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Philippines passport → China

China visa for citizens of the Philippines

Embassy / VFSTourist Visa (L)

Citizens of the Philippines need a visa for China and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Not yet verified

Our latest check could not confirm these details against an official source, or found a conflict. Treat them as a starting point and confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you book.

Last checked . Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry routeEmbassy / VFS · Tourist Visa (L)
How to applyIn-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stayUp to 30 days
Visa validity90 days
EntriesSingle entry
Processing time4–7 days
Government fee$30 + $10 service fee
Passport validityAt least 6 months
BiometricsRequired
AppointmentRequired
InterviewNot required
Onward or return ticketRequired
Proof of fundsBank statements showing sufficient funds (approx. $1,000+)

How to apply

  1. 1

    Determine visa type

    Identify the appropriate visa category (e.g. L for tourism).

  2. 2

    Complete visa application form

    Fill out Form V.2013 online or printed, ensuring all details are accurate.

  3. 3

    Gather supporting documents

    Collect passport, photos, travel itinerary, hotel booking, bank statement, and employment letter.

  4. 4

    Schedule appointment

    Book an appointment at the Chinese embassy or Visa Application Service Center in Manila.

  5. 5

    Submit application in person

    Attend the biometric appointment to submit application and enroll fingerprints.

  6. 6

    Pay visa fee

    Pay the government fee (approx. $30) plus service fee (approx. $10) as required.

  7. 7

    Wait for processing

    Processing typically takes 4 to 7 working days.

  8. 8

    Collect passport with visa

    Return to the center in person or via authorized representative to collect the passport.

  9. 9

    Review visa details

    Check that visa validity, duration of stay, and entry type are correct.

  10. 10

    Travel to China

    Ensure onward ticket and sufficient funds, and carry all documents for immigration inspection.

Documents checklist

Identity

  • Philippine passport with at least 6 months validity and blank visa pages

    Must be valid beyond intended stay.

  • Completed and signed visa application form (Form V.2013)

    Available at the Chinese embassy/consulate website.

  • Recent passport-sized photo (33mm x 48mm, white background)

    Two photos required.

Travel

  • Round-trip flight itinerary

    Confirmed bookings or reservation.

  • Hotel booking confirmation or letter of invitation from host in China

    Must cover entire stay.

  • Travel insurance covering entire stay

    Optional

    Recommended but not mandatory.

Financial

  • Bank statement for the last 3 months

    Must show sufficient funds for trip.

Employment

  • Employment certificate or proof of business registration (if self-employed)

    Stating position, salary, and approved leave.

Supporting

  • Copy of previous Chinese visas (if any)

    Optional

    May expedite processing.

  • Cover letter explaining purpose of visit

    Optional

    Optional but recommended for first-time applicants.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Proof of funds equivalent to at least $1,000

  • Bank statements
  • Credit card statements
  • Cash

Bank statement must show steady balance for the last 3 months.

Good to know

  • Visa on arrival for Shenzhen only allowed if applicant previously held a Chinese visa (valid or expired).
  • 24-hour visa-free transit only applies at international airports in China.
  • All submitted documents must be in English or Chinese; translate and notarize if needed.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double-check all entries on Form V.2013 and ensure it is signed.

Insufficient travel funds

Provide bank statements showing at least $1,000 balance for the trip.

Invalid passport validity

Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond intended departure from China.

Suspicious travel itinerary

Provide confirmed round-trip flight and hotel bookings that match the visa application.

Previous overstay or visa violation

Always comply with visa terms; if overstayed, wait the required period before reapplying.

FAQ

Do citizens of the Philippines need a visa for China?

Citizens of the Philippines need a visa for China and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Tourist Visa (L).

How long can citizens of the Philippines stay in China?

Up to 30 days.

How much does the China visa cost for citizens of the Philippines?

Government fee: $30 + $10 service fee.

How long does China visa processing take?

Typically 4–7 days.

What documents do citizens of the Philippines need for China?

Philippine passport with at least 6 months validity and blank visa pages; Completed and signed visa application form (Form V.2013); Recent passport-sized photo (33mm x 48mm, white background); Round-trip flight itinerary; Hotel booking confirmation or letter of invitation from host in China; Bank statement for the last 3 months; and 4 more.

How long must my passport be valid for China?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to China

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for China.

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