COVA China Visa Application: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

Why COVA Is Now Required

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched the COVA (China Online Visa Application) system on September 30, 2025, to modernize and standardize the visa application process globally. Paper-only applications are no longer accepted. Before you can submit physical documents to any Chinese consulate or embassy, you must first complete the digital form at va.mfa.gov.cn.

Step 1: Go to va.mfa.gov.cn and Create an Account

Navigate to va.mfa.gov.cn in your browser. The site works best in Chrome or Safari. Click the language selector to switch to English if needed.

Click "Register" to create a new account. You will need:

• A valid email address (this is your login)
• A password (at least 8 characters, letters and numbers)
• Your phone number for verification

Check your email for the verification link. Click it to activate your account, then log in.

Step 2: Start a New Application

Once logged in, click "New Application" or "Apply for Visa." Select the visa type — for most Chinese nationals visiting family or traveling, this is the L Visa (Tourist). Select your nationality (Chinese) and your country of application (United States).

Step 3: Enter Personal Information

Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear on your Chinese passport:

• Full name in Chinese characters and pinyin
• Passport number and expiration date
• Date of birth and place of birth
• Gender and marital status
• Current address in the United States
• Emergency contact information

Step 4: Travel Information

Complete the travel section:

• Purpose of visit (Tourism, Visiting relatives, etc.)
• Intended entry date and length of stay
• Ports of entry and exit
• Accommodation address in China (hotel or family address)
• Whether you have visited China before

If you do not yet have confirmed travel dates, you can use approximate dates — just make sure they are reasonable.

Step 5: Upload Your Photo

The COVA system requires a digital passport photo meeting China's specifications:

• White background
• Full frontal face, no hat or glasses
• Recent photo (within 6 months)
• File format: JPEG, minimum 354 × 472 pixels
• File size: under 4MB

The system has a built-in photo validator. If your photo is rejected, try a different file or resize/reformat it. Many pharmacies and photo shops can take a compliant photo for a small fee.

Step 6: Review and Submit

Review every section carefully before submitting. Once you submit, you may not be able to easily edit certain fields. Pay any required online system fees if prompted (these are separate from consulate visa fees).

After submission, download and print your application confirmation. This printed form is required — it must be signed and included in your physical document package sent to the consulate.

Step 7: Send Your Physical Documents

With your printed COVA form ready, you can now proceed with the physical application. If you are using our mail-in service, submit your information on our application page and we will send you a complete checklist and mailing address. You mail everything to us — we handle the SF consulate drop-off.

Common COVA Mistakes to Avoid

• Not printing before submitting physically — The printed form must be included in your envelope
• Name spelling errors — Must match passport exactly, including middle names
• Letting the session expire — The system logs you out after inactivity. Save frequently
• Photo rejection — Use a white background photo; colored backgrounds are rejected
• Wrong address format — Use the US address format clearly

Need Help? We Can Guide You Through It

Our bilingual (English and Mandarin) team can walk you through the COVA application step by step. This guidance is included as part of our drop-off service. Contact us by phone at +1 (415) 987-8661, email at [email protected], or WeChat at 314187452.

After completing COVA, read our guide on China visa requirements for US residents to make sure your physical documents are complete.