The participants who have a foreign passport may need to apply for a Chinese visa to visit China, except those under the visa exemption policy. Participants can apply for a visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in the region where they live. To avoid any uncertainty, participants are advised to apply for the visa as early as possible, at least three months in advance.
The process of applying for a visa
Determine the Visa Type
Before planning to come to China, first determine the visa type that suits your situation. Common visa types include work visas, study visas, business visas, and tourist visas.
Prepare Required Documents
Based on the chosen visa type, gather the necessary documents and materials. These typically include a passport, visa application form, photographs, invitation letter, among others.
Fill Out the Application Form Online
Complete the visa application form online through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website and print it out. Ensure that all information is accurately and clearly provided.
Pay the Visa Fee
Make the required payment for the visa fee as instructed. Payment methods usually include bank transfer, Alipay, or WeChat Pay, among others.
Submit the Application Materials
Submit the prepared application materials, application form, and visa fee to the Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa center. Ensure that you submit both original and photocopies of the required documents as specified.
Wait for Review and Processing
After submitting the application, patiently wait for the visa department to review and process it. During this period, you may be required to attend an interview, provide additional documents.
Obtain the Visa
Once your visa is approved, you will receive either a visa sticker in your passport or an electronic visa. Carefully check the information on the visa, including its validity period and visa type.
Enter China
Carry your valid passport and visa and enter China within the designated timeframe. Upon entry, you may undergo inspection and registration by immigration officers.
Apply for a Residence Permit
If you plan to stay in China for an extended period, you may need to apply for a residence permit after entering the country. Visit the local public security bureau to complete the necessary procedures based on your visa type and planned duration of stay.
Comply with Chinese Laws and Regulations
During your time in China, ensure compliance with Chinese laws and regulations. Maintain the validity of your visa and residence permit to avoid overstaying or violating visa requirements.
*For most participants, it is easier to apply for a Tourist ("L") visa, for which no invitation letter is required for the application. All the detailed information about your visa application can be found on the China Consular Service website http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/wgrlh/lhqz/lhqzjjs/ and China Visa Online Filling System https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn/.
Invitation letter for visa application
An official invitation letter will be sent by the 3rd SoAE upon request. This personal invitation is intended to facilitate travel and visa arrangements for registered participants. Visa applications are the sole responsibility of the participants. After completing registration, in-person participants may request a letter of invitation at My Page.
Your personal information provided must be exactly the same as what appears on your passport. Any discrepancy between your name on your passport and on your invitation letter or other documentation could lead to a delay and/or denial of your visa application.
Please note that the symposium and its organizing committees are not authorized to assist with your VISA application process beyond providing the Notification of Invitation Letter issued. Should your application be denied, the organizing committee of conference cannot change the decision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nor will the organizing committee of conference engage in any discussion or correspondence with the MOFA or the Embassy on behalf of the applicant.
If you have special requirements for the invitation letter, please contact the conference email soae@sjtu.edu.cn
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