1.   Does the Chinese Embassy accept mail-in visa application?

The Embassy accepts mail-in visa applications from South Australia and Northern Territory. For applicants living outside the aforementioned territory/state, please see  Where to Apply Visa.

The Embassy strongly recommends that all visa applications be made in person (either by yourself, a friend or via a travel agent) in case of unforeseeable inconveniences incurred during mail-delivery. The Embassy is not responsible for any loss, damage or delay of your passports/documents during mail-delivery.

2.   What are the requirements if one really needs to apply for the Chinese Visa by mail?

The following materials are required for mail-in visa application:

(1)   Passport with at least two blank pages and sufficient remaining validity (please find details in Table 1).

(2)   Completed Visa Application Form with one photograph attached. Mobile phone number is preferred for the Embassy to contact you in case questions arise. If you were borne in China, please provide your Chinese name in CHINESE CHARACTERS in the required space.

(3)   Relevant supporting documents (please find details in INFORMATION ON VISA APPLICATION)

(4)  A pre-paid, self-addressed return envelope. EXPRESS MAIL, REGISTEREDE MAIL, DHL or TNT can be accepted.

(5)   Visa fee. Please find details in Table 2.

(6)   Handling fee: A$10.00 per package (maximum 4 passports per package)

Please note:

Ø   (i)All materials should be mailed to:

VISA OFFICE

EMBASSY OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

15 CORONATION DRIVE, YARRALUMLA, ACT 2600

Ø   (ii)CREDIT CARD, BANK CHEQUE (COMPANY CHEQUE) or MONEY ORDER can be accepted. The "payee" should be CHINESE EMBASSY.

Ø   (iii)Please be advised that if you choose to pay by credit card, a surcharge of A$1 will be added to the total amount less than A$100, A$1.5 to the total amount more than A$100.

3. When should the mail-in visa application be sent? How long does it take to apply by mail? How many days does the Embassy need to process the application? Does the embassy provide express service?

Since the validity of a single entry visa is 3 months, you are advised to send your mail-in visa application 1 or 2 months before your planned entry date of China.

Mail application needs 10 working days for processing(from the day of receipt to the day of mailing out). There is no express service.

4. What are the important tips on applying by mail?

(1) Please make sure your visa application materials are sufficient as required. Otherwise the visa processing will be delayed.

(2) It takes 10 working days to process mail-in visa applications. Therefore, you should carefully arrange your travel schedule.

(3) For mail-in visa applications, all passports will be returned by mail.

(4) For inquiry, the applicant shall provide full name, date of birth and information about his mail-in application, etc. and then fax it to visa office at 02-62739615. Telephone Inquiry Hours of the visa office are from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday on 02-62734783, or email:consulate_aus@mfa.gov.cn.