Chinese Visa Policy and Requirements for Citizens of Iceland

1. Overview of Chinese Visa Policy for Icelandic Citizens

 

Icelandic citizens require a visa to travel to China, except for holders of diplomatic/official passports (visa-free under bilateral agreements). Visa types (L, M, Z, X1/X2, Q1/Q2, S1/S2) depend on travel purpose (tourism, business, work, study, family visits). Applications are submitted to the Chinese Embassy in Iceland or via designated visa centers in Iceland or China.

2. Chinese Embassy in Iceland: Key Details

Chinese Embassy in Reykjavík

 

Address:

Háaleitisbraut 12, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland

Contact Information:

 

  • Telephone: +354-552-6751
  • Fax: +354-552-6752
  • Email: chinaemb_is@mfa.gov.cn
  • Website: http://is.china-embassy.gov.cn

    Working Hours:
  • Visa Section: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM (submissions); 2:00 PM–4:00 PM (collections).
  • Closed on Chinese and Icelandic public holidays (e.g., Chinese New Year, Icelandic National Day).

Visa Application Centers in Iceland

 

(Note: China may use third-party visa centers. Confirm via embassy website. As of 2025, direct embassy submissions are standard.)

3. Icelandic Diplomatic Missions in China (for Icelanders Residing in China)

 

Icelandic citizens in China apply through the Icelandic Embassy in Beijing or Consulate-General in Shanghai.

Icelandic Embassy in Beijing

 

Address:

No. 3, Sanlitun Dongwu Jie, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Contact:

 

  • Telephone: +86-10-8532-6700
  • Email: bei@utn.is

    Working Hours:
  • Visa Section: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM (submissions).
  • Closed on Chinese and Icelandic holidays.

Icelandic Consulate-General in Shanghai

 

Address:

Room 1701, Shanghai World Financial Center, 100 Century Avenue, Pudong

Contact: +86-21-6877-7820

Hours: By appointment (visa services via Beijing embassy).

4. Chinese Visa Types for Icelandic Citizens

 

Visa Type Purpose Key Requirements
L (Tourism) Sightseeing, visiting friends/family. Hotel booking, round-trip flight itinerary, invitation letter (if applicable).
M (Business) Trade, meetings, exhibitions. Business invitation from a Chinese company, proof of commercial activities.
Z (Work) Employment in China. Work permit (Z-visa notification), invitation letter from the employer.
X1/X2 (Study) Long-term (>180 days)/short-term study. Admission letter from a Chinese university, JW201/JW202 form, medical certificate.
Q1/Q2 (Family Visit) Reunion with family (Q1: long-term; Q2: short-term). Invitation from Chinese family member (residence permit copy), family relation proof (e.g., birth certificate).
S1/S2 (Private Affairs) Visiting relatives or handling personal matters. Invitation letter, proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate).

5. How to Apply for a Chinese Visa in Iceland

Step 1: Online Application

 

  • Complete the China Visa Application Form on https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn.
  • Upload a passport-sized photo (48x33mm, white background).

Step 2: Prepare Documents

 

  • Mandatory:
    • Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages).
    • Printed and signed visa application form.
    • Recent passport photo (1 copy).
  • Additional Documents by Visa Type (see table above).

Step 3: Submit Application

 

  • In Iceland: Visit the Chinese Embassy in Reykjavík (Visa Section) during working hours.
  • In China (for residents): Submit to the Icelandic Embassy in Beijing or Consulate-General in Shanghai.

Step 4: Pay Fees

 

  • Fees (in ISK or EUR) vary by visa type and processing time:
    • Standard: 4–5 working days (ISK 15,000–25,000).
    • Express: 2–3 days (additional ISK 5,000–10,000).
  • Payment methods: Cash, bank transfer (check embassy guidelines).

Step 5: Collect Visa

 

  • In-person collection at the embassy or via courier (if available).

6. Important Notes

 

  • Processing Time: 4–5 days (standard); express service available.
  • Visa Validity: Typically 3 months (single/multiple entry); stay duration: 30–180 days.
  • Health Requirements: X1 visa holders must submit a medical certificate (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis).
  • Transit Visa (G): Required for layovers >24 hours. Free transit (24–72 hours) in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou.
  • Visa Extension: Apply at local Public Security Bureau (PSB) in China before expiration.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

  • Q: Can I apply for a visa online?

    A: Yes, via https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn, but final submission is in-person.
  • Q: Do Icelandic citizens qualify for visa-free transit in China?

    A: Yes, 72/144-hour free transit in select cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu) with confirmed onward tickets.

8. Official Resources