Travelling to China is a fantastic adventure for any tourist, but before you head off on your holiday, you must arrange a China visa. Canada nationals travelling to this destination may be uncertain how to get their authorisation processed promptly.
To help, we have shared all the current application processes, requirements, and fees so that you can be fully informed. We have also shared the answers to some of the questions that come up when you are planning so that you can get ready for your holiday with minimal fuss and bother.
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Do I Need a Visa for China From Canada?
Yes, you must get a China visa for Canadian passport holders before travelling to this destination. You need to apply directly to one of the 5 application centres in Canada and can find these located in:
- Ottawa
- Vancouver
- Toronto
- Calgary
- Montreal
Canada to China Visa Application Process
When you are ready to apply for your China visa for Canadian citizens, you must complete an online form, then print it out and submit it at the application centre. It is important that you remember to print your application when it is complete as there it is not possible to submit it online.
The application asks you for the flowing information:
- Your full name and any previous names you have been known by.
- Your date of birth.
- Your gender.
- The country, province, and city of your birth.
- Your nationality and National ID number.
- Your passport details including the place of issue, date of issue, date of expiry.
- Information on whether you have previously lost or had a passport stolen.
- Your current employment details.
- Your current education details.
- Your family information, including next of kin.
- Your travel plans – arrival and departure dates, reservations, and accommodation.
- Any previous travel to China information.
- Your email address.
You also need to upload a photo to your Chinese visa application. The photo should be 354 – 420 pixels wide and 472 – 560 pixels high. The overall size of the image should be between 4 – 120 KB, and it is important that the image is clear, in colour, against a plain white background and shows only your face and the top of your shoulders.
Once you have completed your Chinese visa application form, you need to prepare the following documentation before you can arrange an appointment at the Application Centre:
- A photocopy of your passport data page that lists your personal details, signature, and photo.
- Photocopies of any previous visas you have held for entry into China.
- Your flight and accommodation booking evidence.
- Your invitation letter and photocopied ID of the person who has invited you (where applicable).
- If you are applying on behalf of a person under 18 years of age, then you also need to ensure that the child’s parent has signed their application form and provided the child’s original birth certificate.
When you attend your appointment to submit your application for your visa to China for Canadian citizens, you need to be prepared to work through the following process:
- Submit your passport and have your photos taken at the check-in desk. You are then given a ticket to go to the next counter.
- You are then required to submit your application form and all supporting documents. When these have been received, you are given a ticket to take to a cashier to make payment.
- You then need to make payment and have your fingerprints taken. When this has been completed, you are issued with a collection form for you to use to collect your visa and passport once you have been informed that it has been processed.
Visa to China for Canadian Citizens – Requirements
After receiving your travel visa to China from Canada, you must ensure that you meet the entry requirements when you arrive in the country. The current China visa requirements for Canadian citizens are as follows:
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the time you submit your application.
- You must have proof of onward travel or return travel plus any onward travel documents that you need to enter the country you are travelling to.
- You need to be willing to have your fingerprints taken on arrival if you are between 14 and 17 years of age.
- You may be expected to hand over any digital devices you have with you for screening before they are returned to you.
How Much is a Visa to China for Canadian Tourists?
The current fees for the China travel visa from Canada is as follows:
- Regular processing – 157.75 USD
- Express processing – 222.15 USD
- Postal processing – 187.15 USD
These fees cover the visa fee and the application service fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you are confident about the process of getting a visa to China for Canadian tourists, you may want to have other questions answered before you set off on your journey. We have answered some of the most frequently asked questions so that you can feel totally prepared.
How Long is the Flight From Canada to China?
If you are flying direct to this destination, you can expect your flight to take around 13 and a half hours in total. There are lots of different flight operators to choose from, but make sure that you know how long any potential layovers are if you are not taking a direct flight as this can add a lot of time onto your journey.
What Currency Do I Need to Take?
The currency in this country is the Chinese yuan, and you can find many banks and ATMs that you can use to exchange or withdraw money to cover your trip.
Do I Need to Register When I Arrive in the Country?
Yes, all visitors must register with the Chinese security bureau within 24 hours of arriving in the country. However, if you are staying in a hotel, then this registration is usually done for you when you check in. You are given proof of registration when it is complete, and you should check with the hotel that they have done it so you can arrange it if you need to.
Further Information for Tourists to China
If you want more information, you can see our main page about China visas.
Also, to learn more about travelling to this destination, click here to be taken to our visit China page. You can find a wealth of information to help you to prepare for your holiday.
