Requirements
All international attendees traveling to China must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months. It is recommended to confirm your passport’s remaining validity before departure. Citizens of certain countries may enter China visa-free for tourism, business, or transit stays not exceeding 15 days. The specific list of countries can be checked on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. If you qualify for visa-free entry, no visa is required. Please visit the official website of China Consular Affairs (https://cs.mfa.gov.cn) to check the specific entry policies.
Visa Types and Applicable Situations
Conference attendees typically apply for the following visa types:
| Visa Type | Applicable Situation | Required Documents |
| F Visa | For exchanges, visits, investigations, and other activities | Invitation letter issued by the inviting party in China |
| M Visa | For commercial and trade activities | Invitation letter issued by a trade partner in China |
Note: F Visa is suitable for attending academic conferences, technical exchanges, and other non-commercial activities. M Visa is suitable for business negotiations and other commercial trade activities. Please choose the appropriate visa type based on your actual purpose for attending the conference.
Visa Application Process
- Confirm visa requirements: Please check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements and processing times. We recommend applying for your visa at least 4 to 6 weeks before your planned travel date.
Note: The suggested 4 to 6 weeks is for visa processing time and does not cover application or renewal. Please allow extra time if it happens. Actual processing times may vary or get longer depending on your country/region, so it is advised to start the process when decided. - Obtain the official conference invitation letter (if required): The organizing committee will provide official invitation letters to registered participants to assist with their visa applications.
Note: Invitation letters will only be issued to registered participants who have completed payment. Once approved, the letter will be sent via the platform or email. - Complete the online visa application form: Log in to the China Online Visa Application (COVA) , register, fill out the application form online, upload the required visa photo and application documents, submit, and wait for preliminary review approval.
- Submit application materials: After passing the preliminary review, bring your passport, visa application form, conference invitation letter, and other required materials to the designated Visa Application Service Center for submission as per local requirements.
- Pay fees & wait for visa issuance: Pay the visa fees as required and wait for the visa to be issued.
We look forward to meeting you in Nanjing in July 2027 for this global gathering celebrating light and lighting!
For visa-related questions, please contact the Conference Secretariat:
cies19870601@163.com / Conference Secretariat email address (TBD).
