Every China visa type has its own document requirements, and submitting the wrong set is one of the fastest ways to be turned away. This is the complete, up-to-date document checklist for the four most common China visa categories in 2026: Tourism (L), Business (M), Family (Q2/S2), and Transit.
Documents every applicant needs
- Passport — valid at least 6 months beyond your stay, with two or more blank visa pages.
- Completed application form — filled out fully and truthfully, signed.
- Passport photo — recent, white background, 33mm x 48mm, no glasses.
- Proof of legal residence — if applying outside your country of citizenship.
Tourism visa (L) checklist
- Round-trip flight reservation covering entry and exit.
- Hotel bookings for the full stay, or an invitation letter from a Chinese host.
- Day-by-day itinerary consistent with your bookings.
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds (commonly requested).
The L visa is for tourism and visiting friends. Your itinerary, hotels, and flights must all line up.
Business visa (M) checklist
- Invitation letter from a Chinese company or trade partner, including company details, your details, trip purpose, and dates.
- Proof of your own employment or business relationship.
- Flight and accommodation details matching the invitation.
The M visa covers commercial and trade activities. The invitation letter is the centerpiece — every detail must match your form.
Family visit visa (Q2 / S2) checklist
- Q2 — for visiting Chinese citizens or permanent residents who are relatives. Requires an invitation letter from the relative plus proof of the family relationship and the inviter's ID/residence.
- S2 — for visiting foreign nationals living in China for short-term family matters. Requires the inviter's visa/residence permit and proof of relationship.
Transit visa and visa-free transit
- Confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region with a fixed date.
- Valid visa for the destination country if required.
- Proof you remain within the allowed transit window and ports.
Many travelers qualify for visa-free transit or the 30-day visa-free entry — check your route before assuming you need a transit visa.
The detail that decides approval
Collecting the documents is only half the job. The other half is making sure they are internally consistent: same dates, same addresses, same spelling of names everywhere. That cross-check is exactly what a document review catches before submission.