Effective from today, the Chinese government adopts the following procedures in Chinese visa application for foreign nationals that fall into the following categories:
1. Foreign nationals bearing valid invitation letters issued by Chinese central government institutions, provincial foreign affairs offices or commerce departments, state-owned enterprises or foreign affairs departments of municipal governments, may apply for corresponding types of visas. Instructions for visa application can be found at How to make a visa application.
2. Those travelling to China for working purposes may apply for a work visa with a valid “Foreigner’s Work Permit” or the “Foreigner Work Permit Notice”. PU letter is not needed. Family members of the aforementioned individuals (including foreign nationals who are currently working in China) may apply for visas to join or visit the individuals in China by providing proof of kinship and other relevant documents. PU letter is not needed. Instructions for visa application can be found at How to make a visa application.
Family members refer to spouses, parents, children under the age of 18 and parents-in-law.
3. Family members of Chinese citizens and foreign nationals with permanent residency status in China may apply for family visitation or reunification visas with proof of kinship and other application documents. Instructions for visa application can be found at How to make a visa application.
Family members in this case include spouses, parents, parents-in-law, children, children-in-law, sisters and brothers, grandparents and grandchildren.
Applicants of the aforementioned categories are to have completed COVID-19 vaccinations (at least 2 doses) approved by China or the World Health Organization .
Applicants are required to fill in the online application form at https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn, print the form out, and submit applications at the visa section of Chinese Embassy (118 Merrion Road, Dublin 4) in person on the date of appointment. Visa appointments can be made at https://avas.cs.mfa.gov.cn.