Chinese Visa Policy and Requirements for Citizens of Pakistan

1. Visa Types and Exemption Policies

 

  1. 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.
  2. 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

 

  1. 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.
  2. In-Person Submission:
    • Visit the embassy/consulate with all required documents.
    • Walk-in applications may be restricted; confirm appointment availability.
  3. 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

 

  1. 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.
  2. Security Advisories:
    • Avoid travel to high-risk regions (e.g., Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa).
    • Register with the embassy upon arrival for security updates.
  3. 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.
  4. Useful Resources:
    • “中国领事” APP: For passport renewals, travel alerts, and emergency assistance.
    • Visa Application Center: www.visaforchina.org.