# China visa for Nepali citizens

> China visa for Nepali citizens. · Processing: Regular ~4 working days (post COVA approval); Express 2 ~3 days; Express 1 ~2 days. · Stay: 30 / 60 days per …

Canonical page: https://yatraforfun.com/visa/china
Last updated: 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).

### groupTour — 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 notary-certified English translation — embassies will reject untranslated originals. Use a Nepal Bar Council–registered translator and have each translation notarised by a Notary Public.
- 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.. Yatra's concierge tracks your application and notifies you on each status change.

## Frequently asked questions

### 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 → (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.

### 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 online portal to apply for a China visa?

Yes — apply online at 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).

### How is the China visa fee paid?

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

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

Yes — Yatra provides end-to-end visa assistance for China including document preparation, appointment booking, application review, and a PNR-backed dummy ticket (NPR 999) when the embassy requires proof of onward travel.

## 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)

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*Yatra (https://yatraforfun.com) provides end-to-end visa assistance for Nepali citizens — document review, embassy submission, dummy ticket (NPR 999) when proof of onward travel is required.*