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

Overview

Planning a trip to China as a Pakistani citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Chinese L visa (tourist visa) application: required documents including passport, photos, and police character certificate, processing times of 4 working days, and the great news that Pakistani passport holders are exempt from all Chinese visa fees due to bilateral agreements. Starting November 10, 2026, Pakistan is included in China's visa-free policy for stays up to 30 days.

Visa Application process

The China tourist visa (L visa) for Pakistani citizens must be applied for through Gerry’s Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) authorized by the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan.1 Here is the step-by-step process:

Complete the Online Application Form (COVA)

Visit the official COVA system at cova.mfa.gov.cn and complete the visa application form.12 Upload a digital ID photo meeting Chinese specifications. Fill all fields accurately and completely, as incomplete or inaccurate information leads to rejection. Print the entire application (typically 8+ pages) including the confirmation page, and sign by hand on the confirmation page and last page.

Gather Required Documents

Prepare all necessary documents:13 • Passport with at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page • Completed and signed COVA application form with confirmation page • Copy of front and back of Pakistan CNIC • Police Character Certificate (apostilled by MoFA Pakistan) • Invitation Letter for Tourist Group from authorized Chinese tourism office • Previous Chinese passport and copy (if previously Chinese national)

Visit Gerry’s CVASC

Submit your application in person at the appropriate Gerry’s CVASC based on your permanent residence (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM).14 Fingerprint collection is currently exempted until December 31, 2025 for single/double entry visas under 180 days.

Pay Service Fee

Pay the Gerry’s CVASC service fee (PKR 13,200 for regular service).2 Pakistani citizens are exempt from Chinese visa fees. You will receive a pick-up receipt indicating your collection date.

Collect Your Visa

Return to Gerry’s CVASC on the designated pickup date with your receipt. Check the visa details carefully at the counter and communicate with staff immediately if there are any questions.1

Visa Application Steps

1. Complete the Online Application Form (COVA)
2. Gather Required Documents
3. Visit Gerry’s CVASC
4. Pay Service Fee
5. Collect Your Visa

Visa Fees breakdown

Fee Type: Amount (PKR)	Chinese Visa Fee: Free	Gerry’s Regular Service: PKR 13,200	Gerry’s Express Service: PKR 19,800	Pakistani passport holders enjoy complete exemption from Chinese visa fees due to the bilateral agreement between Pakistan and China.13 This reflects the strong “iron brothers” relationship under CPEC. You only pay the service center processing fee.	Payment is accepted in cash at Gerry’s CVASC.

What you need to prove

Chinese visa officers assess applications based on several factors:

Legitimate tourist purpose: Valid invitation from authorized Chinese tourism organization
Document authenticity: All documents must be genuine with verifiable seals and certificates
Consistent information: Details across all documents must match perfectly
Financial capability: Ability to support yourself during the stay (though less strictly required for group tours)
Clean record: No criminal history or previous visa violations

Required documents

Valid Passport
Online Visa Application Form (COVA)
Digital ID Photo
Pakistan National ID Card (CNIC)
Police Character Certificate
Invitation Letter for Tourist Group
Fingerprint Biometrics

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application with at least one blank page • Minimum six months validity from date of entry to China; • At least one completely blank visa page; • Must not be damaged or altered; • Previous Chinese visas and entry/exit stamps copied if applicable] (Tip: Submit photocopies of the bio-data page and any previous Chinese visa pagesIf your passport expires within 6 months, renew before applying)

Online Visa Application Form (COVA)

Complete the visa application form online through the COVA system • Complete the form at cova.mfa.gov.cn; • Upload a digital ID photo meeting specifications; • Print the form and confirmation page; • Sign the confirmation page and last page by hand] (Tip: Fill all fields accurately; incomplete or inaccurate information leads to rejectionThe form is typically 8+ pages when printed; print all pagesIf photo upload fails, bring a qualified photo to Gerry's Center)

Digital ID Photo

Recent colored photograph meeting Chinese visa specifications uploaded to COVA system • 2-inch size (approximately 33mm × 48mm); • White background only, no patterns; • Full face, front view, neutral expression; • Taken within the last 6 months; • Eyes open, clearly visible; • Bare-head (no headwear except for religious reasons)] (Tip: Photos must strictly meet specifications; this is a common rejection reasonIf your uploaded photo is rejected, Gerry's Center can help you upload a new one)

Pakistan National ID Card (CNIC)

Copy of both front and back of your Pakistan National ID card • Clear photocopy of front side showing photo and details; • Clear photocopy of back side; • Must be valid and not expired] (Tip: Ensure your CNIC address matches your application)

Police Character Certificate

Non-criminal record certificate apostilled or attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan • Issued by relevant Pakistani police authorities; • Must be apostilled or attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs; • QR code must be scannable and display correct information; • Must not display another person's certificate when scanned] (Tip: Scan the QR code yourself to verify before submittingContact Ministry of Foreign Affairs if there are issues with the certificateThis is a common rejection reason; ensure authenticity)

Invitation Letter for Tourist Group

Official invitation letter from an authorized Chinese tourism office or travel agency • Issued by duly authorized tourism office in China; • Usually from local Culture and Tourism Bureau upon travel agency request; • Must be for a group of at least 5 people; • Contains group itinerary and member details] (Tip: Book through an authorized travel agency that can obtain this letterEnsure the letter contains all required informationFake invitation letters are a major rejection reason)

Fingerprint Biometrics

Ten fingerprints collected at Gerry's CVASC during your application • All ten fingerprints collected digitally; • Must be done in person at Gerry's Center; • Valid for 5 years once collected] (Tip: Currently EXEMPTED until December 31, 2025 for single/double entry visas under 180 daysExemptions: Children under 14, adults over 70, diplomatic passport holdersIf previously collected within 5 years at same location, may be exempt)

Optional documents

Round-Trip Flight Booking | Hotel Reservation | Bank Statement

Round-Trip Flight Booking

Confirmed round-trip flight tickets showing entry and exit from China • Must show passenger name matching passport; • Clear departure and return dates; • Booking confirmation with PNR number] (Tip: Book refundable tickets until visa is approvedDates should align with requested visa duration)

Hotel Reservation

Confirmed hotel booking for the duration of your stay in China • Must show guest name matching passport; • Check-in and check-out dates; • Hotel name, address, and contact details in China] (Tip: Book refundable accommodation until visa confirmation)

Bank Statement

Recent bank statement showing sufficient funds for your trip • Last 6 months of transaction history; • Closing balance should cover expenses at minimum US$100 per day; • Must show account holder name clearly; • Original statement with bank seal preferred] (Tip: Avoid large unexplained deposits close to application dateShow regular income and stable balance over several monthsFake financial documents will result in immediate rejection)

Comparison

Fee Type	Amount (PKR)	Notes
Chinese Visa Fee	Free	Pakistani citizens exempt
Gerry’s Regular Service	PKR 13,200	Inclusive of GST
Gerry’s Express Service	PKR 19,800	Inclusive of GST

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Fake or Forged Documents
25%	Deficient Invitation Letters
15%	Police Character Certificate Issues
12%	Application Form Errors
8%	Insufficient Financial Documentation
5%	Discrepancies and Inconsistencies

35% - Fake or Forged Documents

How to avoid: Only submit genuine documents from authorized sources. Fake documents result in immediate rejection and may affect future applications. Ensure invitation letters are from legitimate Chinese companies with proper seals.

25% - Deficient Invitation Letters

How to avoid: Verify your invitation letter contains all required elements: your personal info, trip details with dates and places, and complete company information with circular company seal and signature. The seal must comply with Chinese regulations.

15% - Police Character Certificate Issues

How to avoid: Always scan the QR code yourself before submission to verify it displays your correct information. Contact Ministry of Foreign Affairs directly if there are any issues with the certificate.

12% - Application Form Errors

How to avoid: Double-check all information matches your passport exactly. Verify the Chinese company name is written exactly as on their business license. Ensure your photo is clear and meets specifications.

8% - Insufficient Financial Documentation

How to avoid: Provide genuine bank statements showing sufficient balance. For tourist visas through group tours, financial documentation may not be strictly required but strengthens your application.

5% - Discrepancies and Inconsistencies

How to avoid: Ensure all information is consistent across your application form, passport, CNIC, and supporting documents. Provide valid, reachable contact numbers.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a China tourist visa from Pakistan?

Standard processing takes 4 working days through Gerry's CVASC. Processing may extend to 6-8 working days if additional documents are requested or an interview is required. Express service is currently suspended at embassy level.

What is the China tourist visa fee for Pakistani citizens in 2026?

Pakistani passport holders are completely exempt from Chinese visa fees due to bilateral agreements between Pakistan and China. You only pay the Gerry's CVASC service fee of PKR 13,200 for regular processing or PKR 19,800 for express processing.

Where can I apply for a China visa in Pakistan?

Apply at Gerry's Chinese Visa Application Service Centers based on your residence: Islamabad (for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, KPK, Gilgit-Baltistan), Karachi (for Sindh, Balochistan), or Lahore (for Punjab except Rawalpindi). The Lahore center is handled by the Islamabad embassy.

How long can I stay in China on a tourist visa from Pakistan?

A tourist visa (L visa) typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions can be requested at local Public Security Bureau (PSB) offices in China before your authorized stay expires.

Will Pakistani citizens need a visa for China in 2026?

From November 10, 2026 to December 31, 2026, Pakistani citizens can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes. Before this date, a visa is required.

Is the Police Character Certificate mandatory for China visa?

Yes, the Police Character Certificate (non-criminal record certificate) apostilled or attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan is mandatory for all visa applications from Pakistan. Ensure the QR code is scannable and shows correct information.

Do I need fingerprints for a China visa from Pakistan?

Fingerprints are temporarily exempted from September 2, 2024 to December 31, 2026 for single or double entry visas with duration of stay less than 180 days. Otherwise, fingerprints are required for ages 14-70.

Can I apply for a China visa as an individual tourist from Pakistan?

Individual tourist applications require joining a tour group of at least 5 people arranged through an authorized Chinese travel agency. The agency obtains an Invitation Letter for Tourist Group from the local Culture and Tourism Bureau in China.

What documents do I need for a China tourist visa from Pakistan?

Required documents include: valid passport (6 months validity, 1 blank page), completed COVA application form, digital ID photo, copy of CNIC (front and back), Police Character Certificate (MoFA attested), and Invitation Letter for Tourist Group. Bank statements and flight bookings are recommended.

What happens if my China visa is rejected?

If rejected, you can reapply after addressing the issues. Common rejection reasons include fake documents, incomplete invitation letters, Police Character Certificate problems, and insufficient financial proof. There is no mandatory waiting period for reapplication.

Why are Pakistani citizens exempt from Chinese visa fees?

The fee exemption is part of the reciprocal bilateral agreement between Pakistan and China, reflecting the strong 'iron brothers' relationship between the two countries under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) partnership.

What is the COVA system for Chinese visa applications?

COVA (China Online Visa Application) at cova.mfa.gov.cn is the official online system where you complete and submit your visa application form. You upload documents, fill required information, and print the completed form for submission at Gerry's CVASC.

Apply for China tourist visa online

Sources

Chinese Embassy in Pakistan - Visa Instructions

https://pk.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/va/202411/t20241104_11520719.htm

Chinese Visa Application Service Center Islamabad

https://www.visaforchina.cn/ISB3_EN/

Chinese Visa Application Service Center Karachi

https://www.visaforchina.cn/KHI3_EN/tongzhigonggao/333483543298707456.html

Gerry's Visa Application Service Center

https://www.visaforchina.org

China-Pakistan Joint Statement on Visa-Free Travel

https://in.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/zgxw/202502/t20250206_11550159.htm

At a glance