Chinese Visa Application Frequently Asked Questions
Q: After I finished the COVA form, I find there is incorrect/incomplete information. Do I need to fill out another form?
A: Core personal information including Name (full name, middle name included), Gender, Date of Birth, Current Nationality, Passport/Travel Document Type and Number must be exactly the same as the personal information page of the applicant’s passport. If any information above is incorrect, the applicant must fill out another application form. As to other information, please follow the instructions of the staff in the Visa Center.
Q: My passport expires in 6 months/ has less than 2 visa pages, can I use it to apply for a Chinese visa?
A: No. Please renew the passport first.
Q: I renewed my passport recently. I previously had a Chinese visa on my expired passport which is still within the valid period.Do I need to apply for a new visa?
A: Please check whether there is any change of Name, Gender, Date of Birth and Nationality between the new and expired passports. If the information above has not changed and the purpose of your upcoming trip to China is consistent with the visa type, a new visa is not required. Please travel to China with both passports. If your personal information has changed or the purpose of your trip to China is different from the type of current visa, please apply for a new visa.
Q: How long does it take to get a visa after my application?
A: If you have submitted all documents required, it normally takes 4 business days (it varies case by case). If you have a special or emergency situation, you may request express (3 business day) or rush service (next day) for an additional fee.Applicants should come to get the visas on time. Visas not taken after 90 days from the day it should be taken away will be deemed abandoned.
Q: Why the visa is different from my application in terms of type/number of entries/validity/duration of each stay?
A: Whether to issue a visa, the type of visa, number of entries, validity and duration of each stay will be determined by consular officials. Consular officials will take the applicant's purpose of travel, the duration of stay and the supporting documents into comprehensive consideration and make the decision.
Q: I found that my personal information on the visa is inaccurate. What should I do?
A: Please contact the Visa Center or the ConsularSection of the Embassy through email nairobi@csm.mfa.gov.cn or call +254-717070214 (8:30 - 12:00、14:00 - 17:30, Monday to Friday, except for holidays) as soon as possible. You may also contact staff on-site to adjust the information in time.