China Visa for Brazil Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to China as a Brazilian citizen? You'll need an L visa (tourist visa) for sightseeing and travel. The good news: since January 2024, Brazilian applicants no longer need to submit flight bookings or hotel reservations with their application. The visa costs $140 USD for single entry and typically takes 4-5 business days to process.

Visa Application process

Brazilian citizens must apply for an L visa (tourist visa) to visit China.1 The application process involves both online and in-person steps:

Complete Online Application (COVA System)

Start your application at the China Online Visa Application system:2 • Create an account at consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA • Fill out the application form completely • Upload required documents for preliminary review • Wait for status update to “Passport to be submitted”

Gather Required Documents

Prepare the following:1 • Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages) • Printed and signed application form • Passport photo (48mm x 33mm, white background) • Proof of residence in Brazil

Submit Documents and Provide Fingerprints

Visit the Chinese Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Application Service Center to:1 • Submit your passport and documents • Provide biometric fingerprints (unless exempt) • Pay the visa fee

Collect Your Visa

Pick up your passport with the visa after processing is complete, typically 4-5 business days.3

Visa Application Steps

1. Complete Online Application (COVA System)
2. Gather Required Documents
3. Submit Documents and Provide Fingerprints
4. Collect Your Visa

Visa Fees breakdown

Visa Type: Fee	Single Entry: US$140	Double Entry: US$140	Multiple Entry (6 months): US$140	Multiple Entry (12 months): US$140	Express Service: +US$25	Fees are valid through December 31, 2025 and may be adjusted.4 Payment is typically by credit card, money order, or cashier’s check. Cash may not be accepted at all locations.

What you need to prove

When applying for a Chinese tourist visa, you should demonstrate:

Identity: Valid passport with sufficient validity and blank pages
Purpose of visit: Tourism and sightseeing in China
Residence: Proof that you reside in Brazil
Financial ability: While not always required, having evidence of funds is helpful

Required documents

Valid Passport
Visa Application Form
Passport Photo
Fingerprint Collection
Proof of Residence

Valid Passport

Your passport must meet specific validity and page requirements • At least 6 months validity beyond planned stay; • At least 2 blank visa pages; • Must be in good condition, not damaged] (Tip: Renew your passport if it expires within 6 months of your tripBlank pages must be full pages, not half pages)

Visa Application Form

Complete the online application through the China Online Visa Application (COVA) system • Fill out form at consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA; • Upload required documents for preliminary review; • Print and sign the completed form; • Handwritten signature required on Visa Application Statement] (Tip: Complete all sections carefullyEnsure information matches your passport exactly)

Passport Photo

Recent passport-style photograph meeting Chinese visa requirements • Size: 48mm x 33mm (or 2 inches x 2 inches); • White background; • Taken within last 6 months; • Full face, front view, eyes open] (Tip: Use a professional photo service to ensure complianceDigital photo required for online application)

Fingerprint Collection

Biometric fingerprints must be collected in person at the visa office • Must be done at Chinese Embassy or Consulate; • Or at Chinese Visa Application Service Center] (Tip: Exemptions apply for applicants under 14 or over 70 years oldDiplomatic passport holders may be exempt)

Proof of Residence

Evidence of your residence in Brazil • Utility bill, bank statement, or official document; • Must show your current address] (Tip: Document should be recent (within 3 months))

Optional documents

Travel Plans

Since January 2024, Brazilian applicants no longer need to submit round-trip tickets or hotel reservations • General itinerary may be helpful but not mandatory; • Invitation letter from Chinese host is an alternative option] (Tip: Having a rough itinerary helps answer questions if askedDo not book non-refundable travel until visa is approved)

Comparison

Visa Type	Fee	Notes
Single Entry	US$140	Valid for 3 months
Double Entry	US$140	Valid for 6 months
Multiple Entry (6 months)	US$140	Multiple entries allowed
Multiple Entry (12 months)	US$140	Multiple entries allowed
Express Service	+US$25	2-3 business days processing

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Incomplete Documentation
25%	Passport Issues
15%	Photo Non-Compliance
15%	Previous Immigration Issues
10%	Security or Background Concerns

35% - Incomplete Documentation

How to avoid: Double-check all documents before submission. Ensure the COVA application is complete and the form is properly signed.

25% - Passport Issues

How to avoid: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity and 2 full blank visa pages.

15% - Photo Non-Compliance

How to avoid: Use a professional photo service familiar with Chinese visa requirements.

15% - Previous Immigration Issues

How to avoid: Be honest about your travel history. Previous issues can be explained with supporting documentation.

10% - Security or Background Concerns

How to avoid: Be patient if additional processing is required. Provide any requested documentation promptly.

Frequently asked questions

Do Brazilian citizens need a visa for China?

Yes, Brazilian citizens need an L visa (tourist visa) to visit China. There is no visa exemption or visa-on-arrival for Brazilian passport holders.

How long can I stay in China with a tourist visa?

The L visa typically allows stays of 30 to 90 days per entry, depending on what is granted. The exact duration is determined during the visa application process.

Do I need to book flights before applying for a China visa?

No. Since January 2024, Brazilian applicants are no longer required to submit round-trip air tickets or hotel reservations with their L visa application.

Can I extend my China tourist visa?

Yes, you can apply for an extension at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) in China before your visa expires. Extensions are typically granted for 30 additional days.

How long is the China tourist visa valid?

The validity period varies: single entry visas are typically valid for 3 months, while multiple entry visas can be valid for 6 months to 1 year. You must enter China before the visa expires.

Can I apply for a China visa online?

You must start the application online through the COVA system (consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA), but you still need to submit your passport in person or by mail and provide fingerprints at a visa center.

Apply for China tourist visa online

Sources

Chinese Embassy - Visa Requirements

https://us.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/zj/qz2021/

China Online Visa Application

https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/

Chinese Visa Application Service Center

https://www.visaforchina.cn/

Chinese Consulate San Francisco - Visa Fees

https://sanfrancisco.china-consulate.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/lszj/zgqz/

At a glance