Overview & Key Facts
-
Bangladeshis need a visa before entering Chinese mainland (unless under a special exemption). China does not routinely offer visa‑free entry for Bangladesh nationals for tourism. Embassy of China in Bangladesh+2goFLY Limited+2
-
From April 11, 2024, visa applications for ordinary passports (tourist, business, family visit, etc.) are handled via the Chinese Visa Center (CVC) in Dhaka, not directly via the Embassy. Embassy of China in Bangladesh
-
There is a “port visa” (visa on arrival / visa at certain entry ports) scheme in China under certain conditions, but this is not widely applicable (only for urgent business, humanitarian reasons, or arranged tourist groups through China‑based travel agencies) and requires the right invitation / documentation. Embassy of China in Bangladesh+3Embassy of China in Bangladesh+3Prothomalo+3
Visa Types / Purposes
Here are common visa categories you might use:
| Visa Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| L visa (Tourist / Leisure) | For tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends. |
| M visa (Business) | Trips for trade shows, business meetings, contracts. |
| Q2 / Q1 visa | Visiting family / relatives in China. Q2 is usually for short stays; Q1 for longer stays if staying with family permanently located in China. |
| F visa | Non‑commercial visits: exchange, cultural, tech, etc. |
What Documents / Requirements You’ll Likely Need
These are standard items required when applying:
-
Valid passport, with at least 6 months validity remaining and blank visa pages. mdhholidays.com+1
-
Completed China visa application form (can be filled through CVC online then submitted in person). Embassy of China in Bangladesh+1
-
Passport‑size colour photos as per the specifications.
-
Travel itinerary: round‑trip flight booking (or proof of onward travel), hotel reservations or accommodation proof. Embassy of China in Bangladesh+1
-
Invitation letter from a China‑based travel or tour agency (for tourist visas), or from host/business/relative for business/family visit visas. Embassy of China in Bangladesh+1
-
Proof of financial ability: bank statements etc., to show you can support your stay. Sometimes there is a required minimum per day. Embassy of China in Bangladesh+1
-
Other supporting documents depending on visa type: if visiting family, proof of relationship; business invitation; in some cases police clearance or medical certificate etc.
Application Process (Bangladesh)
Here are step‑by‑step how you apply from Dhaka:
-
Go online to the Chinese Visa Center (CVC) website for Bangladesh. Fill out the visa application (ordinary passport holder). Embassy of China in Bangladesh
-
Prepare all required documents (passport, photos, itinerary, invitation/proof of address, financials etc).
-
Submit the application in person at the Visa Center in Dhaka. The address: 3rd Floor, Prasad Trade Center, 6 Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Banani, Dhaka. Embassy of China in Bangladesh
-
Pay the visa fee + any service fee. (There may also be an express service option for faster processing). goFLY Limited+1
-
Wait for processing. Once approved, pick up your visa from the CVC.
Processing Time & Costs
-
Standard processing time tends to be 4‑7 working days after submission and biometrics. goFLY Limited
-
There are faster options (express / urgent) which reduce time if available, but these cost more. goFLY Limited
-
Costs vary depending on visa type (single, double, multiple entry) and speed. From various sources: Single entry tourist visas ≈ BDT 7,000‑10,000; double or multiple can be more. mdhholidays.com+1
Recent Updates / Simplifications
-
As of August 30, 2023, Bangladeshis applying for certain visa types (tourism “L”, business “M”, family visit “Q2”, transit, crew) are no longer required to leave fingerprints at the Embassy counter desk. Embassy of China in Bangladesh
-
COVID‑19 related entry restrictions have eased: tests prior to boarding are no longer required for Bangladesh nationals as of that date. Embassy of China in Bangladesh
Port / Visa‑on‑Arrival Option?
-
There is a “port visa / visa‑on‑arrival at certain ports” system (for example, “port visas” at approved Chinese entry ports) under exceptional / urgent cases (business urgency, urgent travel, arranged by travel agencies, etc.). Embassy of China in Bangladesh+1
-
But this is not guaranteed, and not for routine tourism (unless via an approved Chinese travel agency) or without prior arrangement. If you travel expecting VOA but don’t meet criteria, you may be refused entry or asked to get visa in advance.
