Whether you're going on vacation, a business trip, or visiting family and friends in China, it's important to know what type of visa you need to apply for. To help make your travel plans easier, we created this updated guide article just for Filipino travelers. From visa-free options to step-by-step application process here’s everything you need to know before flying to China.
China’s Visa-Free Policy for Filipinos
As of now, Filipinos still need to apply a visa before traveling to mainland China. China has been opening its doors more to visitors from some countries. For example, starting February 9, 2024, Singaporeans can stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa. This is a great step toward easier travel!
👉 So, what does this mean for us Filipinos?
It shows that China is slowly making a travel more convenient, and hopefully, the Philippines will have similar visa-free agreements in the near future. But for now, if you’re holding a Philippine passport, you still need to apply for a visa before you travel to mainland China.
However, if you’re planning to visit Hong Kong, you can stay there without a visa for up to 14 days. And if Macau is your destination, you can enjoy a visa-free stay of up to 30 days.
This means if you’re thinking of exploring these places, you can plan a quick trip without worrying about visa applications. But if mainland China is your main stop, make sure you prepare your visa in advance to avoid any last-minute problems.
Travel plans can be exciting but also have a bit overwhelming — so it’s always best to check the latest rules and get your documents ready early. That way, you can focus on enjoying your trip without any worries!
Visa Tips for Staying in China More Than 30 Days
Right now, if you’re a Filipino planning to go to China, you’ll need a visa no matter how long your trip is. Unlike Singaporeans who can stay up to 30 days without a visa, we still have to apply for one even for short visits.
If you’re staying more than 30 days or visiting for a special reason, it’s really important to get the right kind of visa.
👉 Here are some common visa types you might need:
- M Visa – if you’re going for business or trade meetings
- Z Visa – if you plan to work or get a job in China
- X Visa – if you’re going to study or attend school
- J Visa – for journalists or media work
- S or Q Visa – if you’re visiting family or having a family reunion that lasts longer than 30 days
Countries That Can Visit China Without a Visa
China allows citizens from certain countries to enter without a visa for a short stay. This helps make travel easier and encourages tourism.
| Region | Countries/Regions | Visa-Free Stay |
|---|---|---|
Asia | Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, Brunei, Japan, UAE, Qatar, Maldives, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Georgia | Up to 15 or 30 days |
Europe | France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Greece, Hungary, Czechia, Slovakia, Poland, Portugal, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, San Marino, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Iceland | Up to 15 or 30 days |
Oceania | Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands | Up to 30 days |
Americas | Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, Suriname, Antigua & Barbuda | Up to 30 days |
Africa | Seychelles, Mauritius | Up to 30 days |
China Visa Types
| Visa Type | Purpose & Duration |
|---|---|
L Visa | For tourism, visiting friends or family. Stay: 30 to 90 days. |
M Visa | For business trips like meetings or trade. Duration varies. |
Z Visa | For working in China. Duration depends on job. |
X1 Visa | For students studying more than 180 days (>6 months). |
X2 Visa | For students studying up to 180 days (≤6 months). |
Q1 Visa | For long-term family reunions with Chinese citizens (>180 days). |
Q2 Visa | For short family visits to Chinese citizens (≤180 days). |
S1 Visa | For long visits to foreign relatives working or studying in China (>180 days). |
S2 Visa | For short visits to foreign relatives working or studying in China (≤180 days). Used for domestic helpers. |
J1 Visa | For foreign journalists living in China (>180 days). |
J2 Visa | For journalists on short assignments (≤180 days). |
C Visa | For airline, train, or ship crew members. Duration varies. |
F Visa | For exchange visits, study tours, or non-commercial visits. |
D Visa | For permanent residency in China (long-term). |
R Visa | For highly skilled workers needed urgently in China. |
G Visa | For transit travelers passing through China. |
✨ Note:
- If you are just passing through China, you may stay visa-free for 24, 72, or 144 hours depending on your entry city and nationality — no G visa needed.
- If you are applying for a visa for a domestic helper, the S2 Visa is required.
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China Visa Requirements for Filipinos
If you’re applying for a China visa, here are the basic documents you need to prepare:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
Passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least 2 blank visa pages. |
Photo | One recent passport-sized photo with a white background. |
Visa Application Form | Complete the form online and print it (available on the China Visa Application Center website). |
Proof of Purpose | Documents showing why you’re going to China (like business letters, travel plans, or invitation letters). |
Visa Fee | Fees depend on the type of visa and how many entries you want. |
Special Documents for Certain Visa Types
Some visas need extra documents. Here are the common ones:
| Visa Type | Additional Documents Needed |
|---|---|
C Visa (Crew) | Letter from your transportation company or invitation from China. |
D Visa (Permanent Residency) | Certificate of Permanent Residence issued by China’s Ministry of Public Security. |
F Visa (Cultural Exchange, Study Visits) | Invitation letter from a Chinese organization, and sometimes a support letter or police clearance. |
G Visa (Transit) | Seaman’s book, letter from employer, and maritime documents (if applicable). |
J1/J2 Visa (Journalists) | Official letters from Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and your news organization. |
L Visa (Tourism) | Travel plans; note that some nationalities must join a tour group. |
M Visa (Business) | Invitation letter from the Chinese company and other business papers. |
Q1/Q2 Visa (Family Visits) | Invitation letter and proof of relationship with your family in China. |
R Visa (Talent) | Certificates proving your special skills or talents needed by China. |
S1/S2 Visa (Visiting Foreign Residents) | Invitation letter and proof of relationship to foreign residents working or studying in China. |
X1/X2 Visa (Study) | Acceptance letter from your school in China, visa application for study, financial proof. |
Z Visa (Work) | Work permit and other employment documents. |
Tips for Filipino Applicants:
- Make sure your passport is in good condition and has enough blank pages.
- Fill out the visa application form carefully and honestly.
- Prepare extra copies of all your documents.
- Submit all required papers to the China Visa Application Center in the Philippines.
- Check the latest requirements on the official website before applying.
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How to Apply for a China Visa (For Filipinos)
Source: Educational School Trip
👀 Before you start: Make sure you know which visa type you need and have all your documents ready.
1. Fill Out Your Visa Application Online
- Go to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) website and fill out the China Online Visa Application (COVA) form.
- Choose the right Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General based on where you live in the Philippines.
- Upload your passport scan, photo, and other supporting documents.
- Make sure all information is correct before submitting.
- You may get a confirmation email and your application status will say “Approved” when accepted.
2. Submit Your Application in Person
- Print your completed COVA form and sign it.
- Bring your signed form and documents to the Visa Application Center (CVASC).
- Bring these important items with you:
- Visa Application Certificate (from the approval email)
- Original passport
- Photo (if your uploaded one was not accepted)
- Printed application form pages 1 and 7, signed on page 7
- Other documents like certificate of kinship or house ownership if requested
- Any printed documents with barcodes if required
- If applying for a two-year multiple-entry visa, bring all pages of your application and documents.
3. Pay the Visa Fee
- Fees depend on the visa type and how fast you want it processed (standard, express, or rush).
- Pay the fee when you submit your application.
Source: Chinese Visa Application Service Center
4. Pick Up Your Visa
- Standard processing usually takes about 4 to 5 working days.
- You will be notified when your visa is ready to collect.
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Travel Tips for Entering China
Before flying to China, double-check your passport, visa, and documents. Bring printed copies of your bookings, follow airport rules, and respect local laws. Use a China eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi to stay connected, and download helpful apps like WeChat or a translator.
Don’t forget to book your flight to China and reserve your hotel in China advance for a hassle-free trip.
Have a safe and fun journey, kabayan!