Q and S Family Visit Chinese Visa

Apply for a Q visa if you are going to visit Chinese family in China. Apply for an S visa if you are visiting relatives who are not Chinese nationals but working or studying in China.

How long will it take to get my Chinese Visa (updated 25/03/2025)

Your passport with visa will be ready for collection:

EXPRESS SERVICE: 3 working days after we receive approval from the Chinese Embassy AND we have submitted your passport; or
STANDARD SERVICE: 4 working days after we receive approval from the Chinese Embassy AND we have submitted your passport.

Passports will be ready in the afternoon. Please call us or email us for more details.

How do I get my Chinese Visa?

  1. Place Your Order: After placing your order, we’ll send you a user-friendly email to collect all the necessary information from you. We’ll complete the application form for you by filling out the Chinese Visa Centre’s form based on the details you provide.
  2. We'll Review Your Application: We’ll ensure that everything is complete based on the information you provide. If we think any additional details or clarifications are needed, we’ll contact you to ask the necessary questions before finalizing the form.
  3. Concierge Service at the Chinese Visa Centre (If Fingerprints Are Required): If fingerprints are required for your application, we will advise you and arrange an appointment at the Chinese Visa Centre. We’ll ensure that all your documents are in order and guide you through the process. Our Concierge Service includes meeting you at the Centre to assist with the fingerprinting process, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
  4. Mailing or Collecting Your Passport: After your application is processed, we’ll send your passport back to you. You can choose from the following options for returning your passport:
    (a) We’ll send your passport via Royal Mail Special Delivery (RMSD) (additional charges apply);
    (b) We can courier your passport back to you (additional charges apply)
    (c) You can provide us with a pre paid Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope and we'll send it back to you that way; or
    (d) You can pick it up from our offices.
  5. Please bear in mind that the type of visa and length granted for each stay is always at the discretion of the Chinese Embassy, which will grant you the visa they deem is most appropriate as determined by all the circumstances (especially the documentation in hand).

Supporting documents for Q visa

The "Q" visa is for visiting relatives who have Chinese passports. The Q visa is split into Q1 and Q2 visas - the Q1 visa is for people who intend to move to China for longer periods whereas Q2 is for visits. Q1 visas therefore are only single entry and need to be converted to residence permit within 30 days of arrival.

To get your application going, you will need: 1. Passport plus a photocopy of the photo page in addition - passport must have two blank pages and 6 months remaining validity
2. Digital photo
3. If you have been to China before, a photocopy of your last Chinese visa.
4. If you used to have a Chinese passport, please contact us for more information.
5. Invitation letter from the family you are visiting, in Chinese. You will also need to send copies of both sides of your inviter's ID card. We can also provide a template invitation letter to you upon request once we have received your order.
6. For any child under 18 going to China, the following documentation is now required:
copy birth certificate; copy of passport of the parent who is signing the application form.
7. If you are applying for a Q1 visa, you will also need to bring an original document showing how you are related to the inviting party e.g. marriage certificate.

Supporting documents for S visa

This "S" visa is for visiting non Chinese passport holders living in China. The S visa is split into S1 and S2 visas - the S1 visa is for people who intend to move to China for longer periods whereas S2 is for visits. S1 visas therefore are only single entry and need to be converted to residence permit within 30 days of arrival. To get your application going, you will need:
1. Passport plus a photocopy of the photo page in addition - passport must have two blank pages and 6 months remaining validity
2. Digital photo
3. If you have been to China before, a photocopy of your last Chinese visa.
4. Invitation letter from the family member you are visiting. You will need to send a photocopy of the inviter's passport and Chinese residence permit. We can also provide a template invitation letter to you upon request once we have received your order.
5. For any child under 18 going to China, the following documentation is now required:
copy birth certificate; copy of passport of the parent who signed the application.
6. Original document showing how you are related to the inviter e.g. marriage certificate, plus one copy. If you are applying for an S1 visa, the original will also need to be legalised (we can help with the legalisation or you will have to sign an acknowledgment document (we will provide the relevant form)).
7. If you are applying for a S1 visa, the inviter's Chinese resident visa must have more than 6 months' validity at the time of your application.

Fees