Does one have to show documents containing itinerary even if one has an invitation letter to apply for a Chinese L (tourist) visa?
I read on http://www.chinaconsulatesf.org/eng/lszj/zgqz/t751633.htm (mirror), which explains the supported documents needed to apply for Chinese visas:
L Visa: Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation, etc. or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China.
I'm not sure how to parse the sentence. Is the correct parsing:
- Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation, etc.
- or: an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China.
or:
- Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip)
- and: proof of a hotel reservation, or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China.
?
In other words, does one have to show documents containing itinerary even if one has an invitation letter to apply for a Chinese L (tourist) visa?
I am a French citizen if that matters.
Best Answer
Summary: The Chinese version of your quoted text suggests the first parsing. Though it all hinges on the Consulate/Embassy handling your application (not the opinion of random strangers on the internet), and they reserve the right to see other supporting documents; hence it is in one's best interest to submit all supporting documents available to them.
The Chinese version of the text you quoted, available via the Chinese Counsular Affairs website, reads:
????????????????????????????????????
... which suggests the first parsing, i.e. Your itinerary and supporting documents (flight bookings, hotel bookings, etc.), comma, or an invitation letter from a Chinese entity.
Now there are two catches, which we refer back to the article posted by the Chinese Consulate-General in San Francisco (I have crossed-checked with the Chinese version to verify its accuracy). This first one outlines the requirement on what the invitation letter for an L visa should contain:
(1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
(2) Information on the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, etc.)
(3) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)
... which if you think about it, they are quite vague and open for interpretation from both the applying and receiving end, which leads to the second catch listed under Section 3:
3. Special Reminder
[...]
(2) If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other documents or supplementary materials, or require an interview with the applicant.
[...]
... which means the consulate/embassy may ask for your flight bookings (or other supporting documents) nonetheless. Going back and forth obviously risk delaying your plan.
In this case, it is perhaps in one's best interest to submit all supporting documents available to have the best chance of having a visa.
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What documents are required for China tourist visa?
Tourist Application Requirements for a China Visa- Passport. You must provide your actual signed passport, including one copy of the personal information page of your passport. ...
- Photographs. ...
- Letter of Invitation. ...
- Proof of State Residency. ...
- VisaCentral Order Form. ...
- Travel Record. ...
- Health Declaration. ...
- Authorization Letter.
How long does it take to get a Chinese tourist visa?
Normally, it takes about 4 to 5 business days for applicant to get a China Visa, and the accurate collection date will be noted on the pick-up slip. If you submit China Tourist Visa (L Visa) on Monday, you can pick up on Thursday.Is tourist visa open to China?
The China Embassy has suspended visa services for Tourist visas.How do I apply for a visa to travel to China?
To apply for a China visa, you need to complete an application form attached with your recently-taken color photo, prepare a valid passport, and submit them along with other supporting documents to the Chinese embassy or consulate which is in charge of your residence area.Visitor Visa Invitation Letter and Supporting Documents
More answers regarding does one have to show documents containing itinerary even if one has an invitation letter to apply for a Chinese L (tourist) visa?
Answer 2
The latter. It's not perfect English.
They want to know where you're staying. If you stay with a friend, include that information, and if you stay at a hotel, include that information.
In addition, include your flight itinerary.
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