications.