China Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens 2024

China is an East Asian country, and its economy is currently one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

With a population of more than 1.4 billion, it is the most populated nation globally.

China is well known for business and commercial transactions. Thus, most of its visa applicants are traders and business people.

This article is for you if you have been seeking information on how to go about a Chinese visa.

Here, I will discuss the China visa requirements for Nigerian citizens, among other relevant information.

Let me know in the comment box below if you have any questions. I will love to hear from you.

China Visa

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China Visa is a permit granted by the visa authorities that enables Nigerians to enter the country.

You can apply for a single entry or multiple entry visa, each of which allows you to stay for some time.

There are various types of Chinese visas, and the one you can apply for depends on the purpose of your visit and how long you wish to stay in China.

However, some visa categories and their requirements will be highlighted further in this article.

China Visa General Requirements

The list of documents needed to apply for a visa to China is as follows:

  1. Visa Application Form
  2. Passport
  3. Passport Photographs
  4. Employee ID Card
  5. Employment letter
  6. Account Statement
  7. Flight Reservation
  8. Hotel Reservation
  9. Invitation Letter
  10. Health Declaration
  11. Proof of Residency Status
  12. Certificate of Covid-19 Vaccination

Visa Application Form

You must fill out the China visa application form online.

Ensure you fill out the form correctly and honestly. Your name must also be inputted the same way it is on your passport.

After filling out the form, print it and sign it in blue or black ink.

Passport

It would help if you had an international passport issued, which must be valid until at least six months after the expiration of your visa.

This passport must not be torn or frayed and must have at least two blank pages where your visa stamps or stickers would be placed.

You are also required to provide one copy of the data page of your passport, which contains your details and photo.

Passport Photographs

The Chinese Consulate requires applicants to present two passport photos taken in the last six months.

Note that these photos must strictly comply with the Chinese photo guidelines.

Hence, your passport photos must measure 35mm by 45mm, have neutral facial expressions, and be taken on a plain background.

Also, you must not wear a white shirt, the photos must be in colour, and you must have no accessories or headwear except for religious reasons.

Employee ID Card

To apply for a China visa, you must have your work ID.

Your ID is essential, regardless of your position within the firm.

Employment letter

To apply for a China visa in Nigeria, you must submit an offer of employment and confirmation of work.

The original and copies of the documents must be used.

Account Statement

You must present your account statement to prove that you have enough funds to support yourself throughout your stay in China.

This account statement should be from the last six months.

It must be printed out and signed by your bank for proper verification.

Flight Reservation

You must provide proof that you have booked a flight to China, so a copy of your round-trip airline ticket should be presented.

Also, your flight itinerary or, if on tour, your tour itinerary is required.

Note that these documents must contain your full name as shown on your passport.

Hotel Reservation

You must present a document stating where you will stay once you arrive in China.

You can provide your hotel reservation or the receipt for the apartment you rented in China.

If you have a friend or relative staying in China, they can give you an invitation letter which is also acceptable.

Invitation Letter

To apply for a visa in Nigeria, you must first obtain an invitation letter from China.

Before your host can give you an invitation letter for a visa application, the local government in China must approve it.

Your name, passport number, the reason for your visit, and the information about your host are all stamped on the letter by the local authorities.

Note that if your invitation is from a non-governmental sponsor, your letter must include your occupation, passport number with the issue, and expiration date.

You must also state the relationship between you and your sponsor.

If the person inviting you is in China on a work permit, you must present a copy of their residence permit.

Health Declaration

Applicants must fill out the health declaration form found in their application kit.

This should be included with other documents.

Proof of Residency Status

You must present proof of your residency status to the authorities.

You may use your driver’s license, utility bill, government ID, etc.

Certificate of Covid-19 Vaccination

You need to take a COVID-19 test and submit the certificate given to you.

This must be within two days of departure.

China Visa Categories

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The followings are some Chinese visa categories and their specific requirements:

F-Visa

The F-Visa is a non-commercial visa, and Nigerians who wish to apply for this visa must submit the following documents:

  1. Invitation letter which mainly contains:
    • Details about the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, and so on)
    • Information on the intended visit, including the itinerary, the intended destination(s), the applicant’s relationship to the inviting entity or person, and the funding source for expenses.
    • Information on the party that invited you (name, telephone number, address, official stamp, and signature of the inviting individual or legal representative).
    • An official letter of introduction outlining the applicant’s identity, the reason for visiting China, and the intended length of stay. If the applicant works for a company, a photocopy of the company’s incorporation certificate must be submitted.

M-Visa

The M-Visa is granted to people who wish to engage in commercial and trade activities, and those who want to apply for this visa must submit the following documents:

  1. Invitation letter which particularly contains:
    • Details about the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, and so on)
    • Information on the intended visit, including the itinerary, the intended destination(s), the applicant’s relationship to the inviting entity or person, and the funding source for expenses.
    • Information on the party that invited you (name, telephone number, address, official stamp, and signature of the inviting individual or legal representative).
    • A letter of invitation from a Chinese trading partner. Information about the applicant, the intended visit, and the organization issuing the invitation should all be included in the letter.
  2. A formal introduction letter outlining the applicant’s identity, the reason for visiting China, and the intended length of stay.
  3. A photocopy of the incorporation certificate for the applicant’s business.
  4. Recommendation Letter

X1-Visa and X2-Visa

This is issued to applicants who wish to study in China. Nigerians who wish to apply for this visa must submit the following documents:

  1. Admission letter issued by a university, college, or school, both in original and photocopy (the original copy of the Admission Letter will be returned to the applicant on the interview date).
  2. If the applicant is not receiving financial aid, he or she must present a statement of account for the previous six months from his or her sponsor in Nigeria, showing that at least 6 million Naira is on deposit.
  3. An original letter of guarantee of sponsorship from the applicant’s sponsor in Nigeria must be submitted.
  4. Certificate of graduation (Diploma), original copy (the original copy will be submitted upon submission of documents).
  5. A photocopy of the applicant’s transcripts.

D-Visa

This is issued to individuals who want to live in China permanently.

In addition to the documents generally required, applicants need to present:

  • The original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status which is usually issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China

China Visa Application Guide

man and woman looking at a laptop

A description of how to apply for a China visa

  1. Determine the Visa Type

    There are various types of China visas and some have been highlighted above.

    Once you have set your mind on what you plan to do in China, you should pick a visa that is suitable for that purpose.

  2. Start your Application Online

    You can begin your China visa application online and fill out the form there.

    Ensure that you print out the form, sign it, and date it once you are done filling it out the form.

    You can also make photocopies of the application form in case they would be needed.

    Bear in mind that providing false information could result in your visa being denied.

  3. Submit your Application

    Visit the Chinese embassy or the Chinese Visa Application Center (CVASC) closest to you and submit your application.

    You may submit it in person or request an agent to do so on your behalf.

    Bear in mind that an interview is not often required but if that is the case, you would be informed by the authorities.

  4. Pay the Required Fees

    You should proceed to pay the China visa fee.

    Noteworthy, the visa fees vary depending on the type of visa you wish to apply for, and your country among others.

    For instance, regular applications cost US$30 for single entry and US$45 for double entry visas generally.

  5. Collect your Passport

    Your passport and other relevant documents will be returned to you through courier after a decision has been made on your application.

    Note that the courier service is not free as the cost would be borne by you.

China Visa Processing Time

There is no specific processing time for the China visa as it could vary depending on several factors.

However, it is advisable to apply at least two months before you leave Nigeria.

China Visa Refusal

There are several reasons that may cause a Chinese visa refusal. Some of these reasons include:

  • A damaged or invalid passport
  • Fake documents
  • Passport photographs that do not comply with the requirements.
  • Insufficient proof of financial ability

Conclusion

Anyone looking to travel abroad, especially for business purposes should consider China.

However, if you are unsure of how to approach the entire process, you can find it stressful and perplexing.

The good news is that we covered everything you required to know, and if you followed our guidance, your application process will go more smoothly.

Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to assist you.

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