Change in Chinese Visa requirements

As of yesterday the requirements for applying for a Chinese visa became a bit stricter according to the Embassy of The People’s Republic of China in the United Kingdom of the Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

In order to apply for a tourist visa (L visa) you will now in addition to your passport, visa application form and passport photograph also need:

• A copy of Chinese hotel booking
• A copy of outward and return flight ticket booking

or if you are visiting a relative in China:

• Proof of kinship
• A copy of outward and return flight ticket booking

The additional requirements were announced on 11 April 2008 on the Embassy of The People’s Republic of China in the United Kingdom of the Great Britain and Northern Ireland website, but I haven’t been able to find any explanation from the embassy as to why the requirements have changed.

The lack of explanation obviously leaves travellers speculating about the possible reasons, the Olympics and the current Torch Relay would be my contribution.

Speculations aside, however, the important news for travellers is that the requirements have changed and that the hotel booking requirement makes it a bit harder to travel around China without firm plans.

So if you have plans to visit China in the near future, I would check with your local Chinese embassy how these new requirements may affect your plans.

External Links:
Chinese visa requirements on the Embassy of The People’s Republic of China in the United Kingdom of the Great Britain and Northern Ireland website.

TAGS: Chinese visa requirements, travel

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