Most foreign business visitors need a Chinese M (business) visa, requiring a passport valid for at least six months with blank visa pages, an online visa application form and an invitation letter or cover letter from a Chinese company or organiser. Some nationalities qualify for visa-free entry or port visas under current policies, so check the rules for your passport before booking. Source: https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/
Estimated cost: No flat fee: the amount varies by nationality, number of entries and the visa application service centre used. Chinese missions have extended reduced visa fees through 31 December 2026, so confirm the current schedule at https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/ before paying.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Applications are commonly submitted through Chinese Visa Application Service Centres (visaforchina.cn) in the applicant's country, with the M visa requiring business documents such as an invitation letter stating the visiting purpose, place to visit and host company contact details. Source: https://www.visaforchina.cn/DEL3_EN/tongzhigonggao/327341847557050368.html
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