Your China Visa
Application Guide
Everything you need to know — from documents to mailing your packet. Deep breath, you've got this.
Before you begin
Gather these essentials before you start. Having everything on hand makes the whole process smoother.
What you'll need handy
- Current, valid US passportExpiration must be at least 6 months after travel dates. The passport must be signed!
- Visa photo (2" × 2")White/near-white background · Taken within 6 months · No glasses, hats, or filters · Straight on, from chest up · You will be able to crop this in your COVA
- Employment informationDetails from the past 5 years — employer names, addresses, phone numbers, job titles.
- Proof of residenceDriver's license, state ID, utility bill (water, electric, gas, internet), or bank statement. For minors, use parent's document.
- Copy of most recent expired China visaOnly if you've traveled to China before. If you can't find it, ask your courier about a Visa Loss Declaration form.
Find your courier
Experienced with adoptive families. You're welcome to use any courier — these are traveler favorites.
Filling out your application
The COVA (Chinese Online Visa Application) is the official online form. Field-by-field walkthrough below.
Type of Visa → "L" (Tourism)
Entries → "Multiple"
Duration of Stay → 30 days
Validity → 120 months
Type of Passport → "Ordinary"
#1.1C Other names: List previous names, including Chinese name (for adoptees) from old Chinese passport or Adoption Registration.
#1.1D Chinese name: Must be in Chinese characters. Can't type them? Contact the Heritage Trip Coordinator.
#1.6B ID Number: Mark "Not applicable".
#1.6C Valid passport from another country? List it here.
#1.6F "Other nationalities?" Adoptees: select Yes, list China in #1.6G. Date of Obtaining Nationality = adoption year/month.
#1.6H Former Chinese ID Number: Mark "Not available" and type the statement below exactly as written (substituting in your name). Then select "Accept and continue" and enter your Chinese passport number:
#1.7A Passport type: "Ordinary"
#2.1 "L" Tourism — Mark Individual tourist (NOT "Group Tourist")
#2.2 Service Type: "Normal"
#2.3A–C Validity: 120 months | Stay: 30 days | Entries: "Multiple"
#3.1 Occupation: If NGO/nonprofit, clergy, military, government, or media, please contact your courier first.
#4.1 Still in high school? Select "Undergrad." If in middle school or elementary school, select Not Applicable.
#5.5A Spouse "City" = city of birth.
#5.5B–C Enter parent info even if deceased. Single parent families: "Not applicable" for second parent.
#5.5D Children "Occupation": if child is a minor, mark "Other" and write in "Child".
KEEP IT SIMPLE. Do not try to enter your full itinerary details. Enter only your main entrance city and accommodation details and your departure city details. Choose dates that show that you will only be in those two cities for this trip.
#6.1C Destination city (e.g., Beijing). Search the District/County and choose closest match.
#6.1D City to stay: First city of tour (e.g., Beijing).
#6.1E Address: Hotel address.
#6.1F Arrival: First day in China.
#6.1G Departure: Last day in China.
#6.1K Departure city: Last city of tour (e.g., Guangzhou).
#6.2 Inviting person: "Not Applicable" → Write in: "None, independent tourist"
#6.4 Who pays: "Self" | #6.5 Shared passport: "No"
If you've been to China before, you'll need info from your previous visa.
#7.2B L type | #7.2C Visa number: top right of sticker | #7.2F Fingerprinted: No | #7.2G Residence permit: No
#7.2D Place of Issue cheat sheet:
All answers should be "No."
Upload scans of:
1. Proof of residence — driver's license, state ID, utility bill, or bank statement
2. Visa record — your previous China visa, if applicable
3. For adoptees, under "Other documents": Chinese Passport, Naturalization Certificate, Adoption Registration Certificate
What goes in your packet
Your requirements depend on your situation. Find your category below.
- Valid US PassportOriginal passport (you'll mail this) + scan of bio page for COVA upload
- Printed COVA ApplicationCompleted online, page 1 printed.
- Chinese PassportIssued at adoption finalization — small, dark red/maroon booklet
- Adoption Registration CertificatePhotocopy — hardbound, red, folded-in-half paper with family photo OR white 8×10 booklet
- US Court Validation & State Birth CertificatePhotocopy of court validation + original & photocopy of state-issued birth certificate
- Certificate of CitizenshipPhotocopy of US Certificate of Citizenship
- Proof of ResidencePhotocopy of valid ID with current address, or utility bill
- Pre-paid return label & envelopeMake sure it is trackable
- Valid US PassportOriginal + scan of bio page
- Printed COVA ApplicationCompleted online, page 1 printed.
- Chinese PassportObtained at time of adoption
- Photocopy of Last China VisaSticker-style visa in your old passport
- Proof of ResidencePhotocopy of valid ID with current address
- Pre-paid return label & envelopeMake sure it is trackable
- Valid US PassportOriginal + scan of bio page
- Printed COVA ApplicationCompleted online, page 1 printed.
- Photocopy of Last China VisaFound in old passport
- Proof of ResidencePhotocopy of valid ID with current address
- Pre-paid return label & envelopeMake sure it is trackable
- Valid US PassportOriginal + scan of bio page
- Printed COVA ApplicationCompleted online, page 1 printed.
- Proof of ResidencePhotocopy of valid ID with current address
- Pre-paid return label & envelopeMake sure it is trackable
Putting it all together
You've done the hard part. Now let's get everything packaged up and sent off.
Adoptees also include: Chinese passport (original) and copies of Adoption Registration Cert, Court Validation & Birth Cert, Certificate of Citizenship.
A little more help
Contacting Your Courier
If working with one of the listed known couriers, use this template as a starting point:
Visa Loss Declaration Form
Required to upload with your COVA if you cannot locate your most recently expired Chinese visa. Download and sign — you will need to upload this form in Section 9 of your COVA if you have previously traveled to China but are unable to find your most recently expired visa.
Adoption Documents Guide
Please refer to this short guide as you work to collect your required visa documents.
Chinese Passport — Must send the full original passport if traveling to China for the first time. Just need to send a photocopy of cover and photo page if you have previously traveled to China. All individuals adopted from China possess a Chinese passport given upon adoption finalization in Guangzhou.
Adoption Registration Certificate / Decree — Must include a copy in your packet and upload a scanned copy in your COVA. There are many different versions of this document, so please call if you are unsure. The document was provided to families upon adoption finalization and has changed throughout the years.
Certificate of Citizenship — Certificates of Citizenship were not instated until 2002 and not automatically provided to intercountry adoptions until 2005. If you have not ever applied for a Certificate of Citizenship, you will need to apply and receive one prior to applying for a Chinese visa.
