how to get tourist visa for china

5 Steps to Apply for 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. ...
• 3. Complete the 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.

Full Answer

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 Visa requirements for China?

• Those whose travel documents are valid for less than 3 months at the time of entry;
• Those who have Chinese visa refusal stamps in their passports;
• Those who have violated Chinese immigration laws in the past 5 years (including illegal employment, illegal entry or exit, illegal residence, as well as violations of the conditions of visa-free ...

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Is it hard to get a China visa?

China had about 120 million visitors last year, that is how easy it is to get a China visa.. You can use a visa agency, there is a fee. You can try freechinavisa.org, they service the Western states, don't know if CO is covered. It has the lowest price, visa cost is same, I think about $130? but no fee, $30 postage charge for 2 passports, $20 for one passport.

How much is a tourist visa to China?

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.

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

What is the duration to get a visa to go to China? On a general note, a Chinese visa will take 6-8 business days if you choose the standard processing time. The duration to get your Chinese visa can be as fast as 3 days if you choose a rush service, or with express service it could take between 4 to 5 business days.

How do I apply for a visa to visit China?

A valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when you enter China. A complete visa application form (The visa application form can be downloaded from the Chinese embassy website or from our website. You complete it by computer, print and sign it.

Is it easy to get a Chinese tourist visa?

The most popular type of visa for China, the L or tourist visa, is typically the easiest to apply for. You'll need to provide the three standard items (passport, application form, photo), an invitation letter from your host or travel documents (round-trip travel plus hotel booking), and proof of current residency.

Is China visa available 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.

How long can I stay in China on a tourist visa?

30 daysNormally the duration of stay of a "L" visa is 30 days, which means the holder of the visa may stay in China for up to 30 days from the date of entry.

Can I apply China visa online?

Starting from May10, 2021, the Chinese Visa E-application Form will be used for all visa applications submitted to the Chinese Embassy in India. Applicants (excluding those applying for Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR visas) can access and fill out the online electronic forms at http://cova.mfa.gov.cn.

Can I get a China visa online?

1,Visit the China Online Visa Application form at https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn and fill in all the information as required. After filling in, print out the confirmation page and the completed COVA form .

How long can I stay in China without a visa?

The government of the People's Republic of China allows holders of ordinary passports issued by some countries to travel to Mainland China for tourism or business purposes for up to 15, 30, 60 or 90 days without having to obtain a visa.

Why is it hard to get a visa for China?

1: China. Chinese Embassies are getting increasingly strict when it comes to visa applications. The Embassy will require a long list of documents including flights in and out of China and a hotel booking confirmation for every night of your stay.

Can I get Chinese visa same day?

Processing a Chinese Visa 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. If same-day processing is needed, a person will have to pay an additional fee.

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 do tourist visas take to process?

Visa processing takes approximately 21 workdays from the date on which the application is received by the Embassy.

How much does a Chinese visa cost in Australia?

Standard processing – this is one of the most comfortable and chosen options for our customers.It takes around 4 days to obtain your visa and for that you need to pay USD 63.99 including the service rate. Rush processing – this process allows you to have your visa approximately in 2 days paying a total of USD 94.99.

How long can I stay in China without a visa?

The government of the People's Republic of China allows holders of ordinary passports issued by some countries to travel to Mainland China for tourism or business purposes for up to 15, 30, 60 or 90 days without having to obtain a visa.

Do Americans need Chinese visa?

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.

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

It normally takes 4 working days for processing a China travel visa. For express service, an additional fee of USD 20 will be charged for two or three working day service. For rush service, an additional fee of USD30 will be charged for same-day service.

Is an appointment required for Chinese consulate?

An appointment is not mandatory. Applications by mails are not accepted and will be refused at most Chinese embassies or consulates. In countries with CVASCs, applicants may be able to apply by post, or submit applications based on an online appointment via the website of CVASC.

Do you need a visa for a group tour?

If travelling with an organized tour group, you might not have an individual visa in your passport. Instead, the tour group will be issued a group tour visa bearing all the members' names. In such situations supply your details to the travel agency beforehand and you will have no further concerns.

What are the Requirements for China Tourist Visa Application?

This article mainly offer guide at Chinese Embassy or Consulate abroad. Like all other visa categories, all applicants are required to prepare and submit necessary materials properly and truthfully. Read our step-by-step instruction to China Tourist Visa application below.

How Long does It Take to Get A Tourist Visa to China?

Chinese Embassy and Consulate will start to process your application until all required documents submitted. Regular application takes about 4 working days, which you may pick up on the 4th or 5th working day. Express Service takes around 2-3 working days, that means, you may collect on the 3rd to 4th working day. Rush Service generally needs nearly 1 working day for processing, and applicants may obtain on the second working day. Same Day Rush Service for emergency entry is offered for applicants in US.

How Much is A Tourist L Visa for China?

China Tourist Visa Fees and cost differ by nationalities, number of entries and visa services, and where you submit.

What information is needed for a passport?

a. Information on the applicant (passport number, nationality, full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

Where can I travel with a Chinese visa?

With a Chinese Visa, you can freely travel to many cities in mainland China, among all, Beijing, Shanghai are used as gate way cities, Xian, Guilin, Chengdu are also excellent destinations to discovery different regional culture, history and local customs in China.

Can I travel to China without a visa?

However, special visitors may travel to China without visa, such as, citizens of Singapore, Brunei and Japan could enjoy 15-day “no-visa” China tour, or transit passengers qualified for China ’s 72 / 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit. Click Visa Free Policy of China to find out whether you need to get a visa for tour in China.

Do you need to give personal information to get a visa?

Your personal information and travel related details should be given completely and correctly. Visa officers will verify carefully to determine whether approve your entry.

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

A regular China Visa application takes about 4 to 5 working days. It’s suggested to submit application around 1 month in advance before your entry date to China.

How to get a visa free layover in China?

To get a visa-free layover tour in China, you must hold valid passport of the appointed 53 countries and departing ticket to a third country or region (including HK, Macau, Taiwan), transit through China via certain port in cities or regions.

What is a Z visa in China?

Judge you purpose of visiting, and choose the most appropriate visa category to apply, e.g. China L Visa is for tour, M Visa is for business, Z visa is for work in China.

How many questions are there about China visa?

64 updated China Visa-related questions are listed to give assistance for your visa application. Get the most valuable answers and advice to make a visa worry-free China tour.

Can Singaporeans travel to China?

Singaporeans, Bruneians and Japaneses ordinary passport holders may obtain a unilateral visa exemption for tour, business, visiting family or friends in China with 15 days. It’s free to travel to most cities across China then. Fiji, Qatar and all 14 countries benefit mutual visa exemption between China.

Is China a visa free country?

Another good news is, China has carried out many visa-free policies for different situations of nationality, transportation of entry, place will visit, etc. , to closer contact to the world and present diverse charm of China. Among all, the 144-Hour Transit in China Without Visa (TWOV) is most concerned and frequently used. Without pre-arrival application, qualified tourists could get “no-visa” entry and tour through fast procedures by a few documents , which is time, money and energy-saving.

Does China have a transit visa?

Currently, China offers 24-hour, 72-hour and 144-hour transit visa free, totally 3 kinds of special visa services for foreigners transit convenience. Eligible travelers not only get Transit Visa exempted without any charges, but also granted a short-term stopover to explore brilliant and diverse nature, culture and history of China, spice up your world journey.

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 apply for a Chinese visa?

To apply for a China visa, you need to complete an application form attached with your recently-taken color photo, prepare a valid passport, and submit them along with other supporting documents to the Chinese embassy or consulate which is in charge of your residence area . Check the step-by-step guide on how to apply for a China visa below for details.

How to get a passport back from China?

Go to the place where you apply for China visa on the date appointed at the pick-up slip. Pay the fee and you will get your passport back with visa. See China Visa Fees.

What documents are needed for a visa?

Documents required for all types of visa include passport and visa application form attached with a recently-taken photo. Besides, other supporting documents are required, but they vary according to the visa type you are applying for. For instance, if you apply for a tourist L visa, the supporting documents will refer to round-trip tickets, ...

How long before a visa expires can you renew it?

The best way is to renew the current visa to a temporary visa at least 5 days before it expires. At the same time, try to find a new job, and then change the temporary visa to a work visa.

How long does a Chinese passport last?

The requirements for this visa are the same, with the addition that your passport must remain valid for at least 12 months upon your arrival in China, instead of six.

Do Americans Need Tourist Visas When Traveling to China?

Yes, U.S. passport holders need visas to enter China. Each American citizen traveling to China must also have a passport that remains valid for at least six more months upon entering the country. Failing to provide these documents at the Chinese border will result in speedy deportation and a hefty fine.

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.

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.

What provinces are in the consular district of China?

This consular district includes: the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning.

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 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:

Who is the only authorized visitor during initial detention?

A consular officer may be the only authorized visitor during your initial detention period.

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.