Sri Lanka passport → China

China visa for citizens of Sri Lanka

Embassy / VFSVisa · Tourist (L) 30 days

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

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Visa · Tourist (L) 30 days
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 30 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Single entry
Processing time	4–7 days
Government fee	$60 + $30 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements showing sufficient funds for stay

How to apply

1
Complete online application form on COVA
Fill out form at https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn and print signed copy
2
Book appointment at CVASC in Colombo
Visit https://www.visaforchina.org/ to schedule biometric appointment
3
Prepare all required documents
Gather passport, photo, form, flight, hotel, bank statements, and any supplementary papers
4
Attend appointment at CVASC Colombo
Submit documents, pay fees, and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
5
Wait for processing
Processing takes 4-7 business days; express service may be available for additional fee
6
Collect passport with visa
Return to CVASC with original receipt to collect passport; courier delivery available

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
Original plus photocopy of bio page
Completed visa application form
From COVA website (https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn)
Recent passport-size photo (48mm x 33mm, white background)
Glued on the form, not stapled
Copy of previous Chinese visas (if any)
Optional
Facilitates faster processing

Travel

Round-trip flight itinerary
Booked ticket or travel agency confirmation
Hotel reservation for entire stay
Confirmed booking in applicant's name

Financial

Bank statements for last 3-6 months
Showing consistent balance of at least $500 or equivalent

Employment

Employment letter (if employed)
Optional
Stating position, salary, and approved leave

Supporting

Travel insurance with medical coverage (min 300,000 RMB)
Optional
Recommended for all tourist applicants

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: USD 500 or equivalent

Bank statement
Savings account certificate
Credit card statement

Statements should cover last 3 months and show regular income

Good to know

Visa is valid for 90 days from date of issuance; you must enter within this window.
24-hour visa-free transit is available for Sri Lankan passport holders at most Chinese airports (except Ürümqi) but this is a separate facility, not a substitute for a visa.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double-check all fields before submission and use the official COVA portal

Insufficient funds or ambiguous travel purpose

Provide clear bank statements and a detailed itinerary

Passport with less than 6 months validity

Renew passport before applying

FAQ

Do citizens of Sri Lanka need a visa for China?

Citizens of Sri Lanka need a visa for China and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visa · Tourist (L) 30 days.

How long can citizens of Sri Lanka stay in China?

Up to 30 days.

How much does the China visa cost for citizens of Sri Lanka?

Government fee: $60 + $30 service fee.

How long does China visa processing take?

Typically 4–7 days.

What documents do citizens of Sri Lanka need for China?

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages; Completed visa application form; Recent passport-size photo (48mm x 33mm, white background); Round-trip flight itinerary; Hotel reservation for entire stay; Bank statements for last 3-6 months; and 3 more depending on your situation.

How long must my passport be valid for China?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://www.visaforchina.org/

Sources

visaforchina.org

Plan your trip to China

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