Content
Part 1. Important Information About Applying for Chinese Visa
Please read the guidance carefully before submitting your application.
I. The Chinese Diplomatic Missions in New Zealand reserve the right to interpret, amend and change the Chinese Visa requirements in accordance with the laws and regulations of the People's Republic of China. We also reserve the right to review, delay, refuse and cancel your visa without providing specific reasons. Visa validity, duration of stay, and number of entries are determined on an individual basis. The Chinese Diplomatic Missions in New Zealand are not liable for any financial losses as resulting from any above scenario.
You are fully responsible and liable if your visa become invalid or unused due to change of personal or unforeseen circumstances. The Chinese diplomatic missions in New Zealand shall not refund any visa application fees.
II. Starting from November 30, 2024 to December 31, 2025 of Beijing time, New Zealand ordinary passport holders can be exempted from visa to enter China and stay for no more than 30 days for business, tourism, family visit, exchange and transit purposes, while those who do not meet the conditions for visa exemption are required to obtain Chinese visa before entering China..
III. The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in New Zealand will launch the China Online Visa Processing System (https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/) on September 21, 2024. All applicants，including holders of diplomatic and official passports but excluding those who apply for visas to Hong Kong SAR of China and Macao SAR of China，are required to register and log in to China Online Visa Processing System (https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/) and fill in the application form truthfully and completely, and then submit the application and supporting materials online for preliminary assessment. After passing the online preliminary assessment, applicants need to submit their passports and have their biometric information collected at the Consular Office of the Embassy without an appointment. Inaccurate or incomplete information filled online or provision of false materials may result in the rejection of the visa application or denial of entry into China.
If necessary, the consular officer may need the applicant to provide other supporting documents or additional materials, or require the applicant to have an interview at the Consular Office of the Embassy.
IV.All applicants are required to have their fingerprints collected, and fingerprints collection requirement can be exempted if appllicants meet one of the following conditions:
1) Applicants under the age of 14 or over 70;
2) Diplomatic passport holders, or applicants who are eligible for diplomatic, official, and courtesy visas;
3) Applicants holding the same passport with fingerprints collected within 5 years. (The exemption will only be granted when the biometric sticker visa is still identifiable. Otherwise, the exemption will only be granted at the consular office where the fingerprints were originally collected.);
4) Applicants with all ten fingers mutilated or all ten fingerprints uncollectible;
5) Applicants applying for single and double-entry short-term visa with each stay in China no more than 180 days (Effective from September 2, 2024 to December 31, 2025)
V For New Zealand-born children of Chinese descent travelling to China for the first time:
1) If, at the time of the child’s birth, the child had the citizenship of New Zealand or any other country, and at least either of the parents was a Chinese citizen who had acquired permanent residence in New Zealand or any other country, the child is not recognised as a Chinese citizen by birth. The child is required to apply for a Chinese Visa.Please refer to Apply for Chinese Visa for New Zealand-born Children of Chinese descent with New Zealand Citizenship.
2) If, at the time of the child’s birth, the child had the citizenship of New Zealand or any other country, and neither of the parents was a Chinese citizen who had acquired permanent residence in New Zealand or any other country, the child is recognised as a Chinese citizen by birth. The child is eligible for a Chinese Travel Document. Please refer to "How to apply for a Chinese travel document", and submit your application via Chinese Consul App.
3) If, at the time of the child’s birth, the child did not have the citizenship of New Zealand or any other country, and at least either of the parents was a Chinese citizen, the child is recognised as a Chinese citizen by birth. The child needs to apply for a Chinese passport. Please refer to "How to apply for a Chinese passport", and submit your application via Chinese Consul App.
VI You may not change or withdraw your visa applications once they have been accepted for processing. Application will be returned to the applicant when required to modify application or providing additional documents online, so please keep an eye on the processing status.
VII. It normally takes 4 working days to process visa applications. If you are asked to provide further documents or certain documents need to be verified, we’ll get in touch with you regarding the timeline. In urgent situations, you can opt for our express processing service, but it requires the approval of a consular officer.
VIII. If you wish to have your passport to be returned by courier or post, please make sure to prepare a pre-paid courier bag with the recipient's name, address and telephone number on before submitting your application at the Visa Office of the Embassy.
Upon granting of your visa, you will receive an email detailing the procedures for visa fee payment. Please check your email in time and make the payment through online banking. Once we confirm the payment, passport will be returned via courier.
IX.Please be aware of that the Chinese diplomatic missions in New Zealand have never partnered with any agencies, have never given authorization to any agencies to be the official visa agent, nor will recommend any agency. We treat all applicants equally, and no individuals or agencies have received any special treatment or exceptions for their visa applications.
Part 2. Visa Category and Required Documents
1.Visa Category
II. Basic documents
1) Passport. Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of bio-data page of your passport.
2) Photo. Must be a recent colour ID photo, facing forward and with white coloured background, and bareheaded. (Click here to check the photo requirement).
3) Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to those not applying for Chinese visa in their country of citizenship). For non-New Zealand passport holders, when applying for Chinese visa in New Zealand, one must provide the original and photocopy of evidence of one’s immigration status in New Zealand, such as citizen endorsement, residence, work or student visa.
4) Previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable to foreign citizens who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship). If you are applying for Chinese visa for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport and a photocopy of its data page. If you have obtained Chinese visas before and want to apply for Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa labels, you should present a photocopy of the previous passport's data page as well as the pages with your previous Chinese visa. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
5) Please click here to read specified requirement for Children Born in New Zealand with New Zealand Citizenship and Chinese Descent applying for Chinese visa for the first time.
III. Supporting Documents Based on Visa Category and Purpose of Travel
C-Visa
A letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity in China
D-Visa
The original Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.
F-Visa
An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation should contain:
1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).
2) Information on the planned visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures).
3) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, a signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual).
Please Note:
A faxed copy, scanned copy or photocopy of letter of invitation are acceptable. Please make sure the letter of invitation is clear and easy to read. We may require the original documents.
G-Visa
An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region.
J1-Visa
Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.
Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance or and complete relevant formalities.
J2-Visa
Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or other authorized units in China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.
Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete the required formalities.
L-Visa
Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation, etc. or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation letter should contain:
1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).
2) Information on the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, etc.).
3) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, a signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual).
4) Photocopies of both sides of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.
Please Note:
A faxed copy, scanned copy or photocopy of letter of invitation are acceptable. Please make sure the letter of invitation is clear and easy to read. We may require the original documents.
M-Visa
Documents on the commercial activity issued by a trade partner in China, or trade fair invitation or other invitation letters issued by a relevant entity or individual. The invitation letter should contain:
1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).
2) Information on the planned visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures).
3) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, a signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual).
Please Note:
A faxed copy, scanned copy or photocopy of letter of invitation are acceptable. Please make sure the letter of invitation is clear and easy to read. We may require the original documents.
Q1-Visa
For family reunion, the following documents are required:
1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:
a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).
b) Information on the visit (a purpose of visit, intended arrival date, place(s) of intended residence, intended duration of residence, arrival and departure dates, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures).
c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, a signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual, etc.).
2) Photocopies of both sides of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.
3) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and inviting individual.
"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.
For foster care, the following documents are required:
1) Foster entrustment notarization issued by Chinese Embassies/Consulates General in foreign countries or Foster Care Power of Attorney notarized and authenticated in the country of residence or in China.
2) Original and photocopy of the consignor's passport(s), as well as the original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) notarized and authenticated certification showing the relationship between parents or guardians and children.
3) A letter of consent on foster care issued by the trustee living in China who has agreed to provide foster care services and a photocopy of the ID of the trustee.
4) A photocopy of the certificate indicating the permanent residence status abroad of the parent(s) when the child was born, provided that either or both parents of the child are Chinese citizens.
Please Note:
A faxed copy, scanned copy or photocopy of letter of invitation are acceptable. Please make sure the letter of invitation is clear and easy to read. We may require the original documents.
Q2-Visa
1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:
a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).
b) Information on the visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures).
c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact number, address, signature etc.).
2) Photocopies of both sides of Chinese ID or foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviting individual.
Please Note:
A faxed copy, scanned copy or photocopy of letter of invitation are acceptable. Please make sure the letter of invitation is clear and easy to read. We may require the original documents.
R-Visa
The applicant should submit the relevant certification in accordance with the relevant regulations, and meet the relevant requirements of the competent authorities of the Chinese government on high-level talents and individual with special skills urgently needed by China,
S1-Visa
1) An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:
a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).
b) Information on the visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place of intended residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.).
c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.).
2) A photocopy of the inviting individual's passport and residence permit
3) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of immediate family members between applicants and inviting individual.
"Immediate family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 and parents-in-law.
Please Note:
A faxed copy, scanned copy or photocopy of letter of invitation are acceptable. Please make sure the letter of invitation is clear and easy to read. We may require the original documents.
S2-Visa
For visiting family members for a short period, the following documents are required:
1) An invitation letter issued by the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:
a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).
b) Information on the visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.).
c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)
2) A photocopy of the inviting individual's (a foreigner who stays or lives in China for work or study) passport and residence permit.
3) Photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and the inviting individual.
"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.
For private affairs, documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs should be provided as required by the consular officer.
Please Note:
A faxed copy, scanned copy or photocopy of letter of invitation are acceptable. Please make sure the letter of invitation is clear and easy to read. We may require the original documents.
X1-Visa
For foreign students admitted at higher education institutions in China，the following documents are required：
1) Original or photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by the host institutions in China.
2) Original or photocopy of "Confirmation Form for Study in China" (Form JW201 or Form JW202).
For foreign students admitted at primary and secondary educaion in China，the following documents are required：
Original or photocopy of Confirmation Form for Elementary Stage Students Study in China issued by host institutions and approved by provincial educational departments in China.
X2-Visa
For foreign students admitted at schools in China，the following documents are required：
1)Original or photocopy of Admission Notice issued by the host institution in China.
2) Original or photocopy of “Information Form for Foreign Students' Short-term Visit”（known as DQ form）
For foreign students admitted at other education and training institutions in China，the following documents are required：
Original or photocopy of Admission Notice issued by other education and training institutions in China.
Z-Visa
One of the following documents:
1) Foreigners Employment Permit of the People's Republic of China issued by Chinese government authorities for Human Resources and Social Security; if your intended work period is 90 days or less, you need to provide an Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in P.R. China. You must apply for your visa before the commencing work date indicated on the Approval and you will be allowed to work only within the period of time indicated in the Approval.
2) Original Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China or Notification Letter of Foreigners Work Permit in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts.
3) Copy of Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries(regions) issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration.
4) An approval document for commercial performance (original) issued by Chinese government authority for Cultural Affairs (only applicable to applicants for commercial performances in mainland China) and Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in P.R. China, applicants must submit visa applications before the commence date shown on Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in P.R. China, and shall not work more than the period of time shown on the approval letter.
5) Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation.
Part 3 Visa Application Processes
A. Complete China Online Visa Application Form
B. Submit Visa Application and Fingerprints Collection
C. Payment and Passport Collection
A. Complete Visa Application Form Online
1. Please log in to China Online Visa Application website (https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/), and make the application online. All applicants are required to complete the online application form, including diplomats, government officials, but excluding those applying for visas to Hong Kong SAR of China and Macao SAR of China and wait for the application to pass the preliminary assessment.
Please Note:
1)Applicants must submit applications to the corresponding consular office of the Embassy or Consulate-General in New Zealand in accordance with consular district jurisdiction of the applicant's residential address in New Zealand. Applications may be declined if received from areas outside of consular district jurisdiction.
2) Your application may be declined, or your entry to China may be refused if inaccurate, false, or misleading information is provided.
3) You must upload an ID photo of yourself, and it must meet the visa photo requirement (Click here to check the photo requirement). Your application will be declined if you upload a photo of someone else.
4) Applicant who was born in China (including Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and Taiwan Province), you must enter your name in Chinese characters, if applicable.
B. Submission of Visa Application
B.1 Applicant to submit in person
B.2 Application submit via courier or post
B.1 Applicant to submit in person
No appointment is required for the submission of application materials. Applicants need to come to the Visa Office of the Embassy in person during the working hours to submit their passports and have their fingerprints taken(except for conditions mentioned in part one of this guidance). If necessary, you may be asked to bring relevant documents when submitting. Minors under the age of 14 are exempted from the need to come to the visa office, and their guardians can submit on their behalf. After your documents have been received, you will be given a pick-up slip, which is the only proof of receiving your passport with Chinese visa.
2. Please bring the following documents for submission:
1) Original passport;
2) One printed ID photo (only if the digital ID photo submitted online does not meet the requirement);
3) Original or photocopy of supporting documents(only if specifically requested). If you wish to have your passport returned by courier or post, you need to provide the following as well:
4)Prepaid courier package. (Please make sure you have written the recipient's name, address and telephone number on the package. Please make the payment via internet banking as per instructions, make sure you have entered all required information and the correct amount when paying your fees.)
B.2 Application submit via courier or post
For those exempt form fingerprints collection, submitting documents by courier or post can be acceptable. For those choosing courier or post to submitting documents, 15 dollars handling service fee will be charged accordingly. Applicants must submit applications to the corresponding consular office of the Embassy or Consulate-General in New Zealand in accordance with consular district jurisdiction of the applicant's residential address in New Zealand.
1. Please include the following documents when sending your application:
1) Original passport;
2) One printed ID photo (only if the digital ID photo submitted online does not meet the requirement);
3) Original or photocopy of supporting documents(only if specifically requested).
If you wish to have your passport returned by courier or post, you need to provide the following as well:
4)Prepaid courier package. (Please make sure you have written the recipient's name, address and telephone number on the package. Please make the payment via internet banking as per instructions, make sure you have entered all required information and the correct amount when paying your fees.)
2. Postal Address for Submitting Visa Application Documents to the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand (Wellington)
Consular Section
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in New Zealand
14 Hill Street, Thorndon,Wellington 6011
Please Note:
1) Passport is a valuable personal item, we strongly recommend you using courier delivery which provides tracking service, such as NZ Post, Courier Post, and NZ Couriers. Sending applications via regular mail is not recommended.
2) The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand will not be responsible for any loss, damage to your passports and documents, or delays caused by the post or courier.
3) Application fee can only be made via internet banking. We will send you an email containing payment details once your applications have been accepted for processing. When makingthe payment online, please make sure to follow the instructions included in theemail.
4) We do not accept applications sent by post or courier for expedited visa application processing. Your application will be processed within the standard processing time frame.
C. Payment and Passport Collection
1. The applicant can proceed to the visa office to pay and collect the passport with Chinese visa by presenting the pickup slip during the working hours of the office when your pickup time is ready. You can also appoint somebody else to collect it on your behalf by presenting the pickup slip.
2. For those choosing to return their passport by courier or post, we will return your documents by using the courier bag you have provided us.
Please click here for Fees, Processing Time and Payment Methods.
Part 4. Fees, Processing Time and Payment Methods
Table of visa fee and processing time
Visa fee waiver countries based on bilateral agreements.
(Last update on 1 November 2017)
Payment Methods
1. Pay by Internet banking for returning documents by courier or post. Upon granting of your visa, you will receive an email detailing the procedures for visa fee payment.
The payment methods below can only be used at the counter.
1. Credit card (Visa and MasterCard)
2. EFTPOS
3. ONLINE BANKING TRANSFER
4. UnionPay (Credit card, Debit card, QuickPass)
5. WeChat Pay
6. AliPay