Step-by-Step Guide to the COVA China Visa Online System

The China Online Visa Application System (COVA), developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, is accessible at consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/. Since September 2025, all Chinese visa offices in the US have fully adopted COVA. Applicants must complete the online application before visiting the consulate window to submit physical documents.

Step 1: Register and Log In

1. Visit consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/.
2. Click "Register," create an account with a valid email address, and complete email verification.
3. Set a password, log in, and access your applicant dashboard.

Chrome or Edge browsers are recommended. Some older browsers may not be fully compatible.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

1. Click "New Application" and select your target consular district (e.g., Los Angeles Consulate General, Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C.).
2. Select your visa type (L, M, Q, S, Z, X, etc.). The system will automatically indicate required documents.
3. Follow the prompts to fill in personal information, travel plans, and contacts in China.
4. Key check: Your name spelling must exactly match your passport. Travel dates must be consistent and reasonable.

Step 3: Upload Documents

• Passport bio page (JPG/PNG, clearly legible, file size ≤ 3MB)
• White background ID photo (2" × 2", 48×33mm, taken within the past 6 months)
• Supporting documents based on visa type (flight itinerary, hotel booking, invitation letter, etc.)

All files must be color scans or high-resolution photos. Handwritten documents must be clearly legible.

Step 4: Submit and Schedule Your Appointment

1. Review all information carefully, then click "Submit."
2. The system typically completes initial review within 1–3 business days.
3. After approval, log back into COVA and navigate to the "Appointment" module to select your consulate and submission date.
4. Print your appointment confirmation and bring all physical documents to the visa window on your scheduled date.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Forgot password: Click "Forgot Password" on the login page. A reset link will be sent to your registered email.
• Application returned: Log in and check "Application Status" — the system will show the reason for rejection. You may revise and resubmit.
• No available appointment slots: Monitor COVA regularly. New slots are typically released weekly.
• Unable to upload files: Check that your file format is JPG, PNG, or PDF, and that the file size is ≤ 3MB.