Are you dreaming of exploring the captivating wonders of China? To make your dream a reality, there’s an important step you need to take: applying for a Chinese tourist visa.
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The Chinese Embassy processes various visas, including the visa for foreigners who wish to enter the country as inbound tourists. Keep on reading this article to find out how you can visit as a tourist. We’ll guide you through the visa application process, offering valuable insights, tips, and step-by-step instructions. Get ready to unlock the doors to an unforgettable adventure in the enchanting land of China.
Chinese Tourist Visa for Filipinos
Chinese culture has deeply influenced our history, leaving a lasting impact on our food, language, and local customs. If you’re eager to witness the origins of these cultural aspects, why not embark on a journey to China?
As a Philippine passport holder, obtaining a tourist visa is a prerequisite for visiting China. You have two options: handle the application process independently or enlist the assistance of a travel agency to manage it on your behalf.
Requirements for Tourist Visa Application
Here are the basic documents for applying for a tourist visa:
- Passport that is valid for at least 6 months. You will also prepare a photocopy of the data page.
- Printout of the visa application form which you can download at the Chinese Embassy website
- Passport photo to be attached to the application form. The photo should be in white background and must be taken recently
- Proof of residence in Qatar
- Original Chinese visa or Chinese passport (if applicable)
Other supporting documents that might be required:
To ensure a smooth visa application process for your trip to China, there are certain requirements to fulfill. These include providing a round trip plane ticket and proof of hotel accommodation, ensuring that the dates indicated in the documents align with your intended travel itinerary.
Additionally, you may need a Chinese Visa invitation letter, which can be obtained from a reputable travel agency, organization, or an individual residing in China. The invitation letter should contain essential information about the inviter, including their name, gender, date of birth, contact number, and address. These details help establish the authenticity and purpose of your visit to China.
You should also provide an itinerary of your trip.
Procedure for Tourist Visa Application
- Prepare the documentary requirements
- Set an appointment with the embassy
- Submit the documents at the Consular Document Hall of the embassy. You will also have your fingerprints taken
- The consular officer will decide on how long the visa will be valid and the number of entries allowed
Visa Processing Fee
Visa fees depend on the applicant’s nationality. The current available information is as follows:
- Single entry US$30
- Double entries US$45
- Multiple entries for 6 months US$60
- Multiple entries for 1 year & above US$90
Map of Consular Section of Embassy of People’s Republic of China in Qatar
Contact Details and Address of Consular Section
Contact Number: 00974-44933794 (Sunday to Thursday, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
Hours of Operation: Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Address: No. 4, 807 Street, Zone 66, Doha
Remember that the Consular office observes Chinese holidays. Before setting up an appointment, take note of any upcoming holidays so there will be no conflict in schedule.
How to get to China from Qatar
Travel time from Qatar to China is about 6 hours. The most popular destinations in China are Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Hangzhou. Some of the airlines that travel to China are Qatar Airways, Vistara, and SriLankan Airlines. The cheapest rate is about QAR 2302.93.
Popular Tourist Spots in China
Like many tourists, visiting the Great Wall of China is likely at the top of your list when planning a trip to this magnificent country. However, if you have the luxury of time, there are several other remarkable destinations worth considering. Here are some highly recommended options:
One of China’s most iconic landmarks, the Forbidden City and Imperial Palace, awaits in Beijing. This vast complex, once exclusively reserved for emperors, their families, and courtesans during the Yuan Dynasty, now welcomes the public. Prepare to marvel at the exquisite art and artifacts adorning its halls, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll spend hours exploring the entire complex.
Another captivating palace in Beijing is the Imperial Summer Palace. Originally constructed in 1153, this palace underwent various expansions by the Imperial family. Of particular interest is the theater, built in 1891, which remains functional to this day.
A visit to Xi’an unveils the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army. This life-sized assembly of stone warriors encircles the tomb of the First Emperor, offering a glimpse into how rulers envisioned their afterlife.
For a tranquil countryside retreat, consider the Yangtze River and the Three Gorges. Serving as China’s longest and most significant river, it was once a vital transportation route. Some sections of the river boast dramatic cliffs and mountain peaks, evoking a similar allure to the Grand Canyon in the United States. Exploring the expansive river is best experienced through riverboat cruises.
For many of these tourist destinations, English-guided tours are available. Don’t hesitate to inquire about the schedule, allowing you to plan your trip accordingly and make the most of your visit.
Video on Visa Application
If you want to hear about the experience of our kababayans who are applying for a tourist visa, you can watch this YouTube video from Joseph Meneses YChannel. While the vloggers are from the Philippines, you can still take note of their journey in applying for their visa.
In addition, the vloggers also gave tips on the proper decorum when going to the embassy. They also shared a warning about dealing with individuals who may take advantage of your hospitality when claiming your visa.
You can watch the full video here:
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on personal experiences that the vlogger shared in the video. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the vlogger by commenting on their video or on their social media accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long does it take to get a tourist visa?
It takes about 4 to 5 days to process the tourist visa. You can refer to the date indicated on the pick-up slip that you will receive from the embassy.
- Can I extend my tourist visa?
You can extend your stay before the visa expires. Go to the Public Security Bureau nearest you to process your request. But be warned that there is no guarantee that your request will be granted.
- What are the types of Chinese visas?
The four types are diplomatic visa, courtesy visa, service visa, and ordinary visa.
Summary
Some of the Filipino culture is influenced by Chinese culture. If you are interested in experiencing what China has to offer, you can visit the country to learn more. To enjoy the sights, you will need to obtain a tourist visa. The basic requirements include an application form, a valid passport, a passport photo, an itinerary, and a bank statement. The embassy may request additional requirements during the application process. Once you have gathered these documents, you can schedule an appointment at the embassy and submit your requirements. You will be given a slip indicating the date for pick-up. Once your visa is approved, you can return to the embassy to collect it.
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