China Visa for Nepali Citizens — Complete Guide under the New Online System

Since June 25, 2025, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nepal has introduced a fully online visa application system, changing how Nepali citizens apply for a Chinese visa. The system requires every applicant to first complete an online submission and upload all required documents before physically visiting the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC Kathmandu) for passport submission. This modernization aims to make the process more efficient and transparent — but also demands greater attention to detail from applicants.

Under the new process, applicants must visit the official portal https://www.visaforchina.cn/KTM3_EN/qianzhengyewu, create an account, and fill out their online visa form completely. They must upload clear and legible scans of their passport, recent photo, flight and hotel bookings, travel itinerary, invitation letter (if applicable), and proof of finances. Once submitted, the Embassy begins the preliminary online review, which is based on the order of submission — not on the applicant’s travel date. Therefore, it is recommended that travelers start their visa process at least two weeks before departure.

If the submitted documents are correct and consistent, the applicant receives a “Visa Application Certificate” by email, confirming that the file has passed the online review and can move to the next phase. However, if any document is unclear, incomplete, or inconsistent (e.g., mismatched dates between flight tickets and itinerary), the system will reject the application. In such a case, applicants must re-upload corrected documents and re-enter the online queue, which resets their review order and causes delays.

Once the Visa Application Certificate is received, applicants must visit CVASC Kathmandu, located at Rising Mall, Kamaladi, to submit their original passport and all documents in person. The submission window is Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, while passport collection hours are 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. After submission, the Embassy processes the visa within 2–4 working days, though the total time can vary depending on the accuracy of the documents and Embassy workload.

If your travel is urgent, you can request a Priority Review when submitting your passport. This service is granted only to applicants with legitimate emergencies such as imminent flights, medical appointments, or business meetings. If accepted, your application can enter the Embassy’s formal review on the same day — but remember, priority handling does not override missing or incorrect documents.

Applicants applying from outside Nepal (for example, students or workers abroad) can start the online submissionwhile still overseas. However, they must physically come to Nepal for the final passport submission stage. After entering Nepal, they need to upload their Nepali visa and immigration entry stamp to the portal before proceeding with submission.

The Embassy has also clarified that it processes all applications in a first-submitted, first-reviewed manner, so rushing at the last minute or sending incomplete forms only causes delays. The system also prevents duplicate applications; if you reapply before your first application is reviewed, it can confuse the queue and lead to rejection.

Common mistakes made by Nepali applicants include unclear passport scans, missing travel itinerary, incomplete financial documents, incorrect visa type selection (e.g., choosing business instead of tourist), and mismatched dates in the invitation letter. The Embassy emphasizes that consistency across all documents — name, date of birth, passport number, travel dates, and accommodation details — is essential.

If your application gets delayed or placed on hold, you should first check your email (including spam folders), as CVASC or the Embassy may have sent instructions or a document request. If five working days pass after passport submission without an update, it’s advisable to visit CVASC Kathmandu in person with your receipt to inquire about your application status.

For travelers heading to Tibet via Nepal, the Embassy issues a China Group Visa, not an individual visa. In this case, all group members must enter and exit China together from the same port. Those planning solo visits to other Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou should apply for a standard individual visa.

The Embassy decides the visa type, number of entries, and duration of stay at its discretion, even if applicants request a specific category. Therefore, approval is not guaranteed — applicants should provide strong documentation matching their stated travel purpose.

In short, the new online system has made the China visa process more structured and efficient but requires precision. Clear uploads, accurate forms, and timely responses are critical for smooth approval. Most importantly, applicants must remember that processing starts online but finishes only after in-person passport submission in Nepal.