How to get a China visa from Ethiopia

• The Chinese tourist visa (L visa) is issued to foreign nationals who intend to travel to China for vacation, tourism, relaxation and other leisure activities.
• You are to use an original Ethiopian passport for your Chinese visa application. The passport must have at least 2 blank pages and be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your departure date from China.
• You are required to make a clear coloured photocopy of the bio-data page of your passport (that is, the first page of your passport showing your personal details, date of issue and expiry of the passport).
• A visa application form must be completed and signed before submission. Incomplete visa application forms may delay the procession of your application.
• 1 passport photograph must be submitted with your completed visa application form. The photo must be recently taken and with a white background.
• As proof that you intend to return to your country of origin, you are required to provide a copy of your round-trip flight ticket.
• You are also required to submit proof of hotel reservation in China for the entire duration of your stay in the country.
• If you are visiting friends or relatives in China, or you are joining a tour organiser, you should submit an invitation letter from them. If your host is not Chinese, you should attach their Chinese residence permit to the invitation letter.
• The invitation letter should contain your biographical data (full name, gender, date of birth), information about the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited) and the contact details of your host.
• You must show that you can cater to your financial needs for the entire duration of your stay in China by sending copies of your bank account statements from the last 3 months. You can also submit a sponsorship letter if someone else intends to sponsor your trip along with copies of your sponsor's bank statements.
• If necessary, the consular officer may require you to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials or require an interview with you.
• You are to pay the visa fee of ETB1200 in cash.

• The Chinese business visa is issued to foreign nationals who want to travel to China for commercial and trade activities.
• Ethiopians can apply for the business visa if they want to travel to China for business meetings, summits, conferences, trade fairs or other business-related events.
• Your Ethiopian passport must be original and have a minimum validity of 6 months beyond the date you intend to leave China.
• A completed and signed visa application form with a colour passport affixed to it must be submitted.
• You are required to submit an invitation letter from the partner Chinese company serving as your host in the country. The invitation letter should contain the following:
• Your full name, gender, date of birth and other biographical information.
• The purpose of your visit to China, how long you intend to stay in China.
• Information about your place of intended residence such as hotel address and contact details of the hotel.
• Your arrival and departure dates.
• Financial source for your expenditure.
• Proof of previous relations between you and the partner company.
• Your host’s name, contact details and the official stamp and signature of the legal representative of your Chinese host.
• If you are attending a trade fair or conference, you should provide proof of registration or invitation.
• The business license of your company or certificated business license by the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry must be submitted.
• You are required to submit your bank statements of the last 3 months as proof of financial means.
• As proof that you intend to return to your country of origin, you must provide a copy of your round-trip flight ticket.

• Ethiopians who intend to travel to China to study must apply for the Chinese student visa (X visa).
• To apply for the Chinese student visa you must have been offered admission to study a course at a Chinese university. You have to provide the original and photocopy of your letter of admission issued by the Chinese school.
• You must also submit the original and photocopy of “Visa Application for Study in China” (Form JW201 or Form JW202).
• Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you intend to end your study in China.
• You must provide proof that you can cater to your financial needs including paying the tuition fees for the entire period of your studying.
• To study in China for more than 6 months, you are to provide proof that you have taken the Physical Examination Record for Foreigner.
• Holders of the student visa are mandated to apply for a residence permit at a local public security authority within 30 days after entry into China.

China is generally safe for visitors. However, like any other place, travellers are advised to take normal precautions.

Pollution is a major problem in China. Travellers should expect air pollution in major cities such as Beijing and Xi’an. You might want to spend more time in the countryside if you are travelling as a tourist.