Visa Application

NOTICE: For most western countries, the tourist visa should be enough without mentioning the attendance of the conference. You are recommended to apply for this tourist visa as soon as possible. If it fails, you should still have time for a business visa.

1. Entry Requirements
(a) All visitors to China must have valid travel documents (e.g. passport). Minimum validity is 6 months from the date of travel.
(b) Except for countries with Visa-Free Entry, all others will require a Chinese visa to enter the People’s Republic of China. 
(c) Visa Application can be made, at the earliest 3 months before arrival in China. Visa processing time varies. It is recommended that you start the process as early as possible.

2. Countries with Visa-Free Entry to China
The duration of stay in China for citizens from these countries may not exceed 30 days from the date of entry into China. For the extension of stay duration, the application must be made in advance.
Click on this link to view the list of Visa-Free Countries.

From December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, holders of valid ordinary passports from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia traveling to China for the purposes of trade, tourism, family visits, and transit are exempt from visa requirements for a maximum period of 15 days.

3. Chinese visas

(a) Tourist Visa (L Visa)
This can usually be processed by a travel agent. Or you can follow the general guidance here. 
Note: A Chinese Business Cover Letter is not required for the application for a tourist visa
(b) Noncommercial Visit Visa (F Visa)
To request an invitation letter from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, please fill out the following personal information and send an e-mail to galaxy_wave@sjtu.edu.cn:

Note: You must submit the required personal information and documents.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Title (i.e. Dr/Prof/Mr/Ms):
Passport Number:
First/Given Name (on the passport):
Last Name (on the passport):
Nationality (on the passport):
Gender (on the passport):
Date of Birth (D/M/Y; on the passport):
Passport Expire Date (D/M/Y):
Organization:
Arrival Date (tentative):
Departure Date (tentative):
Postal Address:
City & Country of the Embassy/Consulate office that you applied to for the visa:

DOCUMENTS
Brief Job and Institution Description
Scanned Copy of Your Passport

4. Other Important Notes:
(a) Consular Officers may call to verify information on the invitation and the visa application 
Due to time zone differences, this call may take place after office hours in your country of work/residence. Therefore, a cell phone number may be the only way for the Consular Officer to reach the inviting person and it is important the call is expected.
(b) Proof of arrival, departure, hotel reservation, and financial ability
The Consular Office may request a copy of confirmed hotel reservations, air tickets, and bank deposits. The visa applicant’s name must be listed on these documents. Please be prepared to furnish these additional documents upon request.