China Tourist Visa
L Visa (Tourist/Travel Visa) · For Philippines citizens
Planning a trip to China as a Filipino citizen? You will need an L visa (tourist visa) to enter China for tourism. The application process has been streamlined with a new online system launched in October 2025. Visa fees start at ₱3,948 for a single entry, processing takes 4-5 working days, and approval rates are strong for Filipino applicants with complete documentation. This guide covers everything you need to apply successfully through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Manila.
China Tourist Visa for Filipino Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Philippines citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application with at least two blank visa pages
Complete the online application form through the CVASC website before visiting in person
Printed and signed Chinese visa application form from the online system
Recent colored photograph meeting Chinese visa specifications
Bank statement showing sufficient funds for your trip
Documentation proving your employment status and income
Recommended (Optional)
Round-trip flight booking and hotel reservations in China
Documentation proving your residence status in the Philippines
Photocopies of any previous Chinese visas or passports
China welcomes millions of tourists each year to explore its ancient history, modern cities, and diverse landscapes. For Filipino citizens, visiting China requires an L visa (tourist visa), which can be obtained through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Manila.1
Application Process
Since October 13, 2025, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has implemented a new online visa processing system.4 All applicants must complete their application online before visiting CVASC in person.
Step 1: Create an Online Account
Visit bio.visaforchina.cn/MNL3_EN and create an account.2 You will need a valid email address to receive notifications about your application status.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Fill out all nine sections of the visa application form.4 The form covers personal information, travel plans, family details, and employment history. All required fields marked with an asterisk must be completed in English or Chinese.
Upload your passport scan and passport photo during this process. The system will verify that your photo meets specifications.4
Step 3: Wait for Online Approval
After submission, the visa center will review your application online. You can track your status by logging into your account. If additional documents are needed, you will receive an email notification.4
Step 4: Visit CVASC Manila
Once you receive the “Review Completed” status and Visa Application Certificate by email, you have 3 weeks to visit CVASC.2 Bring the following:
- Printed Visa Application Certificate
- Original passport and photocopy of data page
- Passport photo (48mm × 33mm, white background)
- Signed application form
- Previous Chinese visa copies (if applicable)
- Supporting documents (financial proof, employment letter)
Step 5: Pay Fees and Submit
Pay the visa and service fees in Philippine Peso cash.3 Credit cards are not accepted. You will receive a receipt indicating your collection date.
Step 6: Collect Your Passport
Return to CVASC on the collection date shown on your receipt. Standard processing takes 4-5 working days.2 Your passport will be returned with the visa stamped inside.
Fees
| Visa Type | Visa Fee | Service Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | ₱2,898 | ₱1,050 | ₱3,948 |
| Double Entry | ₱3,448 | ₱1,600 | ₱5,048 |
| 6-Month Multiple Entry | ₱3,948 | ₱2,100 | ₱6,048 |
| Over 6-Month Multiple Entry | ₱4,998 | ₱3,150 | ₱8,148 |
All fees must be paid in Philippine Peso cash at CVASC.3 The Chinese Embassy has extended reduced visa fees until December 31, 2025.5
VIP services are available for additional fees:2
- VIP Room Service: ₱1,848 (dedicated staff, free photos, beverages)
- Form Filling Assistance: ₱3,696
- Priority Pre-screening: ₱3,696 (internal review within 1 working day)
- Queue-free Service: ₱1,848
What You Need to Prove
Chinese visa officers assess applications based on several factors:12
Genuine tourist intent: Your application should clearly demonstrate you are visiting China for tourism. Specific travel plans with cities and dates, even if bookings are not required, show you have a clear purpose.
Financial capacity: Bank statements showing stable funds (at least ₱100,000 recommended) demonstrate you can support your trip without working illegally in China.
Ties to the Philippines: Employment certificate, property ownership, family ties: these show you have reasons to return home after your visit.
Complete documentation: All documents must meet technical specifications. Photos must be exact dimensions with white background. Information must be consistent across all documents.
Processing Times
| Service Type | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 4-5 working days | Available to all applicants |
| Express | 2-3 working days | Not available for first-time applicants |
Processing times exclude weekends and public holidays.2 The CVASC Manila is closed on Chinese and Philippine national holidays.
Important: Express and rush services are not available for first-time applicants or those applying for F, M, X, and Z category visas.2 Plan to apply at least 2-3 weeks before your intended travel date.
CVASC Manila Location
Chinese Visa Application Service Center Manila
Address: Eton Centris, EDSA corner Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Hours:2
- Submission: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Collection: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Contact:
- VIP Service Phone: +63 962 721 8061
- Website: bio.visaforchina.cn/MNL3_EN
After Your Visa is Approved
Once your visa is stamped in your passport:
Check the visa details carefully: Verify the validity dates, number of entries, and duration of stay. The validity period indicates when you can enter China; the duration of stay indicates how long you can remain after entry.
At Chinese immigration: Present your passport with visa to the immigration officer. You may be asked about your accommodation and travel plans. Answer questions directly and honestly.
Registration requirement: All foreigners staying in China must register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival.1 Hotels do this automatically when you check in. If staying with friends or in private accommodation, you must register at the local Public Security Bureau.
Keep documents safe: Your passport and entry stamps are required for domestic flights, train tickets, and hotel check-ins throughout China.
If Your Visa is Refused
Visa rejections for Filipino applicants are usually due to documentation issues that can be corrected. If your application is refused:
Understand the reason: Review which documents may have been insufficient. The visa center may provide general feedback on why your application was not approved.
Address the issues: Common fixes include providing clearer photos, higher bank balance, more complete employment documentation, or adding a detailed itinerary.
Reapply when ready: There is no mandatory waiting period for reapplication. However, submitting the same application without addressing the issues will likely result in another rejection.1
Consider professional help: If your situation is complex or you have been rejected multiple times, a reputable visa agency can help identify issues with your application.
Most rejections are resolved by ensuring all documents meet specifications and information is consistent across the application.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Documentation Errors
Incomplete applications, missing documents, or incorrect information on forms. The online system requires all nine sections to be completed, and any gaps or errors can lead to rejection.
How to avoid: Double-check every field before submission. Ensure your name matches exactly as it appears in your passport. Complete all sections of the online form before visiting CVASC.
Photo Specification Issues
Photos that do not meet strict Chinese visa requirements: wrong size (must be 48mm × 33mm), incorrect background (must be white), wearing glasses, white clothing, or poor image quality.
How to avoid: Use a professional photo service familiar with Chinese visa specifications. The photo must be recent (within 6 months), with white background, no glasses, and colored/dark clothing.
Application Inconsistencies
Information that does not match between documents or contradicts the online application. Different names, dates, addresses, or employment details across documents.
How to avoid: Verify all information matches across your passport, application form, and supporting documents. If information has changed, provide documentation explaining the change.
Unclear Travel Purpose
Vague or unconvincing explanation of why you want to visit China. No clear itinerary, mismatched visa type and travel purpose, or suspicious travel patterns.
How to avoid: Be specific about your travel plans. Include hotel bookings and a general itinerary even though they are not strictly required. Know which cities you plan to visit and for how long.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements showing insufficient funds, suspicious patterns like large unexplained deposits, or no regular income credits.
How to avoid: Maintain a stable balance of at least ₱100,000 for several months before applying. Show regular salary credits. Avoid large deposits close to application date.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of overstaying visas, previous rejections not disclosed, or violations during past visits to China or other countries.
How to avoid: Always disclose previous visa rejections honestly on your application. If you have overstay history, wait and build a stronger profile before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Filipino citizens need a visa to visit China?
Yes, Filipino passport holders need an L visa (tourist visa) to visit China for tourism. Unlike some countries that enjoy visa-free access, the Philippines is not currently on China's unilateral visa-free list.
How long does it take to get a China tourist visa from the Philippines?
Standard processing takes 4-5 working days. Express service (2-3 working days) may be available for eligible applicants, but first-time applicants typically cannot use express processing. Always apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date.
What is the China tourist visa fee for Filipino citizens in 2025?
The total cost for a single-entry visa is ₱3,948 (₱2,898 visa fee + ₱1,050 service fee). Double entry costs ₱5,048, 6-month multiple entry costs ₱6,048, and visas over 6 months cost ₱8,148. Fees are paid in Philippine Peso cash at CVASC.
Where do I apply for a China visa in the Philippines?
Apply at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Manila, located at the Eton Centris Tower. You must first complete the online application, receive approval, then visit in person to submit documents and have your passport processed.
How long can I stay in China on a tourist visa?
A single-entry L visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. The exact duration is determined by the visa officer based on your application. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the local Public Security Bureau in China before your visa expires.
What documents do I need for a China tourist visa?
Required documents include: valid passport (6 months validity, 2 blank pages), online application form, passport photo (48mm × 33mm, white background), bank statements showing at least ₱100,000, and employment certificate. Travel itinerary is recommended but not strictly required since January 2024.
Do I need to apply in person for a China visa?
Yes, you must visit the CVASC in Manila in person after your online application is approved. The new system (launched October 2025) requires online submission first, then in-person document verification. Passport submission and collection require personal appearance.
Can I get a multiple-entry China visa?
First-time applicants typically receive single-entry visas. If you have traveled to China before with good compliance history, you may be eligible for double or multiple-entry visas. The visa officer makes this determination based on your travel history.
What is the new online visa application system?
Since October 13, 2025, CVASC Manila requires all applicants to complete an online application first. You create an account, fill out the form, upload documents, and wait for online approval. Only after receiving the Visa Application Certificate can you visit CVASC to submit physical documents.
What happens if my China visa is rejected?
If rejected, you can reapply after addressing the issues. There is no mandatory waiting period. Review your documents for errors, ensure all requirements are met, and consider providing stronger financial evidence. Most rejections are due to documentation issues that can be resolved.