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China Updates Visa Application Rules: Mandatory Old Passports and Bank Statements Introduced

November 22, 2025 4:57 am

China Updates Visa Application Rules: Mandatory Old Passports and Bank Statements Introduced

Travelers planning a trip to China should take note of the latest changes to visa application rules. The Chinese Embassy, in collaboration with VFS Global, has introduced new requirements for Indian applicants. Understanding these updates is key to ensuring a smooth visa application process.

New Documentation Requirements

The visa application process has become more stringent. Failing to adhere to these new rules could lead to immediate rejection. Below are the main changes that applicants must follow:

Submission of Old Passports

Applicants are now required to include any old passports issued in the last five years. Including a passport that shows travel history is essential, even if it has expired.

Consistency in Names & Necessary Documentation

Ensure that the name on your passport matches other forms of identification, like Aadhaar. If there is a discrepancy, official documentation, such as a gazette notification or name-change affidavit, will be required.

Enhanced Cover and Invitation Letters

A formal cover letter must accompany the application. It should include your full name, passport number, purpose of travel, arrival and departure dates (formatted as YYYY MM DD), and contact details of the inviting party. For business or visit categories, the invitation letter must also include the inviter’s name, designation, company information, and a stamp or signature in both English and Chinese.

Bank Statements and Proof of Funds

For tourist visa applications, you must provide proof of sufficient funds. Guidelines suggest maintaining a balance of around ₹300,000 over the last three months. Official documentation should show a deposit of at least ₹100,000 for six months.

Capital Letters for Application Forms

All visa application forms must be completed using capital letters. Non-compliance may result in rejection, as emphasized by the VFS notice.

No Appointment Required & Faster Processing

A positive change for applicants in India is the removal of appointment requirements at visa centers. You can now submit your application on any working day. If your documents meet the criteria, processing typically takes four working days for regular applications and three for express ones.

Key Action Steps for Applicants

To ensure a successful application, here’s a checklist to follow before submitting your China visa application:

Gather your current and any previous passports from the last five years.
Verify that your name matches across all identification documents. Secure an affidavit or name-change certificate if needed.
Draft a clear cover letter that includes your full name, passport number, travel purpose, arrival and departure dates (YYYY MM DD), and the contact details of your Chinese inviter.
If applying under a business category, ensure the invitation letter includes the inviter’s name, designation, company information, stamp/signature, and is provided in English and Chinese.
Review your bank statements to confirm a consistent balance, adequate to support your stay.
Complete the application form in capital letters.
Submit your application at the appropriate visa center based on the passport’s issue location.

Importance of These Changes

These changes aim to enhance clarity and compliance in the application process. By standardizing date formats and requiring complete documentation, the risk of rejection decreases. Streamlined processes contribute to quicker processing times, benefiting all applicants.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning to visit China, pay close attention to these updates. Treat your documentation with the same care as your travel bookings. A small mistake could delay or deny your visa. Double-check all information, use the correct date format, and prepare your documents meticulously.

Also, keep photocopies of everything submitted and consider backing up electronic versions for added safety. Being thorough now will save you time and stress later on.