EMNLP 2025 Visa Requirements & Invitation Letters

Thank you for your interest in attending EMNLP 2025 in Suzhou China. We’re excited to welcome you.

There are several visa options for attendees:

  • Visa-free entry: Several countries allow short-term entry to China without a visa.
  • Transit visa: Travelers passing through China en route to a third country may be eligible.
  • Tourist visa (L): This category is available to applicants from all countries.

Please check this quick reference sheet to see which you qualify for, along with the required documents to apply.

We are aware of the delay in responses to visa requests and are actively working to find a viable solution to the visa invitation letter issue. Due to current Chinese regulations, the Association for Computational Linguistics (ACL) is not recognized as a Chinese entity. As a result, invitation letters issued by ACL cannot be guaranteed for use in F-category (business/academic) visa applications. We understand this may cause inconvenience and sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to engage with the relevant authorities.

We therefore strongly recommend that you first explore visa-free entry, transit visas, or a tourist (L) visa before considering an F visa.

If you have further questions about your visa options, please consult your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date guidance.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Here are the details about the visa options.

1. Visa-Free Entry Options

  • 30-Day Visa-Free Entry: Citizens of ~75 countries (mainly Europe, parts of Asia, Oceania, and Latin America) can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days.
  • 10-Day (240-Hour) Visa-Free Transit: Citizens of ~55 countries can transit through China visa-free for up to 10 days if traveling onward to a third country. Note: This is usually not suitable for conference attendance unless you are in transit.
  • Special Bilateral Agreements: Citizens of Singapore, Brunei, and Japan may enter visa-free for 15 days under separate agreements.

📌 Check the official Chinese National Immigration Administration (NIA) or your local Chinese consulate for the latest country list and conditions.

2. L Visa (Tourist Visa)

  • Intended for tourism, sightseeing, or personal visits.
  • Required for attendees and accompanying persons from countries not on the visa-free lists.
  • Typically, valid for 30–90 days (single or multiple entry).
  • Application requires:
    • Valid passport
    • Proof of accommodation (e.g., hotel booking or conference venue details)
    • Return or onward flight ticket

3. F Visa (Visit/Exchange Visa)

  • Intended for non-commercial exchanges, academic visits, scientific activities, and short-term professional events.
  • Recommended for invited speakers, presenters, and academic participants of EMNLP 2025.
  • Requires an official invitation letter issued by the EMNLP 2025 Organizing Committee.
  • Usually valid for 30–90 days.

4. Quick Reference Guide

  • If your country is on the 30-day visa-free list: You may not need a visa.
  • If your country is on the 10-day transit list only: You likely still need a visa for EMNLP.
  • If you are an invited speaker/presenter: Request an F Visa invitation letter from the organizers.
  • If you are attending as a general participant or tourist: Apply for an L Visa.

Final Note for Attendees

Visa policies can change. Always confirm the latest requirements with your local Chinese embassy/consulate before applying.

For Visa related questions, please email: Wei ji at weiji@nju.edu.cn and Jiaheng Liu at liujiaheng@nju.edu.cn