Skip to content
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
ChinaVISA GUIDES 6 min read

China Visa from Pakistan: Requirements, Fees & Process (2026)

By Travel Visa Pk visa team
Published: 2026-09-15
Verified & Updated: 2026-09-21
Quick-Answer Summary • Key Metrics for Pakistani Applicants
Consular / Gov Fee
Official consular sticker fee set by Embassy of China; confirmed by adviser before submission
Official government rate
Processing Turnaround
5 to 7 working days standard (or 3-4 days Express at Gerry's Islamabad)
From biometric submission
Bank Balance Benchmark
PKR 500,000–800,000 closing balance with 6-month stamped bank statement
With 6-mo transaction trail

Applying for a Chinese Tourist (L) or Business (M) visa from Pakistan requires adhering to the submission protocols of the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad or Chinese Consulate General in Karachi, routed through authorized Chinese Visa Application Service Centres (Gerry's Visa Drop Box). Given the deepening trade and commercial ties between Pakistan and China, business travelers require authentic commercial invitation letters (PU letters or company invitations with business licenses), while tourists must provide confirmed hotel and flight itineraries. Our Blue Area Islamabad visa desk handles complete file compilation, online COVA forms, and submission slots.

Document Checklist for China Visa from Pakistan

All documents must be original or certified by the issuing department. Never submit forged papers.

Original Passport & Previous Passports

Original passport valid for at least 6 months with at least two blank pages, alongside all previous expired passports.

Online COVA Application Form & Confirmation Page

Official China Online Visa Application (COVA) form completed online with uploaded digital photograph.

Photographs (Chinese Consular Specs)

Two recent studio color photographs (33 mm x 48 mm) with pure white background, no hats, no jewelry, and dark clothing.

6-Month Bank Statement & Maintenance Letter

Original stamped bank statement with a minimum closing balance of PKR 500,000 to PKR 800,000, and an Account Maintenance Certificate.

Business Invitation Letter (For M Visa)

Official invitation letter from a Chinese partner company, showing official red seal (chop), contact details, and business license copy.

Confirmed Round-Trip Flight & Hotel Bookings (For L Visa)

Verifiable round-trip flight reservations and hotel bookings in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, or Yiwu.

NADRA Family Registration Certificate (FRC)

Required for family travel or applicants visiting relatives in China.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1

Visa Category Determination

We determine whether you qualify for a Tourist (L), Business (M), or Commercial Work/Trade entry permit.

2

Online COVA Form Completion

We complete your official COVA application on the consular portal, uploading high-resolution studio photographs.

3

Appointment Booking at Gerry's Islamabad

We schedule your physical document submission and biometric appointment at the Chinese Visa Centre in Islamabad.

4

File Lodgement & Biometrics Capture

Submit physical documents, biometrics, and consular fees at the Gerry's Blue Area Islamabad facility.

5

Consular Review & Passport Collection

The Embassy of China processes your file within 5 to 7 business days. Collect your passport with the Chinese visa sticker.

Financial Proof & Banking Standards for Chinese Visas

The Chinese Embassy requires applicants to show genuine financial capability to fund their travel or trade mission.

Minimum Balance Requirement: An active balance of at least PKR 500,000 for solo tourists, or PKR 1,000,000+ for commercial traders.
Salary / Revenue Verification: Salary deposits must match tax returns or business income statements.
Branch Attestation: Every page must be stamped and signed by the issuing Pakistani bank branch manager.
Important Financial Note: Forged invitation letters or unverified Chinese business contacts lead to instant rejection and file blacklisting.

Processing Time & Consular Submission Centers in Pakistan

Turnaround Benchmark

5 to 7 working days standard (or 3-4 days Express at Gerry's Islamabad)

Timelines are based on typical consular adjudication schedules and may fluctuate during peak holiday windows.

Consular Intake Hubs

Islamabad & Karachi Consular Facilities

Biometrics and physical passports are lodged at VFS Global Islamabad/Karachi or authorized Gerry's Visa Drop Box counters in Blue Area Islamabad.

Common Refusal Reasons & How to Avoid Them

Refusal Trigger: Unverifiable or Unstamped Chinese Business Invitation
How to avoid / fix: Ensure the Chinese counterpart company provides an official invitation letter bearing their official company seal (red chop) and registration number.
Refusal Trigger: Non-Compliant Studio Photographs
How to avoid / fix: Photographs must strictly follow the 33 x 48 mm Chinese visa standard without white clothing against the white background.
Refusal Trigger: Inconsistent Travel Itinerary
How to avoid / fix: Provide realistic travel schedules and confirmed accommodation matching your declared dates of entry and exit.

Frequently Asked Questions (China)

What is the processing time for a China visa at Gerry's Islamabad?

Standard processing turnaround is 5 to 7 working days. Express service (available upon paying an additional consular surcharge) delivers decisions in 3 to 4 working days.

Do Pakistani citizens need an invitation letter for a China tourist visa?

For a tourist (L) visa, an invitation letter from an authorized Chinese travel agency or a friend in China is beneficial, but confirmed round-trip flights and hotel bookings are generally accepted.

How long is a single-entry China visa valid for?

A single-entry visa is usually valid for entry within 3 months from issuance, allowing a stay of 30 days in China upon arrival.

Official Verification & Statutory Sources

This guide is based on statutory rules from official authorities (China Online Visa Application (COVA) System; Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Pakistan). Consular fees and immigration rules are verified on a continuous basis. Our advisers confirm the current government tariff before submission.

Next step

Need an expert review for your China visa?

Visit our consultancy desk at Eagle Plaza, Blue Area, Islamabad or talk to an adviser on WhatsApp. We inspect your bank statement, formulate your cover letter, and guide you through submission.

Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Call WhatsApp