# China visa for Nepali citizens

> China visa for Nepali citizens: tourist & e-visa requirements, fees, processing time. Apply online with Yatra For Fun.

Nepali passport holders visiting China as tourists use the China Tourist Visa. Processing time: Regular ~4 working days. Apply through Embassy of the People's Republic of China — Kathmandu.

- **Visa route (tourist):** Visa required
- **Canonical page:** https://yatraforfun.com/visa/china
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-04-25

## Embassy / mission

- **Mission:** Embassy of the People's Republic of China — Kathmandu
- **Address:** Hattisar, Baluwatar, Kathmandu (P.O. Box 4234)
- **Phone:** +977 1 4411740, +977 1 4440286
- **Email:** kathmandu@csm.mfa.gov.cn
- **Hours:** Diplomatic / official / courtesy visas only. Ordinary tourist / business / study / work etc. all routed through CVASC Kathmandu.
- **Application centre:** Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) — Kathmandu — 1st Floor, Rising Mall, Kamaladi, Kathmandu, Nepal · +977-1-4169043 · kathmanducenter@visaforchina.org · Submission Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00 · Macau visa Tue/Wed/Thu only 09:00–15:00 · Passport collection Mon–Fri 13:00–16:00.
- **Online portal:** https://www.visaforchina.cn/KTM3_EN/qianzhengyewu (CVASC Kathmandu) · https://cova.mfa.gov.cn (COVA online application — mandatory pre-step since 25 June 2025) · https://np.china-embassy.gov.cn (Embassy Kathmandu — diplomatic only)
- **Payment:** Cash NPR or QR code only at CVASC counter (no USD / no cards).

## Visa categories

### Tourist — China Tourist Visa (L)

**Purpose:** Tourism, sightseeing, family / friend visit (short).
**Stay duration:** 30 / 60 days per entry (consul discretion).
**Validity:** 3 months single / 6 months / 1 year / 2 years / 5 years multi.
**Entries:** Single, Double, 6-month Multiple, or 12-month Multiple.
**Processing time:** Regular ~4 working days (post COVA approval); Express 2 ~3 days; Express 1 ~2 days.
**How to apply:** (1) Complete COVA at cova.mfa.gov.cn -> (2) Submit at CVASC Rising Mall, Kamaladi (Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00) -> (3) Pay in NPR cash / QR -> (4) Collect passport Mon–Fri 13:00–16:00.
**Financial requirement:** Bank statement (last 3 months) having ending balance of NPR 3 lakh (3,00,000).

**Required documents:**

- Passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank visa pages) + photocopy of bio + Nepali visa/permit page
- COVA-printed application form (signed) — Mandatory pre-step at cova.mfa.gov.cn since 25 June 2025.
- Photo (48 × 33 mm, white background, no glasses, no smile, < 6 months old)
- Round-trip ticket OR Nepali invitation host details
- Hotel booking
- Travel itinerary
- Bank statement (last 3 months) having ending balance of NPR 3 lakh (3,00,000)
- Nepali citizenship certificate copy
- For Tibet (Kerung border crossing): Group Visa from Embassy Kathmandu + Tibet Travel Permit from TAR agency *(conditional)* — Mandatory if crossing into Tibet from Nepal.

### Business — China Business Visa (M)

**Purpose:** Commercial meetings, contracts, trade.
**Stay duration:** 30 / 60 days per entry.
**Validity:** 3 months single / 6 months / 12-month multi.
**Entries:** Single, Double, or Multiple.
**Processing time:** ~4 working days.

**Required documents:**

- Passport, photo, COVA form
- Invitation letter from Chinese trade entity
- Chinese inviter business licence
- Cover letter from Nepali employer
- Citizenship copy

### Student — China Student Visa (X1 long-term / X2 short-term)

**Purpose:** X1: long-term study (>180 days); X2: short-term study or training (≤180 days).
**Stay duration:** Per programme.
**Validity:** 90 days entry; X1 -> residence permit on arrival within 30 days.
**Entries:** Single visa; multi on residence permit.
**Processing time:** ~4 working days.
**How to apply:** Chinese institution issues JW201 / JW202 admission form + Letter of Acceptance -> submit via COVA + CVASC Kathmandu.

**Required documents:**

- Passport, photo, COVA form
- JW201 / JW202 admission form
- Letter of Acceptance from Chinese university
- Academic transcripts (notarised English translation)
- Foreigner Physical Examination certificate (X1 long-term only) *(conditional)*
- Proof of financial means
- Citizenship copy

### Work — China Work Visa (Z) — and R Talent Visa

**Purpose:** Z: salaried employment; R: high-end / urgently needed talent (5-year multi).
**Stay duration:** Per work permit.
**Validity:** 90 days entry; convert to residence permit within 30 days of arrival.
**Entries:** Single visa; multi via residence permit.
**Processing time:** ~4 working days AFTER work permit notification issued.
**How to apply:** Chinese employer obtains Foreigner Work Permit Notification -> applicant submits via COVA + CVASC.

**Required documents:**

- Passport, photo, COVA form
- Foreigner Work Permit Notification
- Employment contract
- Education + experience certificates (apostilled + legalised)
- Foreigner Physical Examination certificate
- Police clearance
- DoFE permit + PDO + SSF + insurance
- For R: talent recommendation by competent PRC authority *(conditional)*

### Family Visit — China Family Visa (Q1 long-term / Q2 short-term · S1 long private / S2 short private)

**Purpose:** Q1/Q2: family reunion (PRC citizen / PR holder relative); S1/S2: private affairs accompanying Z / X1 / J1 holder.
**Stay duration:** Q1/S1: residence permit; Q2/S2: ≤180 days.
**Validity:** 3–6 months entry.
**Entries:** Single visa; multi via residence permit (long-term).
**Processing time:** ~4 working days.

**Required documents:**

- Passport, photo, COVA form
- Invitation letter from Chinese family member or visa-holder sponsor
- Sponsor PRC passport / residence permit / hukou (Q1/Q2) OR Z/X1/J1 residence permit (S1/S2)
- Marriage / birth / kinship certificate (attested + legalised)

### Transit — China Transit Visa (G) — 24-hour airside exemption

**Purpose:** Transit through China to third country.
**Stay duration:** Up to 7 days (G visa); 24 hours airside without visa (Nepalis NOT eligible for 240-hour transit).
**Validity:** 3 months single.
**Entries:** Single.
**How to apply:** Submit via COVA + CVASC Kathmandu OR 24-hour airside transit at any port with onward ticket (no advance application).

**Required documents:**

- Passport, photo, COVA form
- Onward ticket to third country
- Visa for next destination (where required)

**Notes:**
- Nepal NOT on the 54-country 240-hour visa-free transit list.
- Only 24-hour direct airside transit available without visa (worldwide rule).

### Group Tour — China Group Tourist Visa (Group L) — Tibet via Kerung

**Purpose:** Group travel from Nepal to Tibet via Gyirong/Kerung border crossing — required for foreign tourists entering Tibet from Nepal.
**Stay duration:** Per tour itinerary.
**Validity:** 3 months from issuance.
**Entries:** Single (group).
**Processing time:** ~4 working days.
**How to apply:** TAR-licensed travel agency (in Lhasa or Kathmandu) arranges Tibet Travel Permit + organises group -> group submits Group L application at Embassy of China Kathmandu (Hattisar, Baluwatar) — NOT CVASC.

**Required documents:**

- Passport copies of all group members (≥6 months validity)
- Photos for all group members
- Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau
- Confirmed group / private tour booking
- Group leader undertaking

## Important general notes

- Every Nepali-language document MUST be accompanied by a certified English translation — embassies will reject untranslated originals. Where this page's destination notes ask for an apostille or a specific translator, follow those notes; otherwise a translation notarised by a Notary Public is the usual standard.
- KEY: Visa fee charged on behalf of the Chinese Embassy is FREE for Nepali citizens on Regular service — single, double, 6-month multi, 12-month multi all gratis under the Nepal–China bilateral arrangement. Only the CVASC service fee NPR 3,900 + any express upgrade applies.
- CVASC is at 1st Floor, Rising Mall, Kamaladi, Kathmandu (NOT Mid-Baneshwor — common misconception).
- MANDATORY PRE-STEP (since 25 June 2025): All applicants must complete the COVA online application + upload supporting docs at cova.mfa.gov.cn and pass online review BEFORE visiting CVASC.
- Optional VIP-5 in-center fill assistance: NPR 3,900 (paid additionally if you want CVASC staff to complete COVA for you).
- CVASC service fee: Regular NPR 3,900 · Express 2 NPR 5,850 · Express 1 NPR 7,800 (incl. VAT, non-refundable).
- For express service add embassy upgrade fees: Express 2 NPR 2,700 · Express 1 NPR 4,000 (Group L visa: half rates).
- Processing times: Regular ≈ 4 working days · Express 2 ≈ 3 days · Express 1 ≈ 2 days. COVA online review adds 1–3 days separately.
- Photo: 48 × 33 mm, white background, full face, no glasses, no smile, taken within 6 months.
- Tibet (TAR): Travel from Nepal via Gyirong/Kerung border requires a GROUP VISA issued by the Embassy of China Kathmandu (NOT individual L visa) + Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) from a TAR-licensed agency. Independent travel in TAR is forbidden. Individual L visas issued elsewhere are typically cancelled when crossing into Tibet from Nepal.
- 240-hour visa-free transit (upgraded from 144-hour on 17 Dec 2024, expanded to 65 ports on 4 Nov 2025): Nepal is NOT on the 54-country eligibility list. Only the 24-hour airside direct-transit exemption applies to Nepalis (must remain airside, onward ticket required).
- For long-stay (X1 / Z / J1 / Q1 / S1): residence permit must be applied within 30 days of arrival in China at the local PSB.
- Closed: 1–5 May 2026 (Labour Day) + weekends + Chinese / Nepali public holidays.

## How to apply (4 steps)

1. **Confirm China visa eligibility** — Check that your Nepali passport qualifies for the visa type you need (Tourist, Business, Education, Work). Diplomatic / official passport holders may have different rules.
2. **Gather supporting documents** — Prepare: Passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank visa pages) + photocopy of bio + Nepali visa/permit page; COVA-printed application form (signed); Photo (48 × 33 mm, white background, no glasses, no smile, < 6 months old); Round-trip ticket OR Nepali invitation host details; Hotel booking; Travel itinerary.
3. **Submit at Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) — Kathmandu** — (1) Complete COVA at cova.mfa.gov.cn -> (2) Submit at CVASC Rising Mall, Kamaladi (Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00) -> (3) Pay in NPR cash / QR -> (4) Collect passport Mon–Fri 13:00–16:00.
4. **Track and collect** — Processing typically takes Regular ~4 working days (post COVA approval); Express 2 ~3 days; Express 1 ~2 days. Collect your passport or e-visa as the embassy or visa centre instructs.

## Frequently asked questions

### Which visa do Nepali citizens use to visit China as tourists?

Nepali passport holders visiting China for tourism use the China Tourist Visa (L), which allows a stay of 30 / 60 days per entry (consul discretion).

### How long does a China tourist visa take to process for Nepali citizens?

Regular ~4 working days (post COVA approval); Express 2 ~3 days; Express 1 ~2 days.

### What bank balance is required for a China visa?

Bank statement (last 3 months) having ending balance of NPR 3 lakh (3,00,000).

### How many days can Nepali citizens stay in China on a tourist visa?

30 / 60 days per entry (consul discretion) (China Tourist Visa (L)).

### Where do Nepali citizens apply for a China tourist visa?

(1) Complete COVA at cova.mfa.gov.cn, (2) Submit at CVASC Rising Mall, Kamaladi (Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00), (3) Pay in NPR cash / QR, then (4) Collect passport Mon–Fri 13:00–16:00.

### What documents are required for a China tourist visa from Nepal?

Required documents include: Passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank visa pages) + photocopy of bio + Nepali visa/permit page; COVA-printed application form (signed); Photo (48 × 33 mm, white background, no glasses, no smile, < 6 months old); Round-trip ticket OR Nepali invitation host details; Hotel booking; Travel itinerary; Bank statement (last 3 months) having ending balance of NPR 3 lakh (3,00,000); Nepali citizenship certificate copy.

### Where is the China embassy in Nepal?

Embassy of the People's Republic of China — Kathmandu — Hattisar, Baluwatar, Kathmandu (P.O. Box 4234). Phone: +977 1 4411740. Applications are lodged at Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) — Kathmandu, 1st Floor, Rising Mall, Kamaladi, Kathmandu, Nepal · +977-1-4169043 · kathmanducenter@visaforchina.org · Submission Mon–Fri 09:00–15:00 · Macau visa Tue/Wed/Thu only 09:00–15:00 · Passport collection Mon–Fri 13:00–16:00.

### Can Nepali citizens apply for a China business visa?

Yes — China Business Visa (M). Commercial meetings, contracts, trade. Processing: ~4 working days.

### Is there an official online portal for the China visa?

Yes. The official starting point is https://www.visaforchina.cn/KTM3_EN/qianzhengyewu.

### How is the China visa fee paid?

Cash NPR or QR code only at CVASC counter (no USD / no cards).

### Can Yatra For Fun help with a China visa application?

Yes — Yatra For Fun's visa desk can help you prepare your China visa file over WhatsApp (the embassy or visa centre makes the decision), and you can order reservation documents for your file: a dummy flight ticket (NPR 999) and a dummy hotel booking (NPR 499). The reference number is a Yatra For Fun document number, not an airline PNR, so it will not appear on an airline's Manage Booking page.

## Sources

- https://www.visaforchina.cn/KTM3_EN/qianzhengyewu — CVASC Kathmandu visa services
- https://www.visaforchina.cn/KTM3_EN/qianzhengyewu/jichuzhishi/feiyongbiaozhunjishixian — Fee schedule + processing time
- https://www.visaforchina.cn/KTM3_EN/upload/20240430/0c0efdff744546eba3c03984bcfb5db2.pdf — Official CVASC fee PDF (Nepali rates)
- https://www.visaforchina.cn/KTM3_EN/guanyuwomen/bangongshijianjidizhi — CVASC office hours / address
- https://cova.mfa.gov.cn — COVA mandatory online application portal
- https://np.china-embassy.gov.cn — Embassy of China Kathmandu (diplomatic only)
- https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c156086/content.html — China NIA visa-free transit policy (240-hour, Nepal not eligible)
- CVASC Kathmandu — Rising Mall, Kamaladi (kathmanducenter@visaforchina.org, +977-1-4169043)

## Related

- All visa guides for Nepali citizens: https://yatraforfun.com/visa
- Dummy flight ticket for visa files: https://yatraforfun.com/dummy-ticket

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*Yatra For Fun (https://yatraforfun.com) helps Nepali citizens prepare visa files over WhatsApp — the embassy or visa centre makes the decision — and sells reservation documents for visa files: a dummy flight ticket (NPR 999) and a dummy hotel booking (NPR 499). The reference number is a Yatra For Fun document number, not an airline PNR, so it will not appear on an airline's Manage Booking page.*