Please read this guidance carefully before submitting your application:

1. 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. Based on the individual circumstances, the validity of a visa, length of stay and number of entries is decided on a case-by-case basis. The Chinese diplomatic missions in New Zealand are not liable for any financial losses resulting from any above scenario.

You are fully responsible and liable if your visa becomes invalid or unused due to change of personal or unforeseen circumstances. The Chinese diplomatic missions in New Zealand will not refund any fees in relation to your visa application.

2. The Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Auckland has introduced China Online Visa Application system with effect from 15 June 2023.

All applicants, including diplomats and government officials, but excluding those who apply for visas to Hong Kong SAR of China and Macao SAR of China, are required to log in to China Online Visa Application (COVA) website (https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/) and submit the application for preliminary assessment. Your application will be declined or you can be refused entry permission to China if you provide inaccurate, false or misleading information.

After the preliminary assessment has been completed, you are required to submit your passport and other supporting documents (only if specifically requested) at the Visa Office. Biometric informtion including fingerprints and photographs will be collected on-site.

3. All applicants must visit the Visa Office to have fingerprints collected. The following applicants are exempted from collecting fingerprints:

● Applicants who under the age of 14 or over 70;

● Diplomatic passport holders, or applicants who are eligible for diplomatic, official and courtesy visas;

● 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 Visa Office where the fingerprints were originally collected.);

● Applicants with all ten fingers mutilated or all ten fingerprints noncollectable.

4. 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 will contact you for the processing time. You may request an express processing service but it must be approved by a consular officer.

5.You may not change or withdraw your visa applications once they have been accepted for processing. Any supporting documents you provided will not be returned and please make additional copies if you wish to keep them.

6. For New Zealand-born children with Chinese descent when travelling to China for the first time:

● 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 recognized as a Chinese citizen by birth. The child is eligible to apply for a Chinese passport. Please refer to "申办中国护照注意事项".

● 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 the permanent residence of New Zealand or any other country, the child is recognized as a Chinese citizen by birth. The child is eligible to apply for a Chinese Travel Document. Please refer to "申办中国旅行证注意事项".

● If, at the time of the child’s birth, the child had the citizenship of New Zealand or any other country and either of the parents was a Chinese citizen who had acquired the permanent residence of New Zealand or any other country, the child is not recognized as a Chinese citizen by birth. The child is required to apply for a Chinese Visa.

ATTENTION:

Please be aware that the Chinese diplomatic missions in New Zealand have never had cooperation with any agencies, nor have given authorization to anyone to be the official visa agent. We do not recommend an agency you can use, all applicants are treated equally, and no individuals or agencies will have privileges or exceptions for their visa applications.

STEPS OF CHINA ONLINE VISA APPLICATION:

STEP 1: Preparing Documents as Required

1. Basic Documents

1) Passport. Original passport with at least six months of validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of bio-data page of the passport.

2) ID Photo. Must be a recent color ID photo, facing forward and with white color background, and bareheaded.

3) Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to those applying for China visa who are not in their country of citizenship). For non-New Zealand passport holders, when you apply for your China visa in New Zealand, you must provide the original and photocopy of evidence of your immigration status in New Zealand, such as citizen endorsement, residence (RV/PR), work or student visa.

4) Previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable to foreigners who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship, or who have been issued China visas before).

If you are applying for a China visa for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport and a photocopy of its data page. If you have obtained China visas before and want to apply for a China visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any China visa, you shall present a photocopy of the previous passport's data page, as well as the pages with your previous China visas. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)

5) For Children Born in New Zealand with New Zealand Citizenship and Chinese Descent applying for the first time, applicants shall also submit the following documents:

● Birth Certificate of the child and its photocopy

● Photocopies of the parents’ passport at the time of the child’s birth and the photocopies of the parents’ passports when the visa application was submitted;

● Photocopies of proof of legal permanent residence status of the parents, including the citizen endorsement, PR residence etc., that the parents held at the time of the child’s birth and the valid ones when the visa application was submitted.

ATTENTION:

For minor applicants, their applications are allowed to be submitted on-site by parents with the child not showing up.

2. Supporting Documents Based on Visa Category and Purposes 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 and photocopy of the 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).

Attention:

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.

L-Visa

Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) and 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.

Attention:

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).

Attention:

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.

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.

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.

G-Visa

An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region.

S1-Visa

1) An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:

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

● 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.).

● 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 refer to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 and parents-in-law.

Attention:

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:

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

● 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.).

● 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 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 private affairs, documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs should be provided as required by the consular officer.

Attention:

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

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).

X2-Visa

Original and photocopy of Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities in China.

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:

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

● 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).

● 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.

Attention:

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:

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

● 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).

● 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.

Attention:

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.

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.

STEP 2: Complete China Online Visa Application Form

Please log in to China Online Visa Application website (http://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.

ATTENTION:

(1) Applicant 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 will be declined or you can be refused entry permission to China if you provide inaccurate, false or misleading information.

(3) For applicants who were born in China (including Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and Taiwan Province), you must enter your name in Chinese characters, if applicable.

(4) Applicants are required to submit one ID photo while applying for Chinese visa. Your application may be declined if you upload a photo of someone else. In accordance with the instruction from the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the P.R. China, the following requirements of the ID photo should be satisfied: 

● It must be a color photo, taken within the last 6 months.

Photo size: 48mmx33mm, width of head: 15mm to 22mm, height of head: 20mm to 33mm. Please refer to the picture below:

● It should be easy to identify the applicant by the photo, while taking the photo, please face the camera with the entire head and face clearly visible. The facial expression should be neutral with eyes open, lips closed and ears visible. Head position: ≤20°left or right tilt, and ≤25°up or down tilt. There should be no extra movement or objects visible in the photo.

● Facial features should be complete and clearly visible, with the head centered in the photo. Eyeglasses are allowed except thick-rimmed, tinted or glare glasses. Hat or other head wears are only permitted due to religious reasons, but any facial features should not be obscured.

● There should be no damages or impurities on the photo, no permeation or shadow over the face. Photo should be in natural tone, but not over or under exposed, red-eyed or distorted.

● Background should be in white, and with no edge frame. Photo with scene of everyday life is not accepted.

● Photo should be printed on glossy finish photo paper, but not on matte finish paper or plain paper, and should be free of stain, scratch or any crease.

STEP 3: Submission of Visa Application

Applicants are required to submit their passport and other supporting documents (only if specifically requested) at the Visa Office. Biometric informtion including fingerprints and photographs will be collected on-site. Please bring the following documents for your appointment:

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 to be returned by courier or post, handling service fees are not applied; however, you need to provide the following:

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 instruction, make sure you have entered all required information and correct amount when paying your fees.) 

ATTENTION:

Passport is a valuable personal item, so we strongly recommend you use courier delivery which provides tracking service, such as NZ Post, Courier Post, and NZ Couriers. Applications that are sent by regular post is not recommended.

STEP 4: Payment and Collection

1. You will be given a pickup slip when submitting your application in person at the Visa Office. You must bring the pickup slip for passport collection and make the payment for your visa application.

2. You may appoint someone to collect your passport, your nominated person must also present the pickup slip for passport collection and make the payment for your visa application.

3. If the applicant requests the passport to be returned by post or courier service, we will return your passport using the courier package you provide.

Table of Visa Fee and Processing Time 

(Unit: NZD per Person)

Visa fee waiver countries based on bilateral agreements

(Last update on 1 November 2017)

How to pay

Application fee can be paid by:

● Credit card (Visa and Master Card only);

● EFTPOS;

● Internet banking transfer

● UnionPay (Credit card, Debit card, QuickPass)

● WeChat Pay

● AliPay

Information about internet banking：

Account Name: The Consulate General of PRC

Account No: 03-01040962837-28

Bank Name: Westpac

3. In order to check the applicant and process the application in a timely manner, make precise and correct every detail you put in when making an online payment. Fill in PARTICULARS with your pick-up number, CODE with your full name, and REFERENCE with “VISA”.

ATTENTION:

(1) We do not accept express processing service if the applicant intends for the passport to be returned by post or courier.

(2) The Chinese diplomatic missions in New Zealand will not be responsible for any loss, damage to your passports and documents, or delays caused by the post or courier.‍