If some participants need another type of visa that does require an invitation letter, the BDPC 2026 local arrangement committee will be glad to help. To obtain an invitation letter, please send e-mail to bdpc_conf@163.com, together with your registration, and in the case of being an author, your accepted paper ID. The Conference Secretariat will then send a formal conference invitation letter to help the participants to apply for a visa.

The invitation issued by BDPC 2026 conference committee and with the stamp of BDPC 2026.

BDPC 2026 doesn't take any responsibility of the final result of the visa application.

Visa Application Tips

1. Online Application System
- Since 2025, most Chinese embassies/consulates use the China Visa Online Application System ([https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/](https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/)).
- Applicants must register, fill out the form online, upload documents, and await preliminary review.
- Some embassies may still accept the older COVA system ([https://cova.mfa.gov.cn](https://cova.mfa.gov.cn)), but always follow the specific embassy’s instructions.

2. Biometric Information Collection
- Fingerprinting is required for most applicants, with exceptions:
- Children under 14 or adults over 70.
- Short-term visa applicants (special policy from September 2, 2024, to December 31, 2025).
- State leaders, diplomatic/official/courtesy visa holders.
- Applicants with valid fingerprints collected within 5 years (confirm with embassy).

3. Required Documents

A. Basic Documents
- Passport:
- Valid for 6+ months with at least 2 blank visa pages.
- Submit old passports with prior Chinese visas (if applicable).
- Provide a photocopy of the bio-data page.
- Photo:
- Recent (within 6 months), color, white background, 48×33mm, no hats/glasses (unless religious).
- Visa Application Form:
- Complete online, print, and sign. For minors, parents/guardians may sign.

B. Supporting Documents (Visa-Type Specific)
- Tourist Visa (L-Visa):
- As of January 1, 2024, the U.S. no longer requires flight/hotel bookings or invitation letters for L-visas.
- Other countries/regions: Rules may vary (e.g., some embassies still request itineraries or invitations).
- Business Visa (M-Visa):
- Invitation letter from a Chinese partner (company/organization), including:
- Applicant’s details (name, passport, purpose/duration of visit).
- Inviter’s contact info + official seal/signature.
- Visit Visa (F-Visa):
- Invitation letter from a Chinese entity/individual (e.g., for cultural exchanges, research).
- Family Reunion Visa (Q1/Q2):
- Q1 (Long-term):
- Invitation letter from a Chinese citizen/permanent resident.
- Proof of family relationship (e.g., marriage/birth certificates, notarized if needed).
- Inviter’s ID/residence permit copy.
- Q2 (Short-term):
- Similar to Q1 but for shorter stays (no long-term residency proof required).

4. Application Process

A. Online Submission:
- Fill the form, upload docs, and await 1–2 working days for preliminary review.
- If rejected, revise and resubmit per embassy feedback.

B. In-Person Appointment:
- When status shows "Please go to the embassy/consulate", visit with:
- Printed application form.
- Original passport + photocopies.
- Other original supporting documents.
- Fingerprints collected (if applicable).

C. Payment:
- Fees vary by visa type/nationality. Pay via:
- Credit card (Visa/Mastercard), cashier’s check, or bank transfer (follow embassy rules).

D. Passport Collection:
- Standard processing: 4–5 working days.
- Expedited service: 3 working days (extra fee).
- Authorized pickup allowed (provide receipt + proxy’s ID).

5. Additional Notes
- Processing times may extend during peak seasons (e.g., holidays).
- Double-check embassy-specific requirements (e.g., some may still ask for flight/hotel proofs despite relaxed rules).
- For Q1 visas, some embassies require additional steps (e.g., health checks or residency registration in China).