VISA GUIDE: How to Apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa for Filipinos

Rush or express visa processing is not available for first-time applicants.
by Ina Louise Manto | July 15, 2025

From ancient cities that transport you back in time to futuristic cities with towering skylines, China is a vast country that will keep you coming back for more. You can explore the iconic inspiration for the “Avatar” movies in Zhangjiajie, walk along the Great Wall of China, or feel like you’re in a cyberpunk movie in Chongqing – you’ll never run out of places to explore here. While over 70 countries can enter the country visa-free, Filipinos still require an approved visa to unlock their dream travel to China. Here’s everything you need to know about a China visa application in the Philippines:

What are the China visa requirements?

1. Valid passport (at least six months of validity beyond your stay in China)
2. Accomplished visa application form, which you can download through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website
3. Two copies of two recent photographs (passport size photos with white background)
4. Proof of financial stability, such as bank statements and proof of employment or business ownership
5. Proof of legal stay or residence in the Philippines
6. Round-trip tickets
7. Detailed travel itinerary including hotel bookings and activities
8. Invitation letter (if applicable)

Additional requirements for FIRST-TIME Chinese Visa Applicants

Applying for a Chinese tourist visa for the first time? You also need to prepare these documents:

1. Bank Certificate of Deposit Balance(including the past 6 months’ bank statement) and the receipt for payment of this certificate
2. BIR-stamped Income Tax Return Form and Certificate of Employment that includes salary and length of employment
3. Business Registration Certificate(if you are the owner)
4. Professional ID/Student ID (if applicable)
5. Other relevant documents proving the applicant’s economic condition/employment/study, or supporting the applicant’s travel to China

Where is the China visa application center located?

You can submit your application on the 6th floor, Noble Square, 6762 Ayala Avenue, Makati City, Manila.

How long will visa processing take?

Your visa application process will take about three to five days.

What is the cost of a Chinese tourist visa application?

Refer to this matrix from the Chinese Visa Application Service Center:

Website screenshot

Important reminders

The Chinese Visa Application Service Center reminds applicants to check their documents to ensure that their application goes smoothly:

1. Make sure that these items in the application form are correct:
   1. Name
   2. Passport number
   3. Birthday
   4. Nationality
   5. Gender
   6. Item 6.5 (Are you traveling with someone else using the same passport?) Should be answered as “NO” always
   7. For applications for M, F, X, and Z visas, item 6.2, “Name of inviting person or organization,” the full name of the inviting company must be indicated and consistent with the invitation letter provided.
2. Check if the applicant’s passport has an arrival stamp from their most recent entry to the Philippines; if not, an e-travel certificate must be provided.
3. Express and rush service is not available for first-time Chinese visa applicants and applicants for F, M, X, and Z visas.

Do you have any travel tips when in China? Share them in the comments!