How to make a visa application
2019-03-02 20:07


Office Hours of the Embassy: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00-11:30am

If you have any questions, please contact us by phone at +354 527 6688

(Phone Inquiry: 09:30-11:30,14:30-16:30 Mon-Fri, except for holidays), or by email at reykjavik@csm.mfa.gov.cn.


A . Please read the following guides carefully before submitting your application:

1. The Chinese Embassy in Iceland reserve the right to interpret, amend and change the Chinese Visa requirements in accordance with the laws and regulations of the People's Republic of China. We also reserve the right to review, delay, refuse and cancel your visa without providing specific reasons. Base on the individual circumstances, the validity of a visa, length of stay and number of entries are decided on a case-by-case basis. The Chinese Embassy in Iceland is not liable for any financial losses resulting from any of the above scenarios.

You are fully responsible and liable when your visa becomes invalid or unused due to change of personal or unforeseen circumstances. The Chinese Embassy in Iceland will not refund any fee in relation to your visa application.


2. New China Online Visa Application System was officially launched by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Iceland starting from June 15th, 2023. 

All applicants, including diplomats, government officials, but excluding visa applications for Hong Kong SAR of China and Macao SAR of China, are required to access and complete China Visa Application Form through China Online Visa Application (COVA) (https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/). 

After the approval of online visa preliminary review, the applicants can come to the Embassy to submit the passport and qualified photo (if not passed in the process of application), and collect biometric information without making an appointment. Your application will be declined or you can be refused entry permission to China if you provided inaccurate, false or misleading information. If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials, or require an interview with the applicant.


3. All applicants must have your fingerprints collected, and the following applicants are exempted from collecting fingerprints. Individuals who are exempt from fingerprint collection can entrust others to submit documents and passports.

1.Those who are less than 14 years old or more than 70 years old;

2.Effective from August 9, 2023 until December 31, 2024, qualified applications for single or double entries Chinese visa in M, L, Q2, G, C categories will be exempted from fingerprints collection.

3.The head of state or government and the accompanying family members;

4.Those who are eligible to be issued diplomatic, service or courtesy visas;

5.Members of the diplomatic and consular posts in China, and the accompanying spouses, parents and minor Children;

6.Those who have applied a Chinese visa with the same passport in the past 5 years in the Embassy of China in Iceland, which has collected his or her fingerprints;

7.Those who suffer from mutilation of all ten fingers or whose fingerprints cannot be collected.


4. After the visa application is submitted online, it normally takes 1 to 2 working days for the preliminary review and approval. After the applicants come to the Embassy and submit the passport and other materials, it normally takes 4 working days to process visa applications and make the visa. There is still a possibility to prolong the processing time. If you are asked to provide further documents, we will contact you and inform you of the processing time. You may request express service but it must be approved by a consular officer.


5. The Embassy of China in Iceland does not accept documents by mail and payment online.



B. Steps to apply for a visa to China


1. STEP ONE: Prepare Documents

Please read Part C "Materials and documents required for China visa application" carefully and prepare relevant materials and documents as required.


2. STEP TWO: Complete China Online Visa Application Form

Please log in to and complete your China Online Visa Application Form through the China Online Visa Application system(https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/. Hereinafter as “system”). After registering and logging in to your email address, please click “Step-by-step Guidance” to learn more about visa application process through guidance, and then click “Start an Application” to apply and submit.


Please note:

Each applicant (including minors) is required to complete the online application form.

Your visa application will be submitted successfully only after you click “Confirm and Submit” shown below. In the “Track My Application” of the system, it is displayed as “In checking...Please follow up your application”.


3. STEP Three: Waiting for the Approval

Please check the assessing result of your application. The assessing result will be shown in the system after one to two working days. Applicant can find the assessing result in Track My Application once submitting the application. You can modify the application form or reload missing docs in “Track My Application” once you need.

The Embassy of China in Iceland will only notify the applicant in the system whether the visa application is approved or not. Under certain circumstances, the Embassy will contact the applicant for some questions. Please be sure to pay attention to your email and phone number that you left when applying for the visa.


4. Step Four: Submit passports and other documents

There is no need to make an appointment to submit passports and other documents. If the "Track My Application" in the system shows "Passport to be submitted", you can come to the Embassy in person during the office hours of the Embassy (Office Hours of the Embassy: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00-11:30am). Individuals who are exempt from fingerprint collection can entrust others to submit documents and passports (please refer to Part A).


The following application materials must be submitted when arriving at the Embassy.

1. Passport. Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages.

2. A recently-taken color passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a white background.

(If the uploaded photo is not qualified)

http://is.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/qz/201903/P020210702733193683439.jpg

3. Original Chinese passport (applicable to those who once had Chinese nationality and later became a foreign national). If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you must provide the original Chinese passport and a copy of the passport photo data page.

4. Originals or copies of other application materials required by the Embassy (If applicable).


5. STEP FIVE: Payment and Collection

You will be given a pickup form when submitting your passports at the consular office. You must bring the pickup form for passport collection and make the payment for your visa application. You may ask someone else to collect your passport. Your nominated person must present the pickup form and his or her ID for passport collection and make the payment for your visa application. The payment will only be made when picking up the passports.


C. Materials and documents required for China visa application:


1. Basic Documents

(1) Passport

Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages.


(2)A recently-taken color passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a white background.


(3) Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship)

If you are not applying for the visa in the country of your citizenship, you must provide the original of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.


(4) Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable to foreign citizensthose who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)

If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.

If you have obtained Chinese visas before and want to apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa, you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate, as well as the previous Chinese visa page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)


2. Supporting Documents


Please refer to A Brief Introduction to Visa For China(Mainland only) to determine the type of visa you will apply for.

http://is.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/qz/201903/t20190302_3165374.htm


C Visa

A letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity in China


D Visa

The original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.

We kindly remind you that:

Holders of D Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.


F Visa

An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation should contain:

(1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

(2) Information on the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)

(3) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)


G Visa

An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region.


J1 Visa

Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.

Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advanceor and complete relevant formalities.

We kindly remind you that:

Holders of J1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.


J2 Visa

Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or other units exempt from verification in China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.

Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete the required formalities.


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. The invitation letter 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)


M Visa

(1) Documents on the commercial activity issued by a trade partner in China, or trade fair invitation or other invitation letters issued by relevant entity or individual. The invitation letter should contain:

a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b) Information on the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)

c) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)


Q1 Visa

For family reunion, the following documents are required:

(1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:

a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b) Information on the visit ( purpose of visit, intended arrival date, place(s) of intended residence, intended duration of residence, arrival and departure dates, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)

c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of legal representative or the inviting individual, etc.)

(2) Photocopy of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.

(3) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between applicant and inviting individual.

"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.

For foster care, the following documents are required:

(1)Foster entrustment notarization issued by Chinese Embassies/Consulates General in foreign countries or Foster Care Power of Attorney notarized and authenticated in the country of residence or in China

(2)Original and photocopy of the consignor's passport(s), as well as the original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) notarized and authenticated certification showing the relationship between parents or guardians and children.

(3) A letter of consent on foster care issued by the trustee living in China who has agreed to provide foster care services and a photocopy of the ID of the trustee.

(4) A photocopy of the certificate indicating the permanent residence status abroad of the parent(s) when the child was born, provided that either or both parents of the child are Chinese citizens.

We kindly remind you that:

Holders of Q1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.


Q2 Visa

(1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:

a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b) Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures)

c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact number, address, signature etc.)

(2) Photocopy of Chinese ID or foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviting individual


R Visa

The applicant should submit relevant certification in accordance with relevent regualtions, and meet the relevant requirements of the competent authorities of the Chinese government on high-level talents and individualnel with special skills urgently needed by China,


S1 Visa

(1) An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:

a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b) Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place of intended residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.)

c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)

(2) A photocopy of the inviting individual's passport and residence permit

(3)Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of immediate family members between applicants and inviting individual.

"immediate family members " refers to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18, parents-in-law.

We kindly remind you that:

Holders of S1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.


S2 Visa

For visiting family members for a short period, the following documents are required:

(1)An invitation letter issued by the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:

a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b) Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.)

c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)

(2) A photocopy of the inviting individual's (a foreigner who stays or lives in China for work or studies) passport and residence permit

(3) Photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and the inviting individual.

"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.

For private affairs, documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs should be provided as required by the consular officer.


X1 Visa

(1) Original and photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entities in China.

(2) Original and photocopy of "Visa Application for Study in China" (Form JW201 or Form JW202).

We kindly remind you that:

Holders of X1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.


X2 Visa

Original and photocopy of Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities in China.


Z Visa

One of the following documents:

(1) Foreigners Employment Permit of the People's Republic of China issued by Chinese government authorities for Human Resources and Social Security.

(2) Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts.

(3) Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries(regions) issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration.

(4) An approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs.

(5)Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation;

We kindly remind you that:

Holders of Z Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.