China Visa from Pakistan (2025): Requirements, Processing, Fees & Expert Tips

Planning a trip to China from Pakistan whether for business, tourism, study, work, or to visit family? This up-to-date guide explains visa types, required documents, processing time, where to apply in Pakistan, and practical tips to help you avoid delays. It also shows how Malik Express Travel & Tours (Islamabad) can streamline every step; application, appointments, flights, hotels, and travel insurance.

Latest update (valid through Dec 31, 2025): China has temporarily waived fingerprint collection for single or double-entry short-term visas (stays ≤ 180 days) to simplify applications. Long-stay categories can still require fingerprints.

Where to Apply in Pakistan

China visa applications are processed via Gerry’s / Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) branches based on your permanent residence:

• Islamabad CVASC: For residents of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and nearby areas.
• Karachi CVASC: For residents of Sindh and Balochistan.
• Lahore CVASC: Accepts applications for Punjab (excluding Rawalpindi); operational details and address are published by CVASC.
• Official Embassy/Consulate guidance on consular districts and submission rules is maintained by the Embassy in Islamabad and Consulate in Karachi.

Tip: Always apply in the correct consular district to avoid returns or delays. Embassy pages consolidate current notices, fee tables, and processing time.

Visa Categories You Can Apply For

China issues several ordinary visa types. The most common for travellers from Pakistan are:

• L - Tourist (individual or group)
• M - Business/Trade
• F - Non-commercial exchanges/visits
• Q1/Q2 - Family reunion/visit (with Chinese citizens or PR holders)
• S1/S2 - Relatives of foreign residents in China
• X1/X2 - Study (long/short term)
• Z - Work

The official Embassy page lists definitions, validity, entries, and duration rules for each category and clarifies that visa-issuing authorities make the final decision on your type, number of entries, and stay.

Documents you’ll Generally Need

Exact requirements vary by visa type and your circumstances. The Embassy’s April 28, 2025 notice provides category-wise checklists. Below are typical items requested (with additions noted by category):

Common documents (typical):

• Passport valid 6+ months with at least 1 blank page
• Copy of passport bio page
• CNIC copy for Pakistani citizens
• Completed visa application form + compliant photo
• Travel itinerary (round-trip booking) and hotel reservation (recommended)
• Additional documents based on purpose (see below)
• For some categories, police character certificate attested by the Pakistan MoFA may be required (see official table for when it applies).

Tourist (L): individual or group: hotel bookings, itinerary; group L requires a group invitation issued by a duly authorized tourism office in China (via a Chinese travel agency).

Business (M): invitation documents from the Chinese partner (Invitation Letter (TE) / Verification Letter of Invitation / Canton Fair or CIIE invites). If you don’t have those, the Embassy sets out alternatives, including an ordinary invitation letter with specified contents and 6-month bank statement showing funds of at least USD 100/day of stay (or PKR equivalent).

Family Visit/ Reunion (Q1/Q2, S1/S2): invitation letter, inviter’s Chinese ID/residence permit copy, and relationship evidence (marriage/birth/kinship certificates; Pakistan-issued documents typically need MoFA apostille/attestation).

Study (X1/X2): admission letter and JW201/JW202 (X1) plus proof of finances per Embassy guidance.

Work (Z): Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit (or other specific approvals listed).

 

Biometrics: Do You Need to Give Fingerprints?

Historically, applicants aged 14 to 70 provided 10 fingerprints during submission. China has temporarily waived fingerprinting for short-term single or double-entry visas (stays ≤ 180 days) from Sept 2, 2024 to Dec 31, 2025. Long-stay categories (e.g., Q1/S1/X1) and some multiple-entry business cases may still require fingerprints. Check category-specific notices before you apply.

 

China Visa Processing Time & Fees

Processing time and fee schedules are published by the Embassy in Islamabad and are subject to change. Always consult the Embassy’s “Visa Processing Time and Fee” page before payment or travel booking. CVASC outlets also publish submission, payment, and collection hours and Ramadan timings.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step (Pakistan)

• Choose the right visa type for your purpose (L, M, F, Q/S, X, Z).
• Gather documents per the latest Embassy checklist for your category (see links above).
• Book an appointment at the correct CVASC (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore) per your residential jurisdiction.
• Submit application (and, where applicable, give fingerprints—note the current short-stay exemption through Dec 31, 2025).
• Pay fees as advised by the center/Embassy and collect your passport on the designated date.
• Check your visa (entries, validity, permitted stay) before travel; overstay can lead to penalties.

Transit & Visa-Free Situations (Important)

China lists eight circumstances for visa exemption; most Pakistan travellers will still need a visa. Review the Embassy’s exemption list before assuming eligibility.

24-hour transit without visa (TWOV) can be available for certain itineraries, subject to airport/airline rules and staying airside; Pakistani diplomatic/official passport holders have separate exemptions for China/Hong Kong SAR. Always verify with your airline and route.

 

Expert Tips to Avoid Delays

• Apply in the correct district (Islamabad/Karachi/Lahore) based on your permanent residence.
• Match documents to your category (e.g., business invitations for M; admission & JW forms for X1). Generic files cause returns.
• Apostille/attest Pakistan-issued civil documents (marriage/birth/kinship) when required for Q/S family visas.
• Bank statement sufficiency: Where applicable (e.g., some F/M scenarios), Embassy guidance cites USD 100/day of stay as a benchmark.
• Name changes & former Chinese nationals: Provide official name-change proof and prior Chinese passport details as directed.
• Book refundable travel until your visa is issued; schedules and fees can change per official notices.
• Check biometrics rules close to your appointment short-stay fingerprint waivers are time-bound (through Dec 31, 2025).

 

How Malik Express Travel & Tours Helps

With 35+ years of visa and ticketing expertise in Islamabad, Malik Express provides:

• Personalized visa coaching: selecting the correct category, verifying jurisdiction, and building a document checklist aligned with Embassy/CVASC rules.
• Document review & formatting: invitation letters (content requirements differ by category), bank statements, hotel/flight plans, and MoFA apostille guidance for family/kinship documents.
• Appointment & submission assistance at the right center (Islamabad/Karachi/Lahore), timed with current biometrics policy.
• End-to-end travel planning: best-value return flights to China, hotel reservations matched to your itinerary, and travel insurance accepted by consular officers.
• After-visa support: re-check visa details (entries, validity), baggage and transit rules, and local stay compliance to prevent overstay penalties.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (Quick Answers)

• Do Pakistanis get a China e-Visa?

No. Applications are filed physically via CVASC/Gerry’s in Pakistan; China does not issue a general tourist e-Visa for Pakistan passport holders. See Embassy and CVASC guidance.

• How long does it take?

Processing times are published and updated by the Embassy; check the Visa Processing Time and Fee page before you submit (timelines vary by category and season).

• Can I apply in a different city than my residence?

Apply according to consular district rules; otherwise, your application can be returned.

• Is fingerprinting required?

Short-term single/double-entry visas are exempt from fingerprints through Dec 31, 2025; long-stay and some multiple-entry cases may still require them.

• What if my documents are incomplete?

The Embassy lists common reasons for returns; incomplete or mismatch documents are frequent causes. Malik Express reviews your file to minimize this risk.

 

Final Checklist Before You Submit

• Correct visa category selected
• Jurisdiction matches your permanent residence
• All category-specific documents attached (invitations, JW forms, kinship proofs, apostille where needed)
• Funds/itinerary/hotel proof aligned with Embassy guidance
• Confirm current biometric policy and fee table for your category

 

Ready to apply? Contact Malik Express for a professionally prepared file, correct appointment placement, and integrated travel bookings so your China trip starts right.