NEW CHINESE RULES

The Chinese Embassy in Canada has just made getting a visa even tougher.

Our staff was briefed this morning by the consular staff regarding new requirements for both tourists and business travelers. These new items are in addition to all existing requirements.

BUSINESS visa applicants must also provide one of the following three documents:
1. ❒ - An Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Unit (referring to the form of visa notification issued by the Chinese governmental departments, companies and social organizations authorized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs); or a Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by an authorized Chinese agency); or
2. ❒ - Invitation cards of various kinds of trade fairs; or
3. ❒ - An invitation Letter issued by a state-owned enterprise, collectively-owned enterprise, joint venture, solely-owned or private enterprise and educational, cultural and scientific institutions, and conference sponsors or hosts (original or copies). The invitation letter shall include:
A. Personal information of the applicant: name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.
B. Information concerning the applicant's visit to China: purpose of the visit, date of arrival and departure, places to visit, relationship between the applicant and the invitor, and who will bear the cost of the applicant's accommodations in China.
C. Information of the invitor: name of the unit or individual, phone number, address, and if applicable, the legal representative or the invitor's seal and signature.

TOURIST visa applicants must provide one of the following two documents:
1. ❒ - An Invitation Letter for Tourist or for Tourist Group by a Duly Authorized Tourism Unit; or
2. ❒ - An Invitation Letter issued by companies, corporations, institutions or individuals in China. If the invitation letter is issued by an individual in China, the photocopy of the ID of the individual is required. The invitation letter shall include the following items listed above (A,B,C) for business letters.

Click here for updated Chinese requirements and forms.