---
title: China visa for citizens of Sri Lanka
description: "Citizens of Sri Lanka need a visa for China and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 30 days. Fee: $60 + $30 service fee. Processing: 4–7 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/china/sri-lanka
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# China visa for citizens of Sri Lanka

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.*

Official application site: https://www.visaforchina.org/

## 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

- **Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages** (Identity): Original plus photocopy of bio page
- **Completed visa application form** (Identity): From COVA website (https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn)
- **Recent passport-size photo (48mm x 33mm, white background)** (Identity): Glued on the form, not stapled
- **Round-trip flight itinerary** (Travel): Booked ticket or travel agency confirmation
- **Hotel reservation for entire stay** (Travel): Confirmed booking in applicant's name
- **Bank statements for last 3-6 months** (Financial): Showing consistent balance of at least $500 or equivalent
- **Employment letter (if employed)** (Employment, optional): Stating position, salary, and approved leave
- **Travel insurance with medical coverage (min 300,000 RMB)** (Supporting, optional): Recommended for all tourist applicants
- **Copy of previous Chinese visas (if any)** (Identity, optional): Facilitates faster processing

## 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

## FAQs

### 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](https://www.visaforchina.org/)

## More

- [China visa for every passport](/visa/china)
- [Every destination for Sri Lanka passport holders](/visa/passport/sri-lanka)