Living Abroad Tips

Chinese visa invitation letter (UK guide): How to write and apply

Emma-Jane Stogdon

07.05.25

Read time 2 minutes

If you are travelling from the UK to China soon, whether to visit family and friends or for business, you may need an invitation letter from your host. This letter can be a crucial part of the visa application process but it must follow a specific format.

So how do you write a Chinese visa invitation letter from the UK? We have created a guide outlining the proper format, the key details your Chinese host should include and which types of visas require an invitation letter.

We will also share a handy way to manage visa expenses and your finances while abroad. The Wise card can be used in 150+ countries, including China, letting you spend and withdraw cash at the mid-market exchange rate.

What is a letter of invitation?

An invitation letter is a document submitted to an embassy or consulate when applying for a visa. Written by your host, it supports your application by confirming they will accommodate you during your stay in the host country.¹

Is an invitation letter mandatory when applying for a Chinese Visa?

An invitation letter is required as a supporting document for some visa categories, but not all. In some cases, such as for the L visa, a return ticket and proof of a hotel reservation are enough.²

What type of visas in China require a letter of invitation?

There are many Chinese visa categories, but only some require an invitation letter. Here’s a list:²

F visa
M visa
Q1 visa
Q2 visa
S1 visa
S2 visa
Z visa

For the C visa, either an invitation letter or a letter of guarantee from a foreign transport company is required.

For the Z visa, you can submit either an invitation letter or other documents, depending on the purpose of your stay. These could include a Chinese work permit or an approval document for commercial performances issued by Chinese government authorities for cultural and tourism affairs.²

When applying for an X1 or X2 visa, you'll also need to provide a university admission letter, which contains similar information to an invitation letter.²

Who can write a letter of invitation for a Chinese visa?

Generally, an invitation letter is written by the host, typically a Chinese individual or company if you're applying for a China business visa.

For example, if you’re applying for a Q1 or Q2 visa, the invitation letter should come from a Chinese citizen or a foreign national with a Chinese permanent residence permit. On the other hand, the M visa and the Z visa require invitations from a Chinese employer or business partner.²

What information should be included in a Chinese letter of invitation?

Although each invitation letter should include information specific to your situation, here are some general requirements:²

Your personal information
The host’s personal information
Information about your visit

Your personal information should include:²

Name
Gender
Date of birth

The host’s information should include:²

Name
Phone number
Address
Signature

Finally, the details of your visit should include:²

The purpose of your stay
Arrival and departure dates
Place of intended residence
The financial source for expenditures

If your host is a company, you may also need their official stamp or the signature of their legal representative.²

How long does it take to get a Chinese visa in the UK?

The usual Chinese visa approval time is four working days. If you need it a day earlier, you can pay for the express service. To ensure everything goes smoothly, it’s advised that you submit your visa application 1-2 months before travelling.³

Use Wise to send money internationally

You should now have a good understanding of what a Chinese visa invitation letter from the UK should include. While you may need to add extra details depending on your situation, this covers the most essential information.

And if you’re looking for a way to handle your finances while abroad, you should check out the Wise account. With the Wise account, you can send money between the UK and China for low, transparent fees* and the mid-market exchange rate.

You can also get the Wise card and start spending in yuan as soon as you arrive. The Wise card can be used in 150+ countries, automatically converting your pounds to the local currency whenever you spend, with a small, upfront currency conversion fee*.

Sources used:

1. Visa Guide - writing an invitation letter
2. Embassy of the People's Republic of China - how to apply for a visa
3. Embassy of the People's Republic of China - how long it takes to get a Chinese visa

Sources last checked on date: 22-Apr-2025

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.