Applying for China Visa While Outside Nepal: Regulations & Procedures

For Nepali citizens who are currently living, studying, or working abroad, applying for a Chinese visa can be a bit complex compared to those applying from within Nepal. According to the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, the new visa policy introduced in June 2025 clearly states that the Embassy will only accept formal visa applications from applicants physically present in Nepal. This means that even if a Nepali passport holder starts the visa process online from a third country, the application cannot be finalized until the person arrives in Nepal.

However, to assist travelers and avoid unnecessary delays, the Embassy has introduced a flexible option where Nepali citizens living abroad can begin the visa application online. They can visit the official Chinese visa portal https://www.visaforchina.cn/KTM3_EN/qianzhengyewu to fill out the online form, upload documents such as their passport, photo, flight details, hotel booking, and invitation letter, and wait for the preliminary review. This allows applicants to prepare their documents in advance before traveling to Nepal.

Once the online review is completed and accepted, the applicant will need to physically enter Nepal to continue the process. After arriving, they must upload their valid Nepali visa and entry stamp to confirm their presence in Nepal. This step is crucial because the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu only conducts formal visa review and stamping for applicants who are physically in Nepal. Without the entry verification, the system will not allow the process to proceed.

After verification, the applicant can visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Kathmandu to submit their passport, printed application form, and original documents. This marks the beginning of the official visa processing stage. The Embassy has clarified that the processing time remains 2 to 4 working days, counted from the day the passport and documents are formally submitted at CVASC.

If the online application is incomplete, has unclear documents, or contains wrong information, it will be rejected during the preliminary review stage, requiring the applicant to correct and resubmit. Therefore, it’s vital to upload high-quality scans of all documents, use accurate personal information, and ensure the details on the invitation letter, hotel booking, and flight ticket match perfectly.

Applicants abroad should plan their schedule carefully — since the final stage requires their presence in Nepal, they should arrive at least a week before their intended visa submission date to allow time for document updates, appointment scheduling, and embassy review. Failure to follow this step may cause delays or missed travel deadlines.

To simplify this process, Yatra for Fun Pvt. Ltd., located at Koteshwor-32, Kathmandu, provides professional visa assistance and document preparation for Nepali citizens returning from abroad. The agency has successfully processed over 70 countries’ visas, including China, Japan, the USA, the UK, Korea, and Schengen destinations. They can guide you in pre-submission from abroad and complete submission in Nepal. For professional support, contact 9802348957 / +977-9708072951 or visit https://www.yatraforfun.com/.