visa and invitation letter

Question

Hello everyone,

I’m reaching out for advice regarding my China visa application. I currently live in Belgium but do not hold a Belgian passport.

I’ve already booked my flight and hotel for Guangzhou and initially applied for a tourist visa. However, my application was rejected because the consulate asked me to find a travel agency in China to organize my trip and handle the visa process.

Since I don’t know any agencies in China or how this works, I’d really appreciate it if someone could:

Explain why this is required and what the agency needs to do.

Recommend a reliable agency that can assist with this process.

If anyone has experience with this or can guide me, I’d be extremely grateful!

Thank you in advance for your help.

Answer

China’s visa requirements can be strict, especially for travelers who do not hold a passport from the country where they are applying. In your case, although you are residing in Belgium, not holding a Belgian passport may require additional documentation to prove the purpose of your trip. The consulate’s request for a Chinese travel agency to organize your trip is part of this process and is often related to ensuring that your itinerary is verifiable and that you have local support during your stay.

Here’s how the process with a travel agency usually works:

The travel agency provides an official invitation letter or tour confirmation, which includes your itinerary, accommodation details, and travel dates.
The agency confirms that they will handle your trip arrangements in China and acts as a local contact point in case of emergencies or visa verification.
The invitation letter or confirmation is submitted with your visa application as proof that your trip is organized and legitimate.
Some consulates may specifically require agencies registered in China for certain nationalities, especially when the traveler does not have a passport from the country where they are applying.

For your case, you would need to contact a Chinese travel agency that can provide an official itinerary and invitation letter. Reputable agencies often offer “visa support services” for foreign travelers, including providing the required documentation for visa applications. They do not need to arrange the entire trip for you, but they must confirm your travel plans officially.

Recommended approach: Contact a registered travel agency in Guangzhou or another major Chinese city that provides visa invitation letters. Many agencies offer English-language support for foreigners applying from abroad.
Examples of agencies: While I cannot verify each agency individually, many travelers use agencies listed on platforms like Ctrip, China Highlights, or local travel forums. Look for those that explicitly state “Visa Invitation Service” or “Visa Support Letter.”
After obtaining the invitation letter, submit it along with your visa application, flight booking, hotel confirmation, and any additional documents the consulate requires.

Additional tips:

Make sure the travel agency is officially registered in China; unofficial letters may be rejected by the consulate.
Provide all your personal information accurately, as it must match your passport details.
Allow enough time for the agency to issue the invitation letter, typically 3–7 business days.
Consider contacting the consulate directly to confirm that the documents from your chosen agency will meet their requirements before applying again.

In summary, the agency is required to issue an official invitation letter verifying your itinerary and stay in China, which the consulate uses to ensure your tourist visa application is legitimate. Using a reliable, registered travel agency that offers visa support services will make the process smoother and increase the likelihood of your visa being approved.

visa and invitation letter

More Guangzhou Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions