Categories Description of Visa

Starting from Nov 20, 2023, Visa applicants living in Abu Dhabi can log on to the Chinese Online Visa Application website (https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn) to fill in the application forms. After completion, please bring the hard copies of a full set of application forms (including the "Confirmation of Online Visa application" and "Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China), basic and supporting documents to the visa section of the Embassy in person to submit your applications during working hours. There’s no need to make online appointment beforehand.

1. Basic Documents 

(1) Passport

Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and more than two blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the passport's information page.

(2) Proof of legal residence status (applicable to those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship)

If you are not applying for the visa in the country of your citizenship, you must provide a photocopy of your valid UAE residence visa issued in Abu Dhabi/Al Ain. People from GCC countries need to provide original and photocopy of the UAE ID card.

(3) If you have obtained Chinese visas before, you should bring a photocopy of the previous Chinese visa pages, as well as a photocopy of the associated passport information page if the previous Chinese visas are not on your current passport.

If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you should provide your previous original Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its information page (applicable to foreign citizens those who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)

2. Supporting Documents

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 and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.

We kindly remind you that:

Holders of D Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

F Visa

An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation should contain:

(1) Information on the applicant (passport number,full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

(2) Information on the planned visit (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, passport or Chinese ID number,name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)

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 Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete relevant formalities.

We kindly remind you that:

Holders of J1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

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 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 (if no hotel booking provided, an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China is required). The invitation letter should contain:

(1) Information on the applicant (passport number,full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

(2) Information on the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, etc.)

(3) Information on the applicant’s place of staying including detailed address

(4) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, passport or Chinese ID number,contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)

M Visa

(1) Documents on the commercial activity issued by a trade partner in China, or trade fair invitation or other invitation letters issued by relevant entity or individual. The invitation letter should contain:

a) Information on the applicant (passport number, full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b) Information on the planned visit (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)

c) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, passport or Chinese ID number,, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)

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 (passport number, full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b) Information on the visit ( 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, passport or Chinese ID number, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of legal representative or the inviting individual, etc.)

(2) Photocopy 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 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.

We kindly remind you that:

Holders of Q1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

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 (passport number, full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b) Information on the visit (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, passport or Chinese ID number, contact number, address, signature etc.)

(2) Photocopy of Chinese ID or foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviting individual

R Visa

The applicant should submit relevant certification in accordance with relevent regualtions, and meet the relevant requirements of the competent authorities of the Chinese government on high-level talents and individualnel 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 (passport number, full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b) Information on the visit (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, passport number, 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, parents-in-law.

We kindly remind you that:

Holders of S1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

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 (passport number, full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b) Information on the visit (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, passport number, 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 studies) 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 medical treatment, please provide hospitalization or acceptance certificates by medical institutions; Caregivers should be less than two family members and notarization of family relation and accompanying certificates by the same medical institution need to be provided as well.

X1 Visa

(1) Original and photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entities in China.

(2) Original and photocopy of "Visa Application for Study in China" (Form JW201 or Form JW202).

We kindly remind you that:

Holders of X1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

X2 Visa

Original and photocopy of Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities 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, as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities.

(2) Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China or Notification Letter of Foreigners Work Permit in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities.

(3) Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries(regions) issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration, as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities.

(4) An approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs or Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Foreign Affairs Office of provincial governments of China.

(5)Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation;

We kindly remind you that:

Holders of Z Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

3. Processing Time:

Standard service: the visa will be ready for collection on the fourth working day; Express service: the visa will be ready for collection on the third working day (approval needed). Please note not all applications are eligible for express service. The time needed for documents supplement, verification from domestic departments, personal interview and force majeure reason is not included.

4.Special Reminder

(1) UAE nationals holding valid ordinary passports shall be exempted from visa requirement to enter or transit through the territory of China with the possibility to stay no longer than 30 days from the date of entry. 

(2) The visa application form should be filled truthfully, clearly and completely and signed by the applicant upon completion (application for an applicant under 18 years of age should be signed by one of his or her parents). Items which are not applicable should be filled in with N/A. Any false information, missed items or illegible handwriting may lead to delay of the application processing or even refusal of the visa application.

(3) The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout, but the consular officer may require the applicant to submit the original of the invitation letter.

(4) Minors applying for a Chinese visa, his/her parents or legal guardians is required to sign the visa application form, and provide birth certificate or guardianship relationship documents, as well as parents or guardians passports, both original and photocopy.

(5) The consular officers remain the right to make the final decision on your application and ask the applicants to provide more supporting documents. If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials, or require an interview with the applicant. The applicant should provide this as soon as possible.

(6) The consular officer will decide on whether or not to issue the visa and on its validity, duration of stay and numbers of entries in light of specific conditions of the applicant. Application may be refused and visas issued shall also be announced void without further explanation.

(7) Please keep well the pickup form for your passports. In case the pickup form is lost, the passport holder must come in person with his/her own valid ID to pick up the passport. The applicant should check all the information of the issued visa upon collection and if necessary raise queries at the same time. If there is no immediate query related to the issued visa, the applicant is held responsible under any circumstances thereafter.

(8) A visa does not guarantee entry to the People's Republic of China. The Exit/entry border inspection authorities of PRC remain the right to deny an entry.

(9) If there is any information not clarified above, please refer to the embassy as the subject of explanation. 

Important Tips for Online COVA Visa Form Filling:

A1.1 Please carefully read the prompts and requirements of the COVA form system, and complete the entries of the visa application COVA online form step by step, making sure that the information is true, accurate and complete.

Please note: Once the application form has been submitted, it cannot be modified in any way. 

A1.2 The "location" option for submitting the visa application should be in line with the consular jurisdiction.

A1.3 Basic personal information. Surname, given names, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport type, etc. must be exactly the same as those on the passport information page, otherwise your visa application will be returned.

A1.4 Completely fill in the work experience and educational background

1 Please fill in the complete work experience for the past 5 years/after graduation from school.

2 The “position” and “duty” of the application form 3.2D and 3.2E must be filled in completely.

3 Please fill in the complete Highest diploma/degree in 4.1, and the diploma/degree and major in 4.1B and 4.1C must be completed.

A1.5 Completely fill in each address

The address of the applicant current residence in 5.1 and the spouse in 5.5A of the application form must fill in the address of the current location, not the address of the place of birth. The address must be filled in completely, including street, city, state, and country.

A1.6 If you choose "not applicable" for any entry in the form, you need to state the reason for “not applicable”.

A1.7 Printing and signing. After completing the COVA online form filling, you must print out a full set of application forms, including the "Confirmation of Online Visa application" and "Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China" (depending on the individual filling situation, a total of 7 to 8 pages will be generated). All the pages of the forms must be printed to turn in, the signature and date on the Confirmation Page and the 8th page of Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China must be handwritten by the applicant him/herself. Visa applicant under the age of 18 is signed by their guardian, and meanwhile add a handwritten signature in the "For person filling in the application on the applicant’s behalf".

Annex 1: Photo Requirements:a recently-taken color passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a white background

(Photo Requirements for Chinese Visa Application)

Please visit the Embassy website for the latest information on visa application.

Address of the Visa Office of the Chinese Embassy in the UAE:

PLOT NO.26, SECTOR NO.W-22, ABU DHABI，UAE

Office Hours:

8:30-13:00 (Monday to Friday, closed on weekends and holidays)

Email for visa application: abu-dhabi@csm.mfa.gov.cn

Tel: +971-2-4434276