Does a minor need their own China visa?

Yes, a minor does need their own visa to travel to China, regardless of their age. Here's a detailed breakdown of what's typically required:

Individual Visa Requirement

Each person, including infants and children, must hold their own individual Chinese visa. There is no group or family visa available for China—every traveler is treated as an individual applicant.

Required Documents for a Minor’s Chinese Visa Application

The following documents are generally required when applying for a visa for a minor:

Passport:

Must be valid for at least six months with blank visa pages.
A clear photocopy of the passport's information page is also required.

Visa Application Form:

Completed and signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Ensure all personal details match the passport exactly.

Photograph:

Recent, passport-style color photo with a white background (per embassy specifications).

Birth Certificate

A copy of the birth certificate showing both parents’ names.
If one parent is not traveling, a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent may be required.

Parental Passports

Copies of both parents' passports and visas (if applicable).

Proof of Travel

Flight itinerary and/or hotel reservations.
If traveling for tourism, a letter from parents explaining the trip may be useful.

Additional Considerations

Minor’s Signature: Often, minors under a certain age don’t sign the application; instead, a parent signs on their behalf and notes “minor” or “parental signature”.
Accompanying Adult: If a child is traveling with someone other than a parent (e.g., a grandparent), a notarized consent letter from both parents may be required.
School Letter (optional): For older minors, a letter from their school confirming their status may be beneficial, though it’s not always necessary.