
Chinese Visa Policy and Requirements for Citizens of Pakistan
1. Visa Types and Exemption Policies
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Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders:
- Pakistani diplomatic and official passport holders enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay in China.
- For stays exceeding 30 days or activities like work/study, apply for the corresponding visa in advance.
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Ordinary Passport Holders:
- Ordinary passport holders must obtain a Chinese visa before entry.
- On-Arrival Visa: Not available. Applications must be submitted through Chinese embassies/consulates or designated visa centers.
2. Visa Application Requirements
Tourist Visa (L Visa)
- Purpose: Tourism, visiting family/friends.
- Validity: Typically 90 days (single/multiple entries).
- Duration of Stay: Up to 30 days (non-extendable).
- Required Documents:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Completed online visa application form via COVA.
- 2 recent passport-sized photos (3.5cm×4.5cm, white background).
- Round-trip flight bookings and hotel reservations.
- Proof of financial capacity (e.g., 3-month bank statements).
- Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends, with relationship proof).
Business Visa (M Visa)
- Purpose: Business activities (meetings, exhibitions, etc.).
- Validity: Typically 90 days (single/multiple entries).
- Duration of Stay: Up to 30 days (extendable in some cases).
- Required Documents:
- Basic documents as above.
- Invitation letter from a Chinese company (specifying purpose, itinerary, and cost responsibility).
- Copy of the Chinese partner’s business license.
Work Visa (Z Visa)
- Purpose: Employment in China.
- Validity: Matches the work contract (usually 1 year).
- Duration of Stay: Requires a work permit.
- Required Documents:
- Basic documents as above.
- Employer’s invitation letter and work permit (Z-visa notification).
- Health certificate issued by a designated Chinese authority.
Student Visa (X Visa)
- Purpose: Study in China.
- Types:
- X1 Visa: Long-term study (>180 days).
- X2 Visa: Short-term study (≤180 days).
- Required Documents:
- Basic documents as above.
- Admission letter from a Chinese institution and JW202/JW201 form.
Transit Visa (G Visa)
- Duration of Stay:
- 24-hour visa-free transit if don’t leave the airport.
- Apply for G Visa if staying >24 hours or leaving the airport.
- Required Documents:
- Basic documents as above.
- Flight itinerary to the third country.
3. Chinese Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan
Chinese Embassy in Islamabad
- Address: No.1, Zhou-Enlai Avenue, Diplomatic Enclave (Extension), Islamabad, Pakistan.
- Phone: +92-51-2824786 (general inquiries); +92-51-8255016 (consular services).
- Fax: +92-51-2279600.
- Email: chinaemb_pk@mfa.gov.cn.
- Website: pk.chineseembassy.org.
- Working Hours:
- Consular Services: Wednesdays 8:30 AM–12:00 PM (by appointment only).
- General Office: Monday–Friday 8:30 AM–12:00 PM and 2:30 PM–4:30 PM.
Chinese Consulate General in Karachi
- Address: Plot No.ST.20, Block 4, Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan.
- Phone: +92-21-5874266 (consular services).
- Fax: +92-21-5834000.
- Website: karachi.chineseconsulate.org.
- Working Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–12:30 PM and 3:00 PM–5:00 PM.
Chinese Consulate General in Lahore
- Address: F-1 Canal Cottages, Muslim Town, Lahore, Pakistan.
- Phone: +92-42-35947935 (consular services).
- Website: lahore.china-consulate.gov.cn.
4. Application Process
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Online Application:
- Complete the visa form via the COVA system and book an appointment.
- Submit documents to the nearest Chinese embassy/consulate or designated visa center.
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In-Person Submission:
- Visit the embassy/consulate with all required documents.
- Walk-in applications may be restricted; confirm appointment availability.
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Processing Time:
- Regular: 4–7 business days.
- Express service available for an additional fee.
5. Visa Fees
- Tourist/Business Visa: ~USD 120–145 (subject to change; confirm with the embassy).
- Work/Student Visa: Higher fees apply; check official sources.
6. Important Notes
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Health Requirements:
- No COVID-19 testing/vaccination required, but random antigen tests may occur.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination) is mandatory for entry.
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Security Advisories:
- Avoid travel to high-risk regions (e.g., Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa).
- Register with the embassy upon arrival for security updates.
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Emergency Contacts:
- China’s Global Consular Protection Hotline: +86-10-12308 or +86-10-59913991 (24/7).
- Embassy Emergency Line: +92-315-6060000.
- Consulate General in Karachi: +92-311-2311297.
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Useful Resources:
- “中国领事” APP: For passport renewals, travel alerts, and emergency assistance.
- Visa Application Center: www.visaforchina.org.