How to Apply for a China Visa for US Citizens
- Identify the Appropriate China Embassy/Consulate Unfortunately, you can’t just apply to any Chinese embassy. ...
- Fill Out Application & Gather Appropriate Documents The next step is to fill out the China visa application form and gather all other necessary documentation as described above. ...
- Submit Your China Visa Application
Full Answer
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.
Can an American get a Chinese visa outside the US?
Re: China Tourist Visa for US Citizen Applying Outside of US. Let's say that you are American but a permanent resident of Canada. You can apply in Canada, show your PR card as proof of legal status and you'll get the 10-year visa. No PR card, no visa at all. Replace Canada by virtually any country in the world.
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.
Does China give permanent visas?
Whereas the applicant is abroad, the Ministry of Public Security will issue Form of Conformation of Permanent Residence of Aliens, the applicant should go to the Chinese embassies or consulate offices to apply for D visa on the strength of the Form, and obtain Certificate of Permanent Residence of aliens within 30 days upon entry from the public security authority that has accepted the applications.
Required Documents For Chinese Visa
To apply and receive a visa; the following requirements must be met: 1. A person must have a passport that is valid for at least six remaining mont...
Access to The Visa Application Form
There are several ways to go about gaining access to the China visa application form for entering into China. For starters, a person can visit his...
Processing A Chinese Visa
Once the application for a Chinese visa is filled out, a person needs to decide how to have it processed. It could take four days for the visa to b...
How much does a Chinese visa cost?
The visa cost for the Chinese Tourist Visa is 140 USD. But first, you need to have your application confirmed for it. If you apply with iVisa, the cost of your Chinese 10-year Visa Application (necessary to obtain the visa) will depend on the processing time you choose. We have three options for you:
What do I need to do next when I obtain the Chinese Application Form?
When you receive the Chinese online form (sent by us to your email), you need to follow the next steps:
How long is the Chinese 10-year Tourist Visa valid for?
The Chinese Tourist Visa is valid for 10 years after issued. In addition, it is a Multiple Entry visa and allows a maximum stay of 60 days Per Entry.
What is a Chinese Group eVisa?
The Chinese Group eVisa is a tourist visa that is issued to tourist groups comprised of least 2 members traveling together both into and out of China. The Chinese Group eVisa is issued as a stand-alone document, not as a sticker on a passport, like the Chinese Tourist Visa.
What does it cost to obtain a Chinese Group eVisa?
The cost of your Chinese Group eVisa will depend on the processing time you choose. iVisa has three options too choose from:
How will I receive my Chinese Group eVisa?
Upon approval, we will send you the original via FedEx. We will also provide a PDF copy, sent via email, for your records. Note that you MUST present the original copy upon entry.
What is the most popular type of Chinese visa?
The most popular type of Chinese visa is the 10-year Tourist Visa (paper visa) and the Group eVisa. These visas are popular among US passport holders because it is not mandatory to go to the Chinese embassy anymore in order to issue them. iVisa is one of the few authorized companies that can handle appropriately the visa application for both ...
How to get a visa for China?
You can find your nearest Chinese consulate, embassy, or visit a China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC).
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!).
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.
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.
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 Apply for a Chinese Visa?
To apply for a visa to China, a person will need to go to the Chinese Embassy or Chinese Consulate in one’s area. If a person cannot appear in person, it is possible for them to have a friend or family member apply for them. Additionally, a travel visa expediter can apply for a person as well.
How long does it take to get a Chinese visa?
Once the application for a Chinese visa is filled out, a person needs to decide how to have it processed. It could take four days for the visa to be processed; however, express service can be obtained which will have it processed in two to three days.
How long is a Chinese visa valid?
Depending on the type of Chinese visa you have applied for but usually, a visa would be valid for the following: 10 Years, 1 Year, 6 Months and 3 Months depending on the type of visa you have selected. These visas are only valid for the time it would issue and once the last day of the visa is reach you will need to apply for a new visa as old visa would not be able to extend past the last day of validity.
How old do you have to be to get a visa to China?
For people who are under the age of 18 and wishing to enter China, a clear copy of their birth certificate must be provided.
How long does it take to get a Chinese passport back?
The embassy has a number of services type to get your passport back on time below are the type of the services: Regular Services – 4 business days: The Embassy may take longer depending on the case. Express Services – 2 – 3 business days.
How many months do you have to have a passport to get a visa?
To apply and receive a visa; the following requirements must be met: A person must have a passport that is valid for at least six remaining months. The person must have at least one blank page in his or her visa book. There must be a picture of the person on the passport. The picture must be recent as well as at least 48mm x 33mm in size.
How many times can you enter China with a double entry visa?
For example, if you have a double entry visa which means you are able to enter China (mainland) two times. If you travel to New York to China this would be one entry and let’s say you then visit Hong Kong and back to China this would be the second entry.
How long can a US citizen travel to China?
If you are a US citizen wishing to travel to China many times for tourism purposes, then this type of visa is for you. The 10-year Chinese visa allows US citizens to travel to China for 10 years as many times as they want. To apply for the visa first you will need to fill out an application. Thanks to iVisa, now you can do it online just by completing our easy application form. You will find more information about it on this blog.
How long does it take to apply for a China Tourist 10-year Visa?
Less than 10 minutes. That's all you will need to send your application. We will take care of the rest and shortly after we will let you know the status of the application by email.
What is a China Tourist 10-year Visa?
Those holding a US passport, who also reside in the US, are now eligible for a 10-year visa for tourism. This visa allows you to enter and leave China as many times as you want within the 10 year period. Please note that the maximum stay per visit is 60 days.
How long can visitors with a US passport stay in China with a Chinese Tourist 10-year Visa?
Visitors carrying a Chinese Tourist 10-year Visa can enter China for a maximum of 60 days Per Entry. All visits are strictly limited to business or tourism, so you can NOT seek paid work or employment.
How does the Chinese 10-year Visa work?
Our service includes completing the Chinese Visa Application Form and providing a Preparation Guide for the steps that applicants must follow in order to get their China 10 year tourist visa.
What do I need to do next when I obtain the Chinese application form?
When you receive the Chinese online form, you need to follow the next steps:
What is the second step in visa application?
The second step will ask you to revise step one and make the payment. The last step consists of a questionnaire. Other documents may be required as well, but it depends on personal circumstances. Click here to start. After you are done, submit your form and wait for your visa to arrive.
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 apply for a Chinese visa?
To apply for a visa, submit a completed copy of the visa application form, a valid passport with at least six months' validity and a color passport-style photograph that measures 2 square inches. The Chinese visa system does not accept personal checks or cash, so pay by MasterCard, Visa, money order, company check or cashier’s check.
What is a visa for China?
A visa is a permit issued by a government that allows entry of foreign residents. There are several types of visas to China, depending on the purpose of your visit, including business, journalist, student, transit and tourist visas.
How long is a Chinese tourist visa valid?
Tourist visas are generally valid for six or 12 months. Foreigners who were born in China or spouses and children of Chinese citizens are eligible for visas that are valid for 24 months.
How many foreigners visited China in 2007?
China received more than 26 million foreign visitors in 2007, according to the China National Tourism Administration. Beijing's ancient attractions such as the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, modern sites such as the National Stadium and Aquatics Center, and its proximity to the Great Wall make it a popular tourist destination. Most foreigners require a visa for entry to China.
Can a tourist visa take you to the Great Wall of China?
A tourist visa for China could take you to the Great Wall. (Photo: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images )
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.