Who can issue a travel invitation letter for a China Tourist Visa?

For individual tourists, the invitation letter is usually issued by a licensed Chinese travel agency. For those visiting friends or family, it is issued by a Chinese citizen or foreign resident with a valid permit in China.

What information must be included in the China Visa Invitation Letter?

The letter must include the invitee's full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, dates of arrival and departure, places to be visited, relationship between inviter and invitee, and the inviter's signature and contact information.

China Visa Invitation Letter Requirements Checklist 2026 | HelloChinaTrip

China Visa Invitation Letter Requirements Checklist (2026)

Everything you need to know to secure your L (Tourist) Visa. Accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with latest Chinese Consulate regulations.

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Do You Need an Invitation Letter for a China Tourist Visa?

Yes. For most foreign nationals applying for a China L Visa (Tourist Visa) in 2026, an invitation letter is a mandatory core document. Since the launch of the new COVA (China Online Visa Application) system, uploading a compliant invitation letter is required before you can book an appointment to submit your passport.

⚠️ Important Update 2026: Handwritten letters are often rejected. The invitation letter must be typed, clearly legible, and contain specific data points matching your passport exactly.

The Ultimate Invitation Letter Checklist

Before submitting your visa application, ensure your invitation letter contains ALL of the following information. Missing any of these items will result in rejection.

1. Information About the Invitee (You)

Full Name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
Gender
Date of Birth
Passport Number
Nationality

2. Information About the Visit

Purpose of visit (e.g., Tourism, Family Visit)
Planned Arrival Date
Planned Departure Date
Places to be visited (Cities and specific attractions)
Relation between the inviter and the invitee
Source of funding for the trip (who pays for expenses)

3. Information About the Inviter

Name of individual or organization
Contact Telephone Number
Address in China
Signature by the legal representative or individual inviter
Official Stamp (if issued by a travel agency or company)

Who Can Issue the Invitation Letter?

The type of inviter depends on your travel purpose. For tourism, you generally have two options:

Travel Scenario	Who Issues the Letter?	Document Type
Independent Tourism (No friends/family in China)	A licensed Chinese Travel Agency	Standard Invitation Letter for Tourism
Visiting Friends/Relatives	Your friend or relative in China	Personal Invitation Letter + Copy of their ID/Residence Permit
Group Tour	The Travel Agency organizing the group	Group Visa Notification Letter (TE)

Don’t have a contact in China? We can help.

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Planning Your Itinerary?

If you are unsure about which cities to visit or need a detailed itinerary to support your visa application, our team can create a Customized China Tour plan for you. This itinerary can also serve as supporting documentation for your visa.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the invitation letter the same as the Visa itself?

No. The invitation letter is a supporting document provided by a host in China. The Visa is the sticker or electronic record placed in your passport by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate after they review your application including the invitation letter.

Can I use a scanned copy of the invitation letter?

Yes, for the online COVA application, a clear color scan (PDF or JPG) of the invitation letter is typically accepted. However, some consulates may request the original document when you submit your passport in person. Always check the specific requirements of the consulate in your jurisdiction.

How long does it take to get an invitation letter?

If issued by a professional agency like HelloChinaTrip, it usually takes 1-3 business days. Personal invitations depend on your host’s availability. We recommend applying for the invitation letter at least 2 weeks before your intended visa submission date.

What if my travel dates change after getting the letter?

Minor changes (1-2 days) are usually acceptable. However, significant changes in dates or cities may require a new invitation letter. It is best to have flexible dates on your application if your plans are not firm.