Frequently asked questions
Do I need my boarding passes or flight itineraries translated for a visa application?
Some immigration offices ask for travel-history evidence. If your boarding passes, e-tickets or entry/exit stamps are not in the destination country's official language, a certified translation is usually required. Check the specific embassy's document checklist.
What is the difference between an IATA code and an ICAO code?
IATA codes are the 3-letter codes used on tickets and boarding passes (e.g. CAN for Guangzhou Baiyun); ICAO codes are 4-letter codes used in flight operations (e.g. ZGGG). Both appear on travel documents and are preserved, not translated, in certified translations.
Do passport stamps need to be translated for Chinese visa or residence applications?
If an application requires your full passport record, stamps and visas in other languages are commonly translated into Chinese by a translation provider whose translations are accepted by the receiving authority. Requirements vary by office — confirm with the authority first.
Can I translate my own travel documents?
Many authorities reject self-translations. They typically require a translation company's stamp and certification, or a sworn translator, depending on the country.
Need certified travel-document translation? Contact TranslationChina