
Now there are three ways for foreigners to enter China:
- Holding a valid Chinese residence permit for work, personal matters, or reunion
- Holding a diplomatic, service, courtesy, or C visa
- Applying for a new China visa (the previous visa will not be cancelled) — Z-, M-, R-, Q-, and S-visas now are possible.
What is the best way to get a visa for China?
How to Apply for a China Visa Check whether you need a visa. An essential thing to do is to check whether you need a visa before starting the following process. ... Check which visa you need to get. Based on your travel purpose, determine which visa you are going to get. ... Prepare all documents needed. ... Submit the application. ... Pay the fee and pick up your visa. ...
Can I go to China without a visa?
This also means absolutely no last minute trips to China. A good option for travelers wanting to visit China without the hassle of a visa is to use the visa-free transit policy. This will allow you to enter China from 24-144 hours, depending on which city you choose to visit, without a China visa.
What are the requirements for a visa to China?
- Provide a copy of their birth certificate
- Provide a copy of both parents' passports or drivers' licenses
- Provide a copy of the parents' proof of U.S. ...
- Provide a notarized letter of consent from both parents (if the parents are not accompanying the minor on the trip) that states the child has permission to travel. ...
Does an US citizen need a visa to visit China?
Unless you qualify for an exemption through one of China’s visa-free policies, you’ll need a visa for China based on the purpose of your travel. These visa-free policies include 24, 72, and 144-hour transit visas for those from the United States, but some stipulations apply, like entering through an approved port of entry.

How to get a Chinese visa?
The ways to apply for a Chinese Visa differ from countries and visa types. Currently, no one can apply for and get a Chinese Visa just through the Internet. However, if you are in the 2 following cases, you can complete the application form online in advance, and book an appointment online for offline submission. That would save you much time, avoid long queues.
Where can I go on a visa free tour of China?
If you are interested in China visa-free tour, we could also customize a China Visa-free Tour in Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Hangzhou and more available destinations if you meet relevant visa requirements.
What to do if you lost your China visa?
If you lost the all the electronic record, you can log on the China Visa Application Service Center website (www.visaforchina.org), use your Application Form ID and phone number to manage your appointment, cancel or reschedule a submission time.
What is required for a Chinese visa?
1. A printed completed China Visa Application Form is always obligatory for all foreign applicants, whether you fill in the form through online systems of Chinese Embassy or China Visa Application Service Center. A qualified photo is also an crucial requirement.
What are the best places to visit in China?
If it’s your first time travel to China, Beijing, Shanghai, Xian and Guilin are the top recommended destinations with best representative tourism attractions of. The great cultural, historical, natural landscape will fulfill your dream tour to China.
Is visa fee higher than direct submission?
* You will pay additional service fees to the visa center, while visa fees is charged by the embassy. So the totally cost is higher than direct submission to the embassies.
How to apply for a visa for China?
How to Apply for a Visa. Step 1: Embassy. Step 2: Application. Step 3: Submission. Use the navigation links above to jump to a specific section, or continue to scroll to read more about getting a China visa for US citizens.
How long does it take to get a visa for China?
According to the Chinese embassy website, normal visa processing time should be 4 business days, but Covid has made things a bit less “normal”. In my experience, it’s always been closer to 5-7 business days.
How long does a passport last in China?
U.S. Passport: The passport must have 6 months of validity, measured from the date at which you are scheduled to land in China. It also needs to have at least two (2) blank pages in the passport – one for the visa and one for the customs stamps.
What is a M visa in China?
China M Visa (Business): For those doing business, you will need to present the invitation letter issued by your Chinese trade partner or fair organizer on the Chinese side.
How long does it take to get a Chinese passport?
This means that you will have to personally submit your application to the appropriate Chinese embassy and then wait for 2-7 days to pick it up from the embassy.
What test is required for dual negatives in China?
Dual Negative Tests: Any person entering China at this point will require proof of dual negative results for COVID-19 (nucleic acid test and serological test).
Does the Chinese embassy accept cash?
The Chinese embassy does not accept cash or personal checks. **Note**: This cost is accurate as of December 2020. While visa application fees don’t change often, that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Check with your nearest Chinese consulate in the United States to find out the most current visa fees.
How to apply for a Chinese visa?
To apply, you must visit a Chinese embassy, consulate, or Chinese Visa Application Center in person. If you cannot get there yourself, you can have a travel agent or a visa agency apply for you. You cannot send your documents through the mail.
How long does it take to get a visa for China?
While it usually only takes several days for Chines visa applications to be processed, it’s best to apply 1 – 2 months before you plan to depart on your trip.
What is the most important factor in figuring out which type of visa you need?
The reason for your trip and how long you intend to stay will be the most important determining factor in figuring out which type of visa you need. Make sure you apply for the right one – especially if you intend to study, work, or conduct business while you’re there.
What is a tourist visa in China?
The tourist visa, or L Visa , is for anyone who wants to visit China for touring and sightseeing. If you’re considering moving to China, taking a trip there as a tourist is a great way to help you decide if you want to live there for an extended period of time.
How long is a Z visa valid in China?
The Z Visa is only valid for 30 days, so when you arrive in China you’ll also need to apply for a temporary residence permit.
How to decide which travel document to apply for?
When deciding which one to apply for, think about the main reason for your trip and decide how long you plan to stay there. Different types of travel documents are valid for different lengths of time.
What is a Z visa?
The Chinese work visa is also known as the Z Visa, and it’s for people who intend to work and get paid in China. It is not for people conducting business and getting paid by their own employers in their homeland.
How long do you have to apply for a visa to China?
You must apply no later than 20 days from your intended travel date. Once your visa is issued by the Government of China, we will FedEx the actual visa to your home 15 days before your departure. The China Group e-Visa is a Single Entry visa. Applicants must be outside the Republic of China when applying for their visa.
How long is a Chinese visa valid?
The Group eVisa is only issued to tourist groups with 2 or more members who must travel together in China. It is issued for single entry only and it is valid for 30 days after arrival. Note that your entry into China must be within 15 days from the issue date of the visa or it will expire automatically. The China Group eVisa is issued on a separate sheet instead of visa sticker on the individual passport, so you'll need to print it out and bring a copy with you.
What is a China group visa?
What is a China Group e-Visa? The China Group e-Visa is a tourist visa that is issued to tourist groups comprised of least 2 members traveling together both into and out of China. The China Group e-Visa is issued as a stand-alone document, not as a sticker on a passport like the China Tourist Visa.
What is required to obtain a travel document?
A proof of accommodation is required to obtain the travel document. The dates in this document MUST match the travel dates selected in the application. This is a requirement that is demanded by the government in order to issue the travel document.
Is China a traditional country?
Taking a trip to China involves, a thorough research of the country’s customs in addition getting a visa and packing your bags. As you may very well know, China is an incredibly traditional country, and as a result, people there have a lot of traditions and customs. Chinese people are not unreasonable.
Do Chinese people tip at funerals?
This is what Chinese people do at a funeral for the person who died. You should never tip when a Chinese person is a host – if you are invited to dinner at a restaurant, and the invitation has been forwarded by a Chinese person, you are not expected to chip in when the bill comes. The host will get offended.
Do you need a valid ticket to leave China?
You must have a valid and confirmed on ward travel ticket to leave China (often this means simply evidence of a return flight).
How long does a tourist visa last in China?
Tourist Visa. Tourism in China requires a visa and is typically a single entry visa with a stay duration of 30 days. US citizens may be eligible for a 10-year multiple entry visa. The tourism visa requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months and it must have at least two blank pages. You must also have an invitation letter ...
How to contact China visa service center?
If your passport does not meet these requirements, please contact China Visa Service Center at 1-800-799-6560 for further details.
How long is a 10 year visa valid in China?
Applicants will be eligible for a 10-year visa provided that the traveler has at least one year of remaining validity on their U.S. Passport. If you have less than one year you will be granted a six-month visa to China.
How long is a passport valid for?
Your passport must: Be valid for at least 12 months and be valid for six months beyond the length of your requested visa (for example, if you are requesting a 12 month visa your passport must be valid for 18 months) Contain at least two consecutive blank visa pages for the visa stamp (excluding endorsements pages)
How many blank pages are required for a visa stamp?
Contain at least two consecutive blank visa pages for the visa stamp (excluding endorsements pages)
How old do you have to be to travel to China?
Applicants Under the Age of 18. All minors under the age of 18 traveling to China must: Provide a copy of their birth certificate. Provide a copy of both parents' driver's licenses or state IDs (if the minor does not have a state ID) Provide a copy of both parents' passports.
How many years of international travel do you need to have a document?
You must provide a statement detailing your last five years of international travel. This document must have an original signature. Click the following link to download the document: Travel Record Form
How to get a visa extension?
Apply for a visa extension from your local Entry/Exit Bureau before attempting to leave the country. Do not expect your request to be expedited, so apply ahead of time.
What provinces are in the consular district of China?
This consular district includes: the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning.
What are the criminal laws of China?
Certain provisions of the Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China – such as “social order” crimes (Article 293) and crimes involving “endangering state security” and “state secrets” (Article 102 to 113) – are ill-defined and can be interpreted by the authorities arbitrarily and situationally.
How long is a multiple entry visa?
Apply for a ten-year multiple entry visa, useful for repeated travel, or trips to Hong Kong or Macau with returns to China.
Is China safe to visit?
For most visitors, China remains a very safe country. Petty street crime is the most common safety concern for U.S. citizens. Training, capability, and responsiveness of Chinese authorities varies by region and even city. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General have no law enforcement authority and may not represent U.S. citizens in either criminal or civil legal matters. To ensure your safety and security in China, you should:
Can you travel to China with prescriptions?
Medication: If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to ensure the medication is legal in China. Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with the prescription. Many commonly-used U.S. drugs and medications are not available in China, and counterfeit, low-quality knockoffs are prevalent. If you try to have medications sent to you from outside China, you may have problems getting them released by Chinese Customs and/or you may have to pay high customs duties.
Is driving dangerous in China?
Road Conditions and Safety: Traffic safety is generally poor and driving can be dangerous, though rules, regulations, and conditions vary greatly throughout China.
Who Needs a Chinese Tourist Visa?
The majority of foreign nationals require a tourist visa (also known as an "L visa") to enter and visit mainland China, though a few nationalities are granted visa-free entry. L visas are easy to obtain from Chinese embassies and consulates around the world, though the visa application process in some countries has been outsourced to a local branch of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center – their website has a handy list of locations and other useful country-specific information. To avoid the tedious bureaucracy when applying in person, many people obtain a visa via a tour operator or visa agent.
How much does a China tourist visa cost?
Most tourists pay around US$35 for a single entry visa valid for 30 days from the day you enter China. Reflecting frosty relations between China and some foreign governments, UK citizens pay £151, US citizens pay US$140, Canadian citizens pay C$142, Australian citizens pay A$109 and French, German, Italian, Dutch and Spanish citizens pay €126.
How long is a Chinese visa valid for?
Regular China tourist visas are valid for 30 days and must be used within three (or six, if double-entry) months of their date of issue. Never overstay your visa: the fine is ¥500 a day, with the possibility of being deported and banned from re-entering China for the next five years. If you think you'll need to stay longer, start the process of applying for a visa extension well before your visa expires.
How long does it take to get a Chinese visa extension?
The process takes between 2 and 7 working days, the fee is ¥160 (or ¥760/500 for US/UK citizens). You can only extend your stay for as long as the duration of your original visa. You’ll need to provide your original passport, two photos and a receipt from your accommodation in the town where you are applying for your extension.
Can I extend my visa to Tibet?
Because of the complicated permit system, extending your stay in Tibet is impossible, and Xinjiang, Beijing and Shanghai can also be tricky places to extend a standard tourist visa. The Caravanistan website has some useful visa extension reports from travelers. A second extension is harder to get, and a third extension is extremely unlikely.
Can I travel to China with a passport?
Holders of passports from a handful of countries can travel visa-free to mainland China for tourism or business purposes. Citizens of Brunei, Japan and Singapore get 15 days, citizens of the Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Qatar, Serbia, Seychelles, Tonga, and the United Arab Emirates get 30 days, citizens of Mauritius get 60 days, and citizens of Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and San Marino get 90 days.
Can I extend my Chinese visa?
Chinese visas can be extended once without too much difficulty at the Public Security Bureau (PSB) offices found in larger Chinese towns and cities, though an extension is not guaranteed. The process takes between 2 and 7 working days, the fee is ¥160 (or ¥760/500 for US/UK citizens). You can only extend your stay for as long as the duration of your original visa. You’ll need to provide your original passport, two photos and a receipt from your accommodation in the town where you are applying for your extension.
How long is a Chinese visa valid?
The new visa may only be valid for three months.
How long have foreigners been in China?
Foreigners who have been in Mainland China for all of the 21 days prior to their entry into Macau for the purpose of family reunification, work, study, important business events, or academic or professional activities.
How long do you quarantine in China?
For example, if you enter China at Guangzhou from Sydney on your way to Xi'an, you should quarantine in Guangzhou for 14 days. After your 14-day quarantine in Guangzhou (if your quarantine test results are normal), you could then head to Xi'an.
When will China ban travel?
Now you can only travel to China if you have a Chinese residence permit for work, personal matters, or reunion or a visa issued after March 28th, 2020.
When did China suspend entry?
In March 2020, China suspended entry into the country for all foreigners . For necessary or emergency entry into China, foreigners need to apply for a new visa at the Chinese Embassy.
When will China open its borders?
Optimistically, China may open its borders in early 2022. Foreign nationals currently in China can travel in China as long as they have the required documents including ID (usually passport) and a green health code. Recently [June 2021], there has been a rise in COVID-19 cases in Guangdong Province.
Is China back to normal?
Things in China have already gone back to normal, mostly. Occasionally, there are some regional cases, like in Nanjing and Zhangjiajie now [August 2021]. Timely measures have been taken to control the spread of the outbreaks.
