Frequently Asked Questions 104: Chinese Tourist Visa for Filipinos

1. Do I need a visa to go to China?

Yes, generally Filipinos are required to have a visa when visiting China.

2. What are the basic requirements?

For Filipino Employees, here are the requirements below.

1. Application Form
2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture
3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months)
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2) and emergency contact page (last page)
5. Travel itinerary and reservation of round-trip airline ticket and hotel, or invitation letters from China.

3. What are the other documents needed?

For first time Chinese Visa applicant, information about your finances and employment or studies is required.

You can submit any of the following:

• Certificate of Employment ( must include details about your salary and the length of your employment)
• Personal Bank Certificate and official receipt of the payment from the bank and Bank statements for 6 months period
• Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316

To increase your chance of approval, you may submit all the above requirements mentioned.

4. How much should I have in my Bank account?

The embassy does not tell specifically how much is the amount required. You need to show to the embassy that you have an adequate amount of funds to finance your travel. To increase the chance of your approval, one should have at least P 50,000.

5.  Fees and processing days?

6.  Where to submit?

2nd Floor, the World Center,330 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila

7. How long can I stay?

For single-entry visa, you are only allowed to stay in China for up to fifteen (15) days valid three (3) months from the issued date. Example, you received your visa September 1, 2015, you can visit China anytime from September 1 until November 30, 2015. If you decided to go on November 25, you must leave China before November 30 since your visa has already expired.

8. What are the other things I should keep in mind?

• You must submit truthfully completed and signed Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China. Do not leave any field blank. Write N/A if the question does not apply to you.
• Affix one color photo on the Application Form. The photo should be recent, front view, white background, in 48mm x 33mm size without head covering. Glue the photo to the appropriate field. Stapled/taped/clipped/detached photos will not be accepted.
• The applicant must answer questions from the visa officers truthfully. According to China's relevant laws and regulations and international practice, visa officers have the right to require the applicant to submit additional supporting documents, and to refuse application without specifying any reason.
• The applicant is also responsible to check the visa after obtaining it. Should there be any discrepancy, contact the Visa Office immediately.

Leave a comment below in case you have questions but I can only share my personal experiences when I applied my visa this September 2015. To know more about Chinese visa, please visit their website HERE.