Can I write my own invitation letter for a China Tourist Visa?

While you can draft the content, a valid invitation letter for a tourist visa usually requires an official stamp and signature from a licensed Chinese travel agency or a host in China. Self-written letters without an official seal are often rejected.

What is the difference between a TE Letter and a standard Invitation Letter?

A standard Invitation Letter is issued by a travel agency or individual for most tourists. A TE (Telegraphic) Letter is an official verification code issued by the Chinese Foreign Affairs Office, usually required for citizens of specific high-risk countries or for business visas. Most US, UK, and EU citizens only need the standard agency letter.

Sample Invitation Letter from Chinese Travel Agency for Visa | HelloChinaTrip

Sample Invitation Letter from a Chinese Travel Agency

Use this 2026 compliant template to verify your document before submitting your China L (Tourist) Visa application.

Why Do You Need This Specific Format?

Chinese Consulates are strict about invitation letters. A letter from a licensed travel agency is the most reliable way to secure a tourist visa if you do not have friends or family in China. The letter MUST include:

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Invitee Details: Full name, gender, DOB, passport number.

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Trip Details: Arrival/departure dates, cities to visit, purpose.

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Inviter Info: Agency name, address, phone, and official stamp.

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Financial Guarantee: Statement of who covers expenses.

💡 Tip: If any of these fields are missing or mismatched with your passport, your visa application will likely be delayed or rejected.

Official Sample Document

(Hover over highlighted fields to see instructions)

HELLO CHINA TRIP

Licensed Travel Agency No. L-TOUR-2026-BJ-888
Address: Suite 101, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
Tel: +86-10-8888-9999 | Email: [email protected]

Date: March 11, 2026

To: The Visa Officer
Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in [Applicant’s Country/City]

Re: Invitation Letter for Tourist Visa Application

Dear Visa Officer,

We, Hello China Trip, hereby invite the following tourist(s) to visit China for tourism purposes. The details of the invitee(s) are as follows:

Full Name	John Doe
Gender	Male
Date of Birth	January 15, 1985
Passport Number	E12345678
Nationality	American

Travel Itinerary:

Purpose of Visit: Tourism / Sightseeing
Arrival Date: April 10, 2026
Departure Date: April 20, 2026
Cities to Visit: Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai

Financial Guarantee:

All expenses related to this trip, including accommodation, transportation, and medical insurance within China, will be covered by the invitee himself/herself (or “the inviting agency” if applicable).

We guarantee that the invitee will abide by Chinese laws and regulations and will leave China before the expiration of their visa.

OFFICIAL SEAL
HELLO CHINA TRIP

Signature:

(Signed)

Li Ming

General Manager

Hello China Trip

Need an Official Invitation Letter?

Don’t risk rejection with a DIY letter. Get a professionally issued, stamped invitation letter from our licensed agency in 24-48 hours. Accepted by all Chinese Consulates worldwide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this sample valid for all nationalities?

Yes, the format shown above meets the general requirements for most nationalities applying for an L (Tourist) Visa. However, citizens of certain countries may require an additional “TE Verification Code” issued by the Foreign Affairs Office. Our online application system automatically assesses if you need this extra step based on your nationality.

Can I edit this sample and print it myself?

No. A self-printed letter without an official red stamp (seal) from a licensed Chinese travel agency or a government entity is generally not accepted for tourist visas. The stamp is the most critical part of the document. You must obtain the original scanned copy with the stamp from the agency.

What if my travel dates change after receiving the letter?

Minor changes (1-2 days) are usually tolerated by consulates. However, if your itinerary changes significantly (e.g., adding new cities or extending the stay by a week), it is safer to request an updated invitation letter to avoid issues during the visa interview or entry at customs.

How quickly can I get an official letter from HelloChinaTrip?

Typically, we process invitation letters within 1 to 3 business days. Once processed, you will receive a high-resolution color scan via email, which you can upload directly to the COVA visa application system.

Still have questions about your visa application?

Contact Our Visa Support Team →