Blackshell Films Presents: Film in China Handbook - Visa

Dear friends and colleagues,

Happy Wednesday! I hope you are all well and safe.

Today we are going to walk you through one of the most important topics when you plan to film in China - Visa. Which type of visa should I apply? How to apply? How long the whole process will take? I bet you will have all kinds of questions when you plan to apply a visa in China. Blackshell Films will answer all of your questions in this article, so let’s get started.

1. What type of visa should I apply?

Usually, it is recommended for foreign crews to apply for the J2 Journalist Visa if: a). the crew size of over 3 OR b). they want to carry their own equipments to China. J2 Journalist Visa is the safest yet somewhat complicated and time-consuming choice. If only the Director, DP, or producer are coming, and will hire a local crew and rent the equipments locally, another choice is to apply for the tourist visa, which is much more easier to apply. However, it also depends on what type of shooting you are looking at. If it’s a 100% studio shoot, then there should be no problem for the tourist visa. But if the shoot involves outdoor filming, there might be a problem with the tourist visa.

For more information on “What type of visas should I choose”, please refer to the Chinese visa application website https://www.visaforchina.org/. Firstly, choose the country or city that you are going to apply the visa from. Then look for the “Visa” section. Let’s take London as an example, after you choose London at visitforchina website, you then go to the visa section, which is http://www.chinese-embassy.org.uk/eng/visa/qzxz/t1021834.htm, there you will learn more about “visas for China”.

2. How to apply for a visa in China?

There is a list of documents that you should prepare, depending on which type of visa you are applying, it’s going to be a bit different.

Below is a list of basic documents that all type of visas should prepare:

I. Basic Documents

1. Passport

Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the bio data page.

2. Visa Application Form and Photo

One completed Visa Application Form attached with a recently-taken color passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a light background. Please refer to "Photo Requirements for Chinese Visa Application".

3. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-British applicants)

The original and a photocopy of a valid British visa or other proof of legal stay, residence, employment or study in the U.K..

4. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable to foreign nationals who once held Chinese nationality)

The Chinese passport last held and a photocopy of its data page are required when applying for a Chinese visa for the first time.

The photocopies of data page of the previous passport and previous Chinese visa if current passport does not contain any Chinese visa.

In case the name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, an official document of name change is required.

Here is the addition documents you need to prepare for L-Visa (tourist visa) and J2-Visa (journalist visa):

II. Supporting Documents

L-Visa

Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation, etc. or an invitation letter from a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation letter should contain:

a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b. Information on the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, etc.)

c. Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)

J2-Visa

I. For short-term news coverage in China by foreign reporters and related personnel

The following documents should be submitted to the press office of the Chinese embassy, consulate or visa issuing institution(s) authorized by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in ---- (country or region).

1. A letter of application for covering news in China signed by the head of the foreign media organization with detailed programs in China including the name list of the visiting reporter(s), date of arrival and departure, venue(s) and subject of news coverage.

2. Registration information of the foreign media organization

3. An invitation letter by the interviewee

4. Completed 'Basic information of the applied China project' form (See Appendix)

5. Completed 'Particulars of Foreign Journalists or Crew Members for the China Project' form.(See Appendix)

6. Copy of passport, journalist certificate of the applicant

7. Resume of the applicant

Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or other authorized units in China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.

Applicants should contact the press office of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete the required formalities, if not yet received the Visa Notification Letter.

In order to apply for J2 visa, you need help from a Chinese production company to apply for you to the relevant bureau of foreign affairs office in the designated city in China that you intend to film at. Blackshell Films have successfully helped foreign crews from all over the world to apply for the journalist visas and would be happy to provide our service to you if you ever need it.

*Please note that this is from the Chinese Embassy in UK’s page, each embassy might have different requirement so please make sure you double check on your own.

3. How long the whole process will take?

For tourist visa, it is advised that you apply one month in advance. For journalist visa, you have to plan for at least 2 months preparation time.

Do you have more questions about visa application? Just hit reply or email us at contact@blackshellfilms.com, we will get back to you asap. Also don’t forget to subscribe to our email list (www.blackshellfilms.com) so that you won’t miss any useful information.

Stay safe and happy! See you all on next Wednesday.

Regards,

Pan

Nov 4th, 2020

_________________________________

Co-founder of Blackshell Films

Website: www.blackshellfilms.com

Email: contact@blackshellfilms.com

WhatsApp: +86 18607190503