Foreigners applying for a PRC Visa must present a valid ordinary passport, or travel document in its place, answer the question they are asked, complete the Visa Application Form for Foreigners, hand in a recently-taken 2-inch full-faced bare-headed photo of the applicant, and submit documents relevant to the purpose of the trip.

Relevant documents refer to the following:

1)  In application for Visa D, a permanent residence confirmation form, which may be obtained through application by the applicant or by his/her designated relatives in China from the exit-and-entry department of the municipal or county public security bureau at the place of the applicant's intended residence;
2)  In application  for Visa Z, a letter of appointment or employment from the sponsor or employer organization in China or a letter or telegram from an authorized organization;
3)  In application for Visa X, a certificate from the receiving organization or the competent department;
4)  In application for Visa F, a letter or telegram from the authorized organization;
5)  In application for Visa L for a tourist trip in China, a certificate of reception from a Chinese travel service; and, when necessary, plane, train or ship ticket(s) to the country (region)  after leaving China;
6)  In application for Visa G, a valid visa for entering the country (region) of destination, or connecting tickets in case such a visa is exempt;
7)  In application for Visa C, relevant certificates in accordance with the agreements concerned.
8)  In application for Visas J-1 and J-2, a certificate from the competent department.
Aliens who come to China for permanent residence or for residence of one year and upwards shall, in applying for entry visas, submit for examination health certificates issued by health or medical institutions designated by the governments of the countries of their current residence or those issued by health or medical institutions and certified by notarial organs. Health certificates are valid for six months from the date of issuance.