Important Information

Passports Issued After 1st January 2018

Travellers applying with a passport issued after 1st January 2018 must provide the original previous passport. Applicants who cannot provide the previous passport must provide a fully completed and signed statement that can be found here

Travellers holding more than one valid passport must provide the original valid passports. Applicants who cannot provide the second passport must provide a fully completed and signed statement that can be found here along with a copy of their passport identification page

Applicants not providing the original expired or second passport must expect a processing time of up to one month or apply to the consulate in person. CIBTvisas is still able to assist with checking your documents, meet the applicant at the embassy, pay the visa fee and collect the passport once the visa has been issued.

Please note that these consular requirements do not apply to UNLP holders.

Appointment-Based System & Processing Times
The Chinese Embassy operates an appointment system for the submission of visa applications. CIBTvisas will schedule your appointment at a convenient time for you after you have submitted, and we have approved your documents. The processing time quoted is the time taken for the visa to be received after the scheduled appointment. Take this in to consideration when requesting your China visa.

Sample of the Business Travel Requirements for an China Visa for Swiss Citizens

  1. Visa May Not Be Required

    The Government of China has implemented a temporary visa-free regime until November 30th, 2024. During this period no visa is required for a maximum stay of up to 15 days.

    Please keep in mind that even if staying less than 15 days, you must:

    • Hold a passport valid at least six months on entry with one blank visa page
    • Hold proof of sufficient funds
    • Hold proof of onward/return airline tickets
    • Hold all documents required for the next destination
    • Confirm with their airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa as these conditions are subject to change


    For stays of longer than 15 days, a visa is required.

  2. Passport

    The applicant's actual passport. The passport must: 

    • Be valid for at least six months on date of visa issuance
    • Have two blank facing visa pages

  3. Visa Application and Photograph

    Complete the enclosed China Application Form. Then send it and the rest of your documents to the CIBTvisas office address listed on the submission checklist page of this application pack. CIBTvisas will work with the Chinese government to submit your application. After the application has been accepted we will send it to you via encrypted email for your signature.


    Upload your photograph at https://cibtvisas.ch/photo-service. For guidance on how to submit an acceptable photograph refer to the China Photo Guide contained in this Application Pack.

  4. Copy of Passport Identification Page

    A clear colour photocopy of the information page(s) from the applicant's passport

  5. Letter of Invitation

    Applicants requiring a single or double entry visa must supply a letter of invitation from the company to be visited in China. A copy is acceptable. This letter must:

    • Be printed on A4 company letterhead paper
    • Be addressed to "Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Bern, Switzerland"
    • Include the full name and address of the inviting company
    • Include the fax and phone number of the inviting company
    • State the applicant's full name, passport number, date of birth and gender exactly as it appears on their passport
    • Include the applicant's passport expiry date
    • State the relationship between the applicant and the inviter
    • State the applicants source of financial support whilst in China
    • Include the date(s) of entry and exit
    • Include the length of stay and number of entries required
    • Specify the place and purpose of the visit
    • Bear the seal/stamp of the inviting company
    • Bear the signature of the representative of the inviting company
    • Be issued within the last three months
    • Not be an email


    Or

    A letter of invitation from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. This letter must:

    • Be issued by a duly authorised unit
    • Bear the seal and signature of the inviting unit
    • Be addressed to "Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Bern, Switzerland"
    • State the applicants date of birth
    • State the visa validity and numbers of entries required
    • Be issued within the last three months
    • Contain a barcode

    CIBTvisas recommends travellers to carry their letter of invitation together with their passport and visa as it may be required to present this document on arrival in China.

  6. Declaration Form

    One fully completed and signed Declaration Form. This form "Consent to the processing and transfer of personal data to a third country" can be found in the CIBTvisas Application Pack.

  7. CIBTvisas Order Confirmation

    For orders placed on the CIBTvisas website, a copy of the Online Order Confirmation which is sent to you via email, must be submitted.


    For all other orders, and where applicable, a completed CIBTvisas Visa Order Form which can be found in the CIBTvisas Application Pack should be submitted.


    Please note that all card payments will only be made upon completion of the visa application process. 

  8. Passports Issued After 1st January 2018

    Travellers applying with a passport issued after 1st January 2018 must provide the original previous passport and copy of the passport identification page. Applicants who cannot provide the previous passport must provide a fully completed and signed statement that can be found here.

    Travellers holding more than one valid passport must provide the original valid passports and copy of the passport identification page. Applicants who cannot provide the second passport must provide a fully completed and signed statement that can be found here

  9. Multiple Entry Applicants

    Travellers applying for a multi entry visa must additionally provide the following:

    A letter of invitation from the company to be visited in China. A copy is acceptable. The letter must:

    • Be on company letterhead paper
    • Contain the name, sex and passport number of the invited person
    • Indicate the travel purpose, the place to be visited, and the entry and exit dates
    • Confirm that travel expenses will be met, or state who will bear the travel costs
    • Bear a legible company stamp and contain the name, telephone number and address of the host company/institution
    • Specify the visa validity and requested number of entries required
    • Indicate the relationship between the invited person and the inviting company/institution
    • Indicate the name of the signatory in block letters (underneath the signature)
    • Be no older than three months
    • Be addressed to "Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Bern, Switzerland"

    and


    A copy of at least two expired double entry visas or one expired multi entry visa

  10. Applicants of Tibetan Origin

    Applicants born in Tibet or having any Tibetan parents or grandparents must apply in person at the Embassy

  11. Applicants born in or travelled to Pakistan

    Applicants who were born in Pakistan and who have travelled to Pakistan must provide an original personal letter. This letter should state the detailed reasons for travel to Pakistan and specify the exact date(s) of entry, exit, and duration of the stay(s). A photocopy of all Pakistan entry and exit stamps must be submitted together with the application.


    For Pakistan passport holders, a clear photocopy (front and back) of Pakistan ID card must additionally be provided. If you are unable to provide the Pakistan ID card, the reason must be provided in the personal letter.

  12. Applicants born in or travelled to Turkey

    Applicants who were born in Turkey or who have travelled to Turkey must provide an original personal letter. This letter should state the detailed reasons for travel to Turkey and specify the exact date(s) of entry, exit, and duration of the stay(s). Additionally, a photo copy of the Turkey visa (if applicable) and all entry and exit stamps must be provided.

  13. Applicants who have travelled to Taiwan

    Applicants who have travelled to Taiwan must provide an original personal letter. This letter should state the detailed reasons for travel to Taiwan and specify the exact date(s) of entry, exit, and duration of the stay(s). Applicants who have travelled to Taiwan might be subject to longer processing times.

  14. Additional Information

    Applicants who have travelled to Turkey or Libya for more than 30 consecutive days may be subject to longer processing times.Applicants who have travelled to Taiwan might be subject to longer processing times.

Important Information

Appointment-Based System & Processing Times
The Chinese Embassy operates an appointment system for the submission of visa applications. CIBTvisas will schedule your appointment at a convenient time for you after you have submitted, and we have approved your documents. The processing time quoted is the time taken for the visa to be received after the scheduled appointment. Take this in to consideration when requesting your China visa.

Sample of the Tourist Travel Requirements for an China Visa for Swiss Citizens

  1. Visa May Not Be Required

    The Government of China has implemented a temporary visa-free regime until November 30th, 2024. During this period no visa is required for a maximum stay of up to 15 days.

    Please keep in mind that even if staying less than 15 days, you must:

    • Hold a passport valid at least six months on entry with one blank visa page
    • Hold proof of sufficient funds
    • Hold proof of onward/return airline tickets
    • Hold all documents required for the next destination
    • Confirm with their airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa as these conditions are subject to change


    For stays of longer than 15 days, a visa is required.

  2. Passport

    The applicant's actual passport. The passport must: 

    • Be valid for at least six months on date of visa issuance
    • Have two blank facing visa pages

  3. Visa Application and Photograph

    Complete the enclosed China Application Form. Then send it and the rest of your documents to the CIBTvisas office address listed on the submission checklist page of this application pack. CIBTvisas will work with the Chinese government to submit your application. After the application has been accepted we will send it to you via encrypted email for your signature.


    Upload your photograph at https://cibtvisas.ch/photo-service. For guidance on how to submit an acceptable photograph refer to the China Photo Guide contained in this Application Pack.

  4. Copy of Passport Identification Page

    A clear colour photocopy of the information page(s) from the applicant's passport

  5. Proof of Travel Arrangements

    Details of travel arrangements. This must be provided as:

    • A copy of the flight confirmation showing onward/return travel
    • A copy of the hotel confirmation

  6. Declaration Form

    One fully completed and signed Declaration Form. This form "Consent to the processing and transfer of personal data to a third country" can be found in the CIBTvisas Application Pack.

  7. CIBTvisas Order Confirmation

    For orders placed on the CIBTvisas website, a copy of the Online Order Confirmation which is sent to you via email, must be submitted.


    For all other orders, and where applicable, a completed CIBTvisas Visa Order Form which can be found in the CIBTvisas Application Pack should be submitted.


    Please note that all card payments will only be made upon completion of the visa application process. 

  8. Passports Issued After 1st January 2018

    Travellers applying with a passport issued after 1st January 2018 must provide the original previous passport and copy of the passport identification page. Applicants who cannot provide the previous passport must provide a fully completed and signed statement that can be found here.

    Travellers holding more than one valid passport must provide the original valid passports and copy of the passport identification page. Applicants who cannot provide the second passport must provide a fully completed and signed statement that can be found here

  9. Visiting Family and Friends

    Applicants visiting family or friends for a period of up to 180 days must provide the following documents:

    An invitation from the inviting person detailing the following: 

    • The applicant's full name, gender and date of birth
    • Purpose of visit
    • Arrival and departure dates
    • Places to be visited
    • Relationship details between the applicant and inviting person
    • Source of finance during the trip
    • Inviting person's full name, contact number, address and signature


    And

    Proof of residence of the inviting person. This must be provided as:

    • A copy of the host's identity card if they are Chinese
    • A copy of the host's passport identification page and a copy of their Chinese residence permit if they are of another nationality

  10. Double Entry Applicants

    Double entry applicants must provide specific proof of travel arrangments. This must be provided as :

    • A copy of flight confirmations showing two onward/return travels
    • A copy of two hotel reservations for two distinct stays

  11. Multiple Entry Applicants

    Multiple entry applicants must provide specific proof of travel arrangments. This must be provided as :

    • A copy of flight confirmations showing at least three onward/return travels
    • A copy of at least three hotel reservations for at least three distinct stays

  12. Applicants of Tibetan Origin

    Applicants born in Tibet or having any Tibetan parents or grandparents must apply in person at the Embassy

  13. Applicants born in or travelled to Pakistan

    Applicants who were born in Pakistan and who have travelled to Pakistan must provide an original personal letter. This letter should state the detailed reasons for travel to Pakistan and specify the exact date(s) of entry, exit, and duration of the stay(s). A photocopy of all Pakistan entry and exit stamps must be submitted together with the application.


    For Pakistan passport holders, a clear photocopy (front and back) of Pakistan ID card must additionally be provided. If you are unable to provide the Pakistan ID card, the reason must be provided in the personal letter.

  14. Applicants born in or travelled to Turkey

    Applicants who were born in Turkey or who have travelled to Turkey must provide an original personal letter. This letter should state the detailed reasons for travel to Turkey and specify the exact date(s) of entry, exit, and duration of the stay(s). Additionally, a photo copy of the Turkey visa (if applicable) and all entry and exit stamps must be provided.

  15. Applicants who have travelled to Taiwan

    Applicants who have travelled to Taiwan must provide an original personal letter. This letter should state the detailed reasons for travel to Taiwan and specify the exact date(s) of entry, exit, and duration of the stay(s). Applicants who have travelled to Taiwan might be subject to longer processing times.

  16. Additional Information

    Applicants who have travelled to Taiwan might be subject to longer processing times.

View a China Visa

Want to see what a visa to China looks like? You can view a sample visa for China and see what information it contains.

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Check Your Order

Want to see if your order is on track to meet the date you requested your documents? Use the CIBTvisas tracking tool to see the most current update to your order.    

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