Chinese Visa Without a Personal Visit — How the Process Works in 2026

Why Submission via the Chișinău Consulate Is Possible

The PRC consulate in Ukraine has not operated since March 2020. This means even for 'in-person submission,' you'll need to travel to another country anyway — most often Poland. A trip to Warsaw + 3–4 days of accommodation + return = at least ~€540 in expenses and a week of your time. The alternative is submission through the PRC consulate in Chișinău (Moldova), where documents are accepted directly, without visa centers. China2Day explains the requirements and helps prepare the documents for submission; the consulate reviews and decides on the visa. Over 12 years of operation, China2Day has helped with more than 5,000 Chinese visa applications.

Who Can Apply Without a Personal Visit

Most Chinese visa types don't require personal appearance at the consulate. The exception is long-term visas requiring biometrics.

• ✓ Tourist L visa — single and double entry
• ✓ Business M visa — single, double, and multi-entry
• ✓ Family Q2 — short-term for relatives of PRC citizens
• ✓ Family S2 — short-term for relatives of foreigners with permanent residence
• ✓ Short-term work Z — up to 30 days
• ✓ Student X2 — up to 180 days
• ✓ Exchange F and crew C visas
• ✗ Q1/S1 (180+ days), X1 (90+ days), long-term Z — biometrics required in person

How the Process Works — Two Stages

The process is split into two stages, and the first can begin before the original passport is handed over — your original document stays with you the whole time.

• Stage 1 — Consulate online review (up to 4 business days): scans are sent, the COVA application is filled in and uploaded to the consulate system. Your original passport stays with you.
• Stage 2 — Original submission and visa stamping (4 business days): documents are submitted directly to the PRC consulate in Chișinău, after which the passport with the visa is returned to the applicant.
• Total: ~7–10 business days from sending scans to receiving the finished visa.

How to Hand Over the Passport — 3 Options

Choose the most convenient method:

• Nova Poshta (most popular) — you ship to the branch we specify in Kyiv. Insured valuable shipment. Works from anywhere in Ukraine.
• In-person in Kyiv — if you're in Kyiv, we agree on a convenient time and location.
• Our courier within Kyiv — courier comes to your address. Ideal for busy entrepreneurs.

Documents Required from You

Only 3 things from the applicant: passport (original, valid 6+ months, 2 blank pages), digital photo (white background, no glasses, colored top), and completed questionnaire (China2Day's template, 10–15 minutes). China2Day helps with filling out the COVA application (50+ fields), hotel and flight bookings, and invitation preparation. No notarized power of attorney needed.

How China2Day Helps

China2Day explains the requirements and helps prepare the documents at every stage:

• Help filling out the official COVA application (50+ fields)
• Help booking hotel and flight tickets for the document package
• Preparing and verifying the invitation (from a tour operator, partner, or university)
• Preparing documents for submission to the PRC consulate in Chișinău
• Keeping you informed about the progress of the review
• Help with returning the passport via Nova Poshta after the visa is stamped