China Tourist Visa
L Visa (Tourist/Travel Visa) · For Pakistan citizens
Planning a trip to China as a Pakistani citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Chinese L visa (tourist visa) application: required documents including passport, photos, and police character certificate, processing times of 4 working days, and the great news that Pakistani passport holders are exempt from all Chinese visa fees due to bilateral agreements. Starting November 10, 2025, Pakistan is included in China's visa-free policy for stays up to 30 days.
China Tourist Visa for Pakistani Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Pakistan citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application with at least one blank page
Complete the visa application form online through the COVA system
Recent colored photograph meeting Chinese visa specifications uploaded to COVA system
Copy of both front and back of your Pakistan National ID card
Non-criminal record certificate apostilled or attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan
Official invitation letter from an authorized Chinese tourism office or travel agency
Ten fingerprints collected at Gerry's CVASC during your application
Recommended (Optional)
Confirmed round-trip flight tickets showing entry and exit from China
Confirmed hotel booking for the duration of your stay in China
Recent bank statement showing sufficient funds for your trip
Application Process
The China tourist visa (L visa) for Pakistani citizens must be applied for through Gerry’s Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) authorized by the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan.1 Here is the step-by-step process:
1. Complete the Online Application Form (COVA)
Visit the official COVA system at cova.mfa.gov.cn and complete the visa application form.12 Upload a digital ID photo meeting Chinese specifications. Fill all fields accurately and completely, as incomplete or inaccurate information leads to rejection. Print the entire application (typically 8+ pages) including the confirmation page, and sign by hand on the confirmation page and last page.
2. Gather Required Documents
Prepare all necessary documents:13
- Passport with at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page
- Completed and signed COVA application form with confirmation page
- Copy of front and back of Pakistan CNIC
- Police Character Certificate (apostilled by MoFA Pakistan)
- Invitation Letter for Tourist Group from authorized Chinese tourism office
- Previous Chinese passport and copy (if previously Chinese national)
3. Visit Gerry’s CVASC
Submit your application in person at the appropriate Gerry’s CVASC based on your permanent residence (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM).14 Fingerprint collection is currently exempted until December 31, 2025 for single/double entry visas under 180 days.
4. Pay Service Fee
Pay the Gerry’s CVASC service fee (PKR 13,200 for regular service).2 Pakistani citizens are exempt from Chinese visa fees. You will receive a pick-up receipt indicating your collection date.
5. Collect Your Visa
Return to Gerry’s CVASC on the designated pickup date with your receipt. Check the visa details carefully at the counter and communicate with staff immediately if there are any questions.1
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount (PKR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Visa Fee | Free | Pakistani citizens exempt |
| Gerry’s Regular Service | PKR 13,200 | Inclusive of GST |
| Gerry’s Express Service | PKR 19,800 | Inclusive of GST |
Pakistani passport holders enjoy complete exemption from Chinese visa fees due to the bilateral agreement between Pakistan and China.13 This reflects the strong “iron brothers” relationship under CPEC. You only pay the service center processing fee.
Payment is accepted in cash at Gerry’s CVASC.
What You Need to Prove
Chinese visa officers assess applications based on several factors:1
- Legitimate tourist purpose: Valid invitation from authorized Chinese tourism organization
- Document authenticity: All documents must be genuine with verifiable seals and certificates
- Consistent information: Details across all documents must match perfectly
- Financial capability: Ability to support yourself during the stay (though less strictly required for group tours)
- Clean record: No criminal history or previous visa violations
Processing Times
| Service Type | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | 4 working days | Standard processing through embassy |
| Extended | 6-8 working days | If additional documents or interview required |
Processing times exclude weekends and public holidays in both China and Pakistan.1 The embassy does not currently offer express/rush service at the embassy level, though Gerry’s CVASC offers express handling of documentation.
Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for processing and any potential delays.
Gerry’s CVASC Locations in Pakistan
Applications are processed based on your permanent residence:14
| Center | Jurisdiction | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Islamabad | Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan | Gerry’s Building, Park Road, adjacent to Punjab Cash & Carry, Islamabad |
| Karachi | Sindh, Balochistan | 9F Bahria Complex IV, Main Chaudhary Khaliq Uz-Zaman Road, Gizri, Clifton |
| Lahore | Punjab (except Rawalpindi) | 20, Ex American Centre Building, Queen’s Road, opposite Ganga Ram Hospital |
Contact Information:4
- Islamabad/Lahore: 051-8439385, 051-8439354
- Karachi: 021-3515 5247/48
- Website: visaforchina.cn or visaforchina.org
- Working Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Monday to Friday, holidays excluded)
Upcoming Visa-Free Travel (November 2025)
Great news for Pakistani travelers: China has announced visa-free entry for Pakistani citizens from November 10, 2025 to December 31, 2026.5 Under this policy:
- Pakistani ordinary passport holders can enter China without a visa
- Maximum stay of 30 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes
- No advance declaration required at Chinese embassies or consulates
- Multiple entries allowed during the policy period
This reflects the deepening “iron brothers” relationship between Pakistan and China under the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once your visa is approved and stamped in your passport:
- Check the visa details: validity dates, number of entries, and duration of stay
- The validity period indicates when you can enter China; duration of stay is how long you can remain after entry
- Keep copies of your visa and travel documents
At Chinese immigration:
- Present your passport with visa
- You may be asked about your accommodation and travel plans
- Immigration will stamp your entry date
- Overstaying incurs penalties and may affect future visa applications
If Your Visa is Refused
If your China visa application is rejected:1
- Review your documents: Assess which documents may have issues, particularly invitation letters and Police Character Certificate
- Check for fake document concerns: Ensure all documents are genuine and properly verified
- Verify QR codes: Scan all QR codes on certificates to confirm they display correct information
- Address specific issues: Contact the relevant authorities (MoFA, issuing agencies) to resolve document problems
- Reapply: There is no mandatory waiting period; submit a new complete application once issues are resolved
Common rejection reasons include fake documents (35%), deficient invitation letters (25%), and Police Character Certificate issues (15%). Consular officers are not obligated to disclose specific rejection reasons under Chinese law, but you can address common issues and reapply.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Fake or Forged Documents
Submission of fake invitation letters, verification letters, Police Character Certificates, or financial documents. Authenticity is verified through official channels and QR code scanning.
How to avoid: Only submit genuine documents from authorized sources. Fake documents result in immediate rejection and may affect future applications. Ensure invitation letters are from legitimate Chinese companies with proper seals.
Deficient Invitation Letters
Invitation letters missing required information: invitee details, trip purpose, dates, Chinese company information, legal seal, or legal representative signature.
How to avoid: Verify your invitation letter contains all required elements: your personal info, trip details with dates and places, and complete company information with circular company seal and signature. The seal must comply with Chinese regulations.
Police Character Certificate Issues
Certificate not properly attested by MoFA Pakistan, QR code not scannable, displays wrong information, or shows another person's details when scanned.
How to avoid: Always scan the QR code yourself before submission to verify it displays your correct information. Contact Ministry of Foreign Affairs directly if there are any issues with the certificate.
Application Form Errors
Incorrect information in visa application form: name of inviting company differs from business license, invalid contact numbers, mismatched passport details, or blurry ID photos.
How to avoid: Double-check all information matches your passport exactly. Verify the Chinese company name is written exactly as on their business license. Ensure your photo is clear and meets specifications.
Insufficient Financial Documentation
Bank statements showing insufficient funds or fake financial documents. Minimum requirement is US$100 per day of stay for M/F visas.
How to avoid: Provide genuine bank statements showing sufficient balance. For tourist visas through group tours, financial documentation may not be strictly required but strengthens your application.
Discrepancies and Inconsistencies
Information mismatches between documents, different dates or amounts, contact numbers that cannot be reached, or inconsistent details across application.
How to avoid: Ensure all information is consistent across your application form, passport, CNIC, and supporting documents. Provide valid, reachable contact numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a China tourist visa from Pakistan?
Standard processing takes 4 working days through Gerry's CVASC. Processing may extend to 6-8 working days if additional documents are requested or an interview is required. Express service is currently suspended at embassy level.
What is the China tourist visa fee for Pakistani citizens in 2025?
Pakistani passport holders are completely exempt from Chinese visa fees due to bilateral agreements between Pakistan and China. You only pay the Gerry's CVASC service fee of PKR 13,200 for regular processing or PKR 19,800 for express processing.
Where can I apply for a China visa in Pakistan?
Apply at Gerry's Chinese Visa Application Service Centers based on your residence: Islamabad (for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, KPK, Gilgit-Baltistan), Karachi (for Sindh, Balochistan), or Lahore (for Punjab except Rawalpindi). The Lahore center is handled by the Islamabad embassy.
How long can I stay in China on a tourist visa from Pakistan?
A tourist visa (L visa) typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions can be requested at local Public Security Bureau (PSB) offices in China before your authorized stay expires.
Will Pakistani citizens need a visa for China in 2025?
From November 10, 2025 to December 31, 2026, Pakistani citizens can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes. Before this date, a visa is required.
Is the Police Character Certificate mandatory for China visa?
Yes, the Police Character Certificate (non-criminal record certificate) apostilled or attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan is mandatory for all visa applications from Pakistan. Ensure the QR code is scannable and shows correct information.
Do I need fingerprints for a China visa from Pakistan?
Fingerprints are temporarily exempted from September 2, 2024 to December 31, 2025 for single or double entry visas with duration of stay less than 180 days. Otherwise, fingerprints are required for ages 14-70.
Can I apply for a China visa as an individual tourist from Pakistan?
Individual tourist applications require joining a tour group of at least 5 people arranged through an authorized Chinese travel agency. The agency obtains an Invitation Letter for Tourist Group from the local Culture and Tourism Bureau in China.
What documents do I need for a China tourist visa from Pakistan?
Required documents include: valid passport (6 months validity, 1 blank page), completed COVA application form, digital ID photo, copy of CNIC (front and back), Police Character Certificate (MoFA attested), and Invitation Letter for Tourist Group. Bank statements and flight bookings are recommended.
What happens if my China visa is rejected?
If rejected, you can reapply after addressing the issues. Common rejection reasons include fake documents, incomplete invitation letters, Police Character Certificate problems, and insufficient financial proof. There is no mandatory waiting period for reapplication.
Why are Pakistani citizens exempt from Chinese visa fees?
The fee exemption is part of the reciprocal bilateral agreement between Pakistan and China, reflecting the strong 'iron brothers' relationship between the two countries under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) partnership.
What is the COVA system for Chinese visa applications?
COVA (China Online Visa Application) at cova.mfa.gov.cn is the official online system where you complete and submit your visa application form. You upload documents, fill required information, and print the completed form for submission at Gerry's CVASC.