how do you get a visa for china

1. Prepare your passport and ensure its validity is no less than six months.
2. Book round-trip tickets and hotels, and print the booking records. Alternatively, book a tour from a travel agency and get the invitation letter.
3. Complete the application form. (See 8 Tips for Filling out Chinese Visa Application Form)
4. Submit the above documents to the Chinese embassy / consulate or CVASC which has jurisdiction in your residence area.
5. Collect your passport and visa on the appointed date and pay the fee.

What is the process for getting a visa for China?

Ø STEP 1: Select a visa category that best describes your trip to China and prepare your visa application including necessary supporting documents accordingly. Ø STEP 2: Submit your application to the Visa Office of Chinese Embassy/ Consulate General based on your State of residence ( Locate a Visa Office that serves your state)

How long does it take for a China visa?

If you have all the necessary documents and hold a passport with at least six months’ validity and two blank pages, it should take between two (if you apply for the express service) to four working days to get a Chinese Visa.

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 much does a visa to China cost?

How much does a China tourist visa cost? The fee is $140 for U.S. citizens regardless of the number of entries. Applicants can pay the fee with Visa, MasterCard, money order, cashier's check or company check. The visa office does not accept personal checks or cash.

How much does a visa to China cost?

$140How much does a China tourist visa cost? The fee is $140 for U.S. citizens regardless of the number of entries. Applicants can pay the fee with Visa, MasterCard, money order, cashier's check or company check. The visa office does not accept personal checks or cash.

Is it easy to get a Chinese visa?

The application for the Chinese Tourist 10-year Visa is really easy. It has only three steps: The first step will ask you to fill in your general information. You also need to choose the processing time from the options mentioned above.

How long does it take to get a visa to China?

4-5 business daysUsually it takes 4-5 business days to process, although times vary, so prepare accordingly. Keep in mind you won't want to apply too early, as the visa is only valid for 90/180 days depending on whether it's for single or double entry. If you apply 1-2 months in advance you should be golden!

Do you need a visa to travel to China?

Do U.S. citizens need a visa to visit China? Yes. U.S. citizens planning to visit China's mainland must apply for an entry visa through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General.

Is China Giving visa now?

China's Embassy in India has updated its COVID-19 visa policy after a hiatus of two years. Reportedly, China has now lifted the visa ban imposed on Indians, and announced that it plans to provide visas to Indian professionals and their families, who have not been able to travel back to China due to the pandemic.

What documents do I need to travel to China?

Entry, Exit and Visa RequirementsObtain a visa prior to arrival and have a passport with at least six months' validity remaining. ... Apply for a ten-year multiple entry visa, useful for repeated travel, or trips to Hong Kong or Macau with returns to China.If you plan to work in China, be sure to obtain the correct visa.More items...

Is China issuing visas to US citizens?

Yes. China currently allows foreign nationals with valid residence permits and visas to enter the country under certain very limited conditions. The U.S. Embassy has no say in these policies, and these are subject to change at any time.

How does a US citizen get a visa for China?

Visit your local Chinese Embassy/Consulate and submit your application form and other documents required. Pay the visa cost (140 USD) at the visa office and pick your visa.

Which countries can visit China without visa?

A citizen of Singapore, Brunei or Japan with an ordinary passport is exempted from a visa if he/she visits the mainland of China for tourism, business, or meeting with friends or relatives, and if he/she enters China through ports open to foreigners, and stays for no more than 15 days.

How long can foreigners stay in China?

Tourist visas are typically offered on a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry basis with the duration of stay ranging from 30 days to 90 days. Citizens from the US and Canada may be eligible for multiple-entry L-Visas valid for 10 years.

Did China cancel all visas?

In view of the rapid global spread of COVID-19, China has decided to temporarily suspend the entry of foreign nationalities with currently valid visas or residence permits, as of 28th March 2020 0:00 am. Entry of foreign nationalities with APEC Business Travel Cards will be suspended as well.

How do I obtain a visa?

Steps to Apply for a US VisaCheck if you need a visa.Choose the type of US visa you will apply for.Fill in the Non-immigrant visa Application Form DS-160.Pay your application fee.Schedule visa interview.Compile the document file.Attend the visa interview.Wait for processing.

Did China cancel all visas?

In view of the rapid global spread of COVID-19, China has decided to temporarily suspend the entry of foreign nationalities with currently valid visas or residence permits, as of 28th March 2020 0:00 am. Entry of foreign nationalities with APEC Business Travel Cards will be suspended as well.

How much is a visa for China for US citizen?

$140Number of EntryU.S. CitizensCitizens of Third CountriesSingle Entry$140$30Double Entries$140$45Multiple Entries for 6 Months$140$60Multiple Entries for 12 Months or more$140$90

How can I get China visa from USA?

Tourist Application Requirements for a China VisaPassport. You must provide your actual signed passport, including one copy of the personal information page of your passport. ... Photographs. ... Letter of Invitation. ... Proof of State Residency. ... CIBTvisas Order Form. ... Travel Record. ... Health Declaration. ... Authorization Letter.More items...

How do I get a Chinese visa for 2021?

Please fill out your visa application form (https://www.visaforchina.org) online in advance, make a reservation, and submit your application at the scheduled time.

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 to get a visa for China?

You can find your nearest Chinese consulate, embassy, or visit a China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC).

What is a business visa type in China?

Are you visiting China for your current job? Business visa type F is for those visiting for non-commercial reasons on behalf of their employer, like conferences, scientific research, or cultural exchange, while business visa type M is available for those involved in trade or commercial purposes while in the country.

How long does it take to get a visa?

Usually it takes 4-5 business days to process, although times vary, so prepare accordingly. Keep in mind you won’t want to apply too early, as the visa is only valid for 90/180 days depending on whether it’s for single or double entry. If you apply 1-2 months in advance you should be golden!

How long does a work visa last in China?

Valid for 3 months, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit within 30 days, and this residency permit will actually determine how long you are able to stay.

How long does it take to get a temporary residence permit in China?

Student visas have similar fees as other types of visas, and X1 visa holders should apply for a temporary residence permit within 30 days of arrival. It’s important to note that you cannot work while on a China student visa.

How long can a US citizen stay in China?

So, what types of visas exist and how do you apply for a China visa as a US citizen? Most likely, you’ll want an L-Visa, or tourist visa that allows a single entry with a stay for up to 30 days. However, as a US citizen, you could also apply for a multiple-entry 10-year visa, which may be worth it if you plan on bouncing around Asia or spending more time in the country (understandable, there’s a lot to explore!).

Is China a country?

China is a vast, ethnically diverse country of many languages, peoples, and cultures making it an extraordinary place to travel, work, and explore. If you’re planning on visiting this remarkable country, you’ll want to do your research and prepare for your trip. The most important piece of prep is undoubtedly the Chinese visa, and how you go about securing one. Luckily, there are many resources to guide you in how to get a visa for China.

How to get a tourist visa for China?

1. Prepare your passport and ensure its validity is no less than six months. 2. Book round-trip tickets and hotels, and print the booking records. Alternatively, book a tour from a travel agency and get the invitation letter. 3.

How long is a Chinese passport valid?

1. Your passport, which should be valid for at least six months. 2. A complete Chinese Tourist Visa Application Form attached with your passport style photo. 3. Round-trip tickets and hotel reservations or an invitation letter from from a travel agency in China. 4.

How Long Does It Take for the Application?

It normally takes only four working days. In case you are in a hurry, you may apply for the expedited services like same day collection service or 2-3 day collection service. Of course, such services require an additional fee.

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 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 get a visa for China?

Locate a Visa Office of Chinese Embassy/Consulate General that serves your area. Visit the Chinese Embassy website to find a location. There are six locations in the US to serve Americans wishing to obtain tourist visas to visit China and one office in England for British citizens. Check the embassy website for offices in other countries. You must either come to the Embassy or Consulate personally or you may entrust someone else or an agent for the application process (a power of attorney is not necessary).

How to apply for a Chinese visa?

Article Summary X. To apply for a Chinese tourist visa, first go online to the Chinese embassy's website and download and complete the visa application. Then, get together your passport, a recent passport photo, and your travel itinerary, which must show your flight arrangements and accommodations while you’re in China.

How long does it take to get a visa to China?

Ensure the validity of your passport. To get a tourist visa to visit China, you must have a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity, so if your passport will expire in less than six months, you will need to renew before you can get a tourist visa to visit China.

How to apply for multiple entry visa?

To apply for a multiple-entry visa, you will use the same form (Form V.2013) as when applying for a regular tourist visa. When you are filling it out, make sure you indicate in Section 2.2 that you are intending to make multiple entries.

How to show your flight to China?

Provide an itinerary to show your flight and accommodations in China. You will need some kind of document showing your flight arrangements and hotel reservations while you are in China. If you will be staying with a friend, you must have an invitation letter that includes your information (name, date of birth, gender, etc.), information about the visit including the duration and planned sightseeing, etc., and information for the person that has invited you, including their name, telephone number, address, an official stamp, and signature.

How long can you stay in China without a visa?

Citizens of some countries who are visiting an airport or city in China for less than 72 hours and have a reservation on a plane traveling out of the country during that time may be exempt from the need for a visa. Check here to find out more.

How much does a Tibet travel permit cost?

Permits usually cost around $30 for a single-entry permit and are valid for three months.

How long does it take to get a visa for China?

The processing time differs from visa types. Normally, it takes about 4 to 5 business days for applicant to get a China Visa, and the accurate collection date will be noted on the pick-up slip. If you submit China Tourist Visa (L Visa) on Monday, you can pick up on Thursday. Check carefully the visa type, duration of stay, number of entries if they are issued correctly or not, after getting your passport back. Double check the validity when you plan to enter China, otherwise you will be denied entry.

When Do I Need A Visa for China?

After checking the visa free policy of China, it’s clear that you are required to hold a China visa to enter China if they don’t meet any one situations above. You should know mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau own different visa regulations, and Tibet requires special travel document for tourism. So you need to apply for relevant visa based on your purpose, destination and duration of your visit to China.

What are the different types of Chinese visas?

Read different types of Chinese Visa to figure out which kind of visa you should apply for. Determine if you are suitable applicants for each visa type, by judging your purpose of visiting is for travel, business, work, transit, family reunion and etc or not. China Tourist Visa (L Visa) is for visitor going to China for tourism, F Visa is for exchanges, study tour, Business Visa (M Visa) is for commercial and trade, Student Visa (X Visa) is for studying in China. More Chinese Visa Types >>

Where can I stay without a visa?

for 6 days without a visa, or have a 3 days visa-free stay in Xian, Guilin, Chongqing, Harbin and else cities.

How long can a US citizen stay in Hong Kong?

US, Australian, Canadian, Japanese Citizens can enter and visit Hong Kong for 90 days, British Citizens can stay for 180 days without a visa. Indian Citizens are required to submit application online and register themselves before entry, and then Indians can stay in Hong Kong visa free for 14 days.

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.

Where to apply for a Chinese business visa?

You can submit your application for Chinese business visa to the consular office of Chinese embassies or consulates by yourself, or ask someone else (such as your friends, relatives) or entrust an agency to do so on your behalf. The power of attorney is not required. For China business visa UK, or in some countries like Singapore, India, and Australia, you need to submit the application to the CVASC (Chinese Visa Application Center).

What is a business visa in China?

China business visa or trade visa, M visa for short, is issued to foreigners coming for commercial and trade activities , such as attending trade fairs, visiting clients and factories, negotiating with clients, and signing contracts. The validity period of China M visa is three months in most cases, while the allowed duration of stay is usually 30 days and can be longer depending on applicants' personal cases. For Canada, Argentina, and US citizens, they can even get a 10-year China business visa.#N#China M or F visa used to confuse many foreign visitors. From 2013, the original F is divided into M and F. The former is for business and trade, while today’s China F visa applies to noncommercial sci-tech and culture exchanges.

What documents are needed for a M visa in China?

Basic Documents for M Visa China: 1. Valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity and more than one blank visa page; and a copy of the information page. 2. A completed typewritten application form with a recently-taken color photo glued to or stapled on.

How long does it take to get a business visa extension in China?

After entering China, if the duration of stay cannot cover your trip, it’s possible to go to the local exit and entry administration to apply for a China business visa extension at least seven days before the original M visa expires. Usually it costs CNY 168 for a single extension.

Is a business visa the same as a tourist visa?

China business visa fees are the same as that of tourist visas. The applicant’s nationality and number of entries make a difference. Generally China multiple-entry business visa cost more. In countries where there are CVASC, you need to pay both the Chinese M visa fee and the service fee to the center.