How to Apply for a Chinese Visa in Bali: Step-by-Step Guide – Visa Agency

How to Apply for a Chinese Visa in Bali: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Apply for a Chinese Visa in Bali: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for a Chinese visa might seem complicated, but with the right knowledge, you can save both time and money. Agencies charge between 3.6 million and 5.5 million IDR, while applying yourself in Bali costs 761,000 IDR for a standard tourist visa (processed in 8 business days).
Note: In Jakarta, the cost is higher, but there is an express option (processed in 3 business days) for 1,302,000 IDR.

Why Apply for a Visa Yourself?

  1. Save Money:
    • Agencies charge significantly more than applying on your own.
    • Self-application costs only 761,000 IDR in Bali.
  2. Transparency:
    • You personally submit all documents and have full control over the process.
  3. Convenient Visa Center:
    • The center operates without prior appointments, and submission takes about an hour.

Note: The Flado Indonesia visa agency wants to gauge interest. Contact us here if you would find it helpful for us to submit documents to the Chinese Visa Center in Bali or Jakarta. We’ll take note of your feedback!

What You Need to Apply for a Visa?

Required Documents:

  1. Passport:
    • Valid for more than 6 months.
    • At least 2 blank pages.
  2. Photos:
    • Take a selfie at arm’s length against a plain, light-colored wall. Your face should occupy 70–80% of the photo.
    • Use remove.bg to replace the background with white.
    • Use freepassphoto.com to crop the photo:
      • Digital format online for the application: China Visa Online 354×472 pixels.
      • Printed format: China Visa 33x48mm (3.3×4.8 cm).
    • Prepare the file for printing and order 2 physical photos at the nearest photo studio. Find the closest studio on Google Maps. Make sure to check the official photo requirements.
  3. Application Form:
    • Complete the form online at the Visa Center website.
    • Sample completed application form for a Chinese tourist visa: view here.
    • A simplified sample questionnaire created by Flado Visa Agency (download here) will help you prepare and complete the online visa application form using an example.
  4. Tickets:
    • Printed tickets to and from China.
    • Tickets must be in English or Chinese.
    • Buy tickets here.
  5. Hotel Booking:
    • Printed confirmation of at least 3 nights.
    • If staying at multiple hotels, provide confirmations for the entire trip.
  6. Travel Itinerary:
    • Printed itinerary in China with dates and cities.
  7. Passport Copies:
    • Main page with a photo.
    • If you had a previous Chinese visa, include its copy. If you had passports with Chinese visas in the last 5 years, bring the originals and copies along with your current passport (optional).
  8. Indonesian Visa:
    • A copy of the visa you are using to stay in Indonesia.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Your Documents

  1. Take photos in both printed and digital formats.
  2. Book a hotel and purchase tickets.
  3. Create a day-by-day travel itinerary.
  4. Complete the application form on the Visa Center website and print it.
    • Refer to the completed sample form: view here.

Step 2. Print Your Documents

Before visiting the Visa Center, print:

  • The completed application form.
  • 2 physical photos.
  • A copy of the first page of your passport.
  • Hotel booking confirmation.
  • Ticket booking confirmation.
  • Your Indonesian visa.
  • The travel itinerary in China with dates and cities.

Step 3. Pay the Visa Fee

Bring cash to pay the visa fee:

  • Single-entry visa: 761,000 IDR.
  • Double-entry or multiple-entry visas: higher fees (full price list).

Step 4. Submit Documents at the Visa Center

  • Visa Center address:
    Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No.165, Sanur, South Denpasar, Denpasar City, Bali (Grand Palace Hotel) (view on map).
  • The center operates without prior appointments. It is recommended to arrive early to avoid queues.
  • The entire submission process takes about an hour.

Visa Center Operating Hours and Holidays in 2025

  • Operating Hours:
    • Document submission: 09:00 – 15:00.
    • Passport collection: 09:00 – 16:00.
  • Holidays in 2025:
    The full calendar of holidays can be found here.

Other Visa Types and Brief Requirements

  • L (Tourist): Standard document set.
  • M (Business): Requires an invitation from a Chinese company.
  • F (Cultural Exchange): Proof of participation in exchange activities.
  • Z (Work): Work permit from a Chinese employer.
  • X (Study): Proof of enrollment in an educational institution.
  • Q/S (Family): Documents proving family ties with residents in China.

Age Restrictions

  • Personal presence is required for applicants aged 14–70 years.
  • Applicants under 14 and over 70 are exempt from fingerprinting.

Conclusion

Applying for a Chinese visa in Bali on your own is a great way to save money and have full control over the process. Preparing documents takes minimal effort, and the submission process at the Visa Center takes about an hour. The Visa Center staff are helpful and ready to assist with any technical issues.

Apply for your visa independently and enjoy your trip to China!