This guide is based on the Chinese government, embassy and visa centre pages listed at the end, checked on 2026-10-20. Tables and worksheets are VisaPilot preparation methods, not an official checklist.
Do Pakistanis need a visa for China?
Pakistan is not on China's 30-day unilateral visa-free list or on the 57-country list for 240-hour visa-free transit, so a trip to mainland China needs a visa in advance. The one exception open to every nationality is 24-hour direct transit: with a confirmed onward ticket you may stay up to 24 hours in the airport restricted area without a visa.
Holders of diplomatic or official passports follow separate rules and apply through the embassy, not the visa centre.
Where and how to apply
The Chinese embassy in Islamabad and the consulate-general in Karachi launched the China Online Visa Processing System on 30 June 2025. You fill in the form and upload documents online, then deliver your passport and paper documents to the visa centre, run by Gerry's, in Islamabad, Karachi or Lahore. The Lahore centre collects and forwards applications; the decision stays with the embassy or consulate.
Diplomatic and official passport holders, and applicants for diplomatic, courtesy, service or talent visas, apply at the embassy or consulate directly. Regular processing takes about 4 working days after the documents are accepted.
Documents every applicant needs
- Original passport valid for at least six more months with blank visa pages, plus a copy of the data page.
- Printed online application form and one recent colour bare-head photo with a white background.
- If you apply outside your country of citizenship: original and copy of your valid stay, residence, work or study visa.
- Former Chinese citizens and anyone with a renewed passport: previous Chinese passports or visas; a changed name needs an official document.
Extra documents by visa type
| Visa | Purpose | What the consulate lists |
|---|---|---|
| L | Tourism | Join a tour group of more than five people arranged by an authorised Chinese travel agency, with its invitation letter |
| M | Business and trade | Invitation from the Chinese company or individual; supporting letter from your employer; tax payment certificate for the last three years and your organisation's registration; six months of bank statements; for a first visit within five years, police clearance attested by MOFA Pakistan plus return tickets and hotel booking; a TE or verification letter unless exempt |
| Q1 / Q2 | Family of Chinese citizens or permanent residents | Invitation letter, copy of the inviter's ID or passport and permanent residence permit, relationship certificate with the copy attested by MOFA Pakistan |
| S1 / S2 | Family of foreigners working or studying in China | Invitation letter, copy of the inviter's passport and residence permit, relationship certificates attested by MOFA Pakistan |
| X1 | Study over 180 days | JW201 or JW202 form, admission letter, mark sheet or diploma attested by MOFA Pakistan |
| Z | Work | Work permit notification or another document from the list in the consulate notice |
Applicants who have visited China more than three times since 1 January 2016 may be exempt from the verification letter, with passport pages showing the stamps. Government employees on private passports need an NOC from their employer, attested by MOFA Pakistan.
Interviews, fingerprints and fees
Applicants for D, Q1, Q2, S1, S2, X1, X2 and Z visas should expect to come in person for an interview.
At the Karachi visa centres, fingerprints are not collected from short-term applicants staying 180 days or less between 18 December 2025 and 31 December 2026. D, J1, Q1, S1, X1 and Z applicants still give fingerprints because they will apply for a residence permit in China.
The consulate's published fee table is from an earlier reduction period that has ended, so check the current visa fee and centre service fee on the visa centre site before you pay.
Pre-submission worksheet
Copy this list and fill it in for your own application.
Visa type: [M / L group / Q2 / S2 / X1 / Z] Centre: [Islamabad / Karachi / Lahore] Passport valid until: [date] Blank pages: [number] Online form approved: [yes / no] M: invitation, employer letter, 3 years tax certificates, 6 months bank statements: [ready?] M first visit in 5 years: police clearance attested by MOFA: [ready?] TE or verification letter: [received / exempt / pending] Q / S / X: certificates attested by MOFA Pakistan: [ready?] Open questions: [list]
Common questions
Do Pakistani citizens need a visa for China?
Yes. Pakistan is not on the 30-day visa-free or 240-hour transit lists. Only 24-hour direct transit in the airport restricted area is possible without a visa.
Can Pakistanis get a China tourist visa individually?
The consulate instructions say Pakistani tourists should join a tour group of more than five people arranged by an authorised Chinese travel agency, with its invitation letter.
Which documents need MOFA attestation for a China visa?
The consulate lists MOFA Pakistan attestation for the police clearance on a first business visit within five years, and for relationship certificates and education documents used for Q, S and X visas.
Where do I submit a China visa application in Pakistan?
Complete the online application first, then submit your passport and documents at the Chinese visa centre in Islamabad, Karachi or Lahore. Diplomatic and official passport holders apply at the embassy or consulate.
How long does a China visa take in Pakistan?
About 4 working days after the consulate accepts the documents, if the application is complete. Allow extra time for any TE or verification letter and MOFA attestation.
Official sources and check dates
- Consulate-General of China in Karachi: Instructions on Chinese visa application (updated February 2024) · 2026-10-20
- Consulate-General of China in Karachi: Notice on launching the China Online Visa Processing System · 2026-10-20
- Consulate-General of China in Karachi: Expanded exemption from fingerprint collection · 2026-10-20
- Chinese Visa Application Service Center Lahore: Opening notice · 2026-10-20
- National Immigration Administration: Visa-free transit policies · 2026-10-20
Official instructions take priority. Requirements differ between embassies, consulates and visa centres, so check the page for the place where you will apply. VisaPilot is an independent document preparation and review service, not affiliated with the Chinese government, embassies or visa centres. This guide does not assess eligibility or predict a decision.
Next step: check your own documents
List the documents you already have, which are attested and which are still pending, then request a free human check.