China, a land of diverse cultures and ancient history, is an increasingly popular destination for tourists and business travelers. With its bustling cities, iconic landmarks, and delicious cuisine, it’s no wonder why many people are eager to visit this fascinating country. However, for Kenyan citizens, the visa application process can be complex and time-consuming.
In this guide, we will provide a step-by-step overview of the China visa process for Kenyans, covering everything from requirements and application forms to processing times and fees.
Types of China Visas for Kenyans
For different nationality holders, the Chinese government has set different visa policies. While some foreign nationals can enjoy visa-free travel, others must obtain a valid travel document to enter the country.
Unfortunately, Kenya is not on the list of Chinese visa-exempt countries. So, all Kenyan citizens are required to obtain a valid visa in order to visit China. Here're a few visa options that are available for Kenyans:
Tourist Visa (L-Visa) - This non-immigrant visa option is for those visiting China for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, visiting friends and family, or participating in cultural exchanges. Visa applicants can either apply for a single-entry visa or a double-entry tourist visa.
Business Visa (M-Visa) - Kenyan citizens can also apply for a Chinese business visa for business purposes, such as attending conferences, conducting negotiations, or participating in trade fairs. This one is valid for a single entry within a 30-day period.
Work Visa (Z-Visa) - If you are entering China for employment purposes, such as working as a teacher, researcher, or company executive, you'll need to apply for a work visa. This one is also a single-entry visa that comes with a 90-day period.
Besides these, Kenyan citizens can also apply for other nonimmigrant visas, including student visa, private visa, talent visa, transit visa, journalist visa, and so on. You can visit VisaHQ to check all of the available options and their visa requirements.
Requirements for a China Visa for Kenyans
As mentioned earlier, the Chinese government offers different types of visas to Kenyan citizens for different purposes. As no two visa options are the same, the same goes for their requirements.
Some basic required documents that you need for all types of Chinese non-immigrant visas include:
Valid Passport - Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into China and has blank visa pages.
Application Form - Complete the online non-immigrant visa applications and print two copies.
Means of Payment - To pay the visa processing fee, you'll need a debit card, credit card, or PayPal account.
Photograph - Provide a recent passport-sized photo with a plain background.
Proof of Residency - Provide proof of your current address in Kenya, such as a utility bill.
Proof of Travel - Provide evidence of your travel plans, such as a flight itinerary or hotel reservation.
Proof of Financial Support - Provide proof of financial support, such as bank statements or pay stubs, to demonstrate that you have the means to support yourself during your stay in China.
Keep in mind that these are the basic documents required to apply for Chinese visas. Besides these, you'll need some additional supporting documents, depending on the visa options. Therefore, it's recommended to visit VisaHQ prior to applying for a travel document to check the visa requirements.
How to Apply for a China Visa in Kenya?
Once you determine the visa type and gather all the necessary required documents, you can apply for a Chinese nonimmigrant visa. You can either visit the embassy or partner up with VisaHQ. It's recommended to apply for your visa via VisaHQ as you can complete the visa application process from the comfort of your home.
To apply for a China visa via VisaHQ, all you need to do is:
Complete the Visa Application Form - You can find this form on the VisaHQ website. To complete it, you'll need to provide personal, contact, passport, and travel information.
Pay the Visa Processing Fee - Next step is to pay the nonimmigrant visa application fee. This includes both the visa service charges as well as the embassy fee. You can use a debit or credit card or a PayPal account.
Submit Your Visa Application - Finally, submit your application. Make sure to review your application prior to submitting it. If there’re mistakes or errors in your visa application, your visa will most likely be delayed or denied by the embassy.
Once you submit your online application form, the embassy will process it. The visa processing time for a China visa depends upon several factors, including the time of the visa. On average, you may need to wait for at least 2-3 weeks to get an approved visa. Afterward, simply download your visa or print it out to enter China!