Expedited China Visa for US Citizens

Gather and send the following documents to Visa Express:

Foreigners who wish to enter China for tourism purposes will need an L visa, which usually allows stays of up to 60 days per entry for US citizens. The China visa can also be on a multiple entry, double-entry, or single-entry basis. Canada and U.S. citizens may qualify for a multiple entry China visa, valid for ten years.

Please note: non-US citizens can’t get a multiple-entry China visa. Only single- or double-entry visas are issued, even if you had a multiple-entry visa before.

You must send your actual passport. You need to know the following concerning passports:

• Your U.S. passport must retain validity for at least six months beyond your intended entry date into China. Those with more than a year of validity remaining can avail themselves of a 10-year Chinese visa.
• Ensure your passport boasts a minimum of two blank pages for visa stamps.
• Enclose a photocopy of the passport information page.

• Digital passport photo – You must upload a recent, color passport-style photo taken within the last six months, with a completely clear white background.
• Passport data page – A photo of the passport page that contains your personal information and photo.
• Blank visa pages – A photo showing two blank visa pages inside your passport.
• Proof of residence – A photo of your driver’s license or a utility bill.
• Previous Chinese visa – A photo of your previous Chinese visa and the data page of your previous passport (if applicable).
• For non-US citizen – provide legal status in the US ( A photo of green card or valid US visa)
• Requirements for minors – A photo of birth certificate and passport from both parents.

• If you plan to use our 6-8 day expedited service, please fill out your China visa application online.

• If you live in the following states: AZ, AK, CA, CO, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, ND, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY. Please fill out your China visa application online.

• If you plan to use our 10-day, 15-day, or 20-day service and do not live in the states listed above, you must create an account on China’s online visa application system (please read the instructions below before you start), complete the visa application form, and upload the required documents.
  Each account can include multiple applicants. Please note that your account login information (email and password) must be shared with our agent so we can review and process all visa requests under that account.
  Important: Do not click the “Submit the application” button at the end (Step 10) of your online application. Instead, provide us with your online account login credentials (email & password).
  Ensure you have all the required digital files (see No. 2 above) before starting your online China visa application.

• For non expedited service, select application location based on your driver’s license:Select Washington DC: AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, OK, PR, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV
  Select New York: CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT
  Select San Francisco: AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY
• Create your China online visa application account to start your application.
• For applicants born in China, Macau, Taiwan, or Hong Kong, it’s necessary to include your Chinese name in Chinese characters under the “Other name(s)” section on the online visa application form.(大陆或港台出生的申请人，务必将中文名字填写在签证申请表上）

Additional Requirements for Minors:

• Copy of the Birth Certificate

• A copy of passport from both parents.

• If one of the parent is Chinese citizen, provide a copy of the green card.

Additional Requirements for Chinese Americans Born in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong: and Macau:

• First time applicants who were born in China must submit original Chinese passport , a copy of the naturalization certificate and any name change documents, such as marriage certificate.
• First time applicants who were born in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau must submit a photocopy of their previous passport.

Submit a document proving your current residential address, such as a copy of your driver’s license or a utility bill. Minors who don’t have a driver license can submit a copy of the parent’s driver license.

If you’ve traveled to China previously, you’ll need to furnish a copy of your most recently issued Chinese visa. Ensure it’s the latest version. If your previous valid Chinese visa is on your old passport, kindly include a copy of the old passport as well.

Please include a photocopy of your U.S. Green Card or a valid U.S. visa along with your application for a China visa.
Please note: non-US citizens can’t get a multiple-entry China visa. Only single- or double-entry visas are issued, even if you had a multiple-entry visa before.

To complete your order, please open the Visa Express online order form. You’ll be prompted to enter your personal details, order specifics, and payment information. Once you’ve filled in all the required fields, click on “Place Order” to generate your completed form. Afterward, print it out, sign it, and send your documents to the address specified on your order confirmation page.

Consulate Fee & Service Fee:
Please check the following table for Chinese consulate fee and our service fee:

Gather and send the following documents to Visa Express:

Foreign nationals intending to visit family members in China will require either a Q visa or an S visa, with a duration typically ranging from 90 to 180 days. U.S. citizens may be eligible for a multiple-entry China Q or S visa, which remains valid for up to ten years.

Submitting your actual passport is essential. Here are some important passport requirements you should be aware of:

• Your U.S. passport must be original and signed, with validity extending for at least 6 months from your intended entry date into China.
• If your U.S. passport has one year or more of remaining validity, you’re eligible for a 10-year China visa.
• Ensure your passport contains two or more consecutive blank pages designated for visa stamps and related stampings. Note that endorsement and amendment pages do not fulfill this requirement.
• Additionally, include a photocopy of the information page of your passport along with your China visa application.

• Digital passport photo – You must upload a recent, color passport-style photo taken within the last six months, with a completely clear white background.
• Passport data page – A photo of the passport page that contains your personal information and photo.
• Blank visa pages – A photo showing two blank visa pages inside your passport.
• Proof of residence – A photo of your driver’s license or a utility bill.
• Previous Chinese visa – A photo of previous Chinese visa and the data page of your previous passport (if applicable).
• Invitation letter – A photo of family member invitation letter from China.
• Host’s Chinese ID (not Chinese passport) – A photo both front and back sides, or, if host is not a citizen of China, their Chinese residence permit and their national passport’s information pages.
• Requirements for minors – A photo of Birth Certificate and passport from both parents.

• If you plan to use our 6-8 day expedited service, please fill out your China visa application online.

• If you live in the following states: AZ, AK, CA, CO, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, ND, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY. please fill out your China visa application online.

• If you plan to use our 10-day, 15-day, or 20-day service and do not live in the states listed above, you must create an account on China’s online visa application system (please read the instructions below before you start), complete the visa application form, and upload the required documents.
  Each account can include multiple applicants. Please note that your account login information (email and password) must be shared with our agent so we can review and process all visa requests under that account.
  Important: Do not click the “Submit the application” button at the end (Step 10) of your online application. Instead, provide us with your online account login credentials (email & password).
  Ensure you have all the required digital files (see No. 2 above) before starting your online China visa application.

• For non expedited service, select application location based on your driver’s license:Select Washington DC: AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV
  Select New York: AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, MA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WI
  Select San Francisco: AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY
• Create your China online visa application account to start your application.
• For applicants born in China, Macau, Taiwan, or Hong Kong, it’s necessary to include your Chinese name in Chinese characters under the “Other name(s)” section on the online visa application form.(大陆或港台出生的申请人，务必将中文名字填写在签证申请表上）

You family member must provide you an invitation letter along with copy of the host’s Chinese ID (both sides) or Copy of the Chinese residence permit

Below are the requirements of the invitation letter:

• Your name, gender, arrival, date of birth, passport number and departure dates;
• Your host’s name, signature, contact information, address, and copy of the Chinese ID (both sides) or China residence permit;
• State the relationship between you and your host;
• Specify the full address you plan to stay and who is financially responsible for the trip.

You need to submit a document that proves your current residential address. This document can be a copy of your driver’s license or a utility bill. Minors who don’t have a driver license can submit a copy of the parent’s driver license.

If you have visited China before, then you need to provide a copy of the previous Chinese visa. It must be the most recently issued version. If your last valid visa is on your previous old passport, please make sure to submit the original previous old passport.

You must send a photocopy of your U.S. Green Card or your valid U.S. visa with your China visa application.
Please note: non-US citizens can’t get a multiple-entry China visa. Only single- or double-entry visas are issued, even if you had a multiple-entry visa before.

Fill out the Visa Express online order form. You will be asked to input your personal information, order information, and payment information. After inputting your data, click on “Place Order” which will create your completed order form, print it out, sign it, and send your documents to the address specified on your order confirmation page.

Consulate Fee & Service Fee:
Please check the following table for Chinese consulate fee and our service fee:

You can opt for China business visa type M or F:

• China visa type F is offered to those who want to visit the country for non-commercial reasons on behalf of their employer. Valid reasons for such visits include cultural exchanges, scientific research, study visits (less than 180 days), attending lectures, etc. It’s usually a single-entry visa whose typical duration of stay is 30-90 days.
  
• China visa type M is available for foreigners who intend to visit China for trade and commercial activities on behalf of their non-Chinese employer. You must also receive an invitation into the country by a China-based business to get this visa.

Submitting your actual passport is necessary for the Chinese visa application process. Here are some important points regarding passports:

• You must possess an original signed U.S. passport that remains valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into China.
• If your U.S. passport has at least one year of remaining validity, you are eligible to obtain a 10-year M type China visa.
• Ensure that your passport contains two or more consecutive blank pages designated for visa stamps and other related stampings.
• Additionally, include a photocopy of the information page of your passport along with your application.

• Digital passport photo – You must upload a recent, color passport-style photo taken within the last six months, with a completely clear white background.
• Passport data page – A photo of the passport page that contains your personal information and photo.
• Blank visa pages – A photo showing two blank visa pages inside your passport.
• Proof of residence – A photo of your driver’s license or a utility bill.

• If you plan to use our 6-8 day expedited service, please fill out your China visa application online.

• If you live in the following states: AZ, AK, CA, CO, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, ND, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY. please fill out your China visa application online.

• If you plan to use our 10-day, 15-day, or 20-day service and do not live in the states listed above, you must create an account on China’s online visa application system (please read the instructions below before you start), complete the visa application form, and upload the required documents.
  Each account can include multiple applicants. Please note that your account login information (email and password) must be shared with our agent so we can review and process all visa requests under that account.
  Important: Do not click the “Submit the application” button at the end (Step 10) of your online application. Instead, provide us with your online account login credentials (email & password).
  Ensure you have all the required digital files (see No. 2 above) before starting your online China visa application.

• Select application location based on your driver’s license:Select Washington DC: AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV
  Select New York: AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, MA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WI
  Select San Francisco: AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY
• Create your China online visa application account to start your application.
• For applicants born in China, Macau, Taiwan, or Hong Kong, it’s necessary to include your Chinese name in Chinese characters under the “Other name(s)” section on the online visa application form.(大陆或港台出生的申请人，务必将中文名字填写在签证申请表上）

You need to provide the official Chinese PU letter, OR an invitation letter from the company in China.

Here’s what you should know about the letter of invitation:

• A letter of invitation must show which company in China has invited you for business. The letter must be on the company letterhead and should also contain the company stamp.
• The information in the letter of invitation includes your full names, date of birth, gender, passport number, and citizenship.
• Explain the reason as to why you want to make a business visit to China.
• You can submit the letter of invitation as a printout or copy.

You need to submit a document that proves your current residential address. This proof document can be a copy of your driver’s license or utility bill.

“If you’ve previously traveled to China, please include a copy of your most recent Chinese visa. Ensure that it is the latest version issued. In case your last valid visa is on a previous passport, kindly submit a copy of that passport as well.

• If you work with the media, NGO, or as part of a religious organization, you must have a personal statement letter as well as a letter from your employer on the company letterhead. The same applies if you work for an NGO. These should show that you are not traveling with the intention to perform any religious or media work.
• If you are a non-U.S- citizen, you must include a valid work visa or Green Card copy with your China visa application.
  Please note: non-US citizens can’t get a multiple-entry China visa. Only single- or double-entry visas are issued, even if you had a multiple-entry visa before.
  

Fill out the Visa Express online order form. You will be asked to input your personal information, order information, and payment information. After inputting your data, click on “Place Order” which will create your completed order form, print it out, sign it, and send your documents to the address specified on your order confirmation page.

Consulate Fee & Service Fee:
Please check the following table for Chinese consulate fee and our service fee:

The China work visa type Z is a single-entry visa available for foreigners who have obtained a job offer from a China-incorporated company. It is also given to their family members. This visa is the most common visa type for people who work in the country and is valid for 3 months. To obtain a work visa (Z), you must have an employment license or a work permit issued by the Chinese government. But you must apply to get a Residence Permit within 30 days of entry into China. How long you end up staying in China will be determined by the Temporary Residence Permit. The work permit can be renewed if you change employers.

You must send your actual passport. You need to know the following concerning passports:

• You must have an original signed U.S passport that must still be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into China.
• If you have at least one year of remaining validity on your U.S. passport, you will be able to get a 10-year China visa.
• Your passport must have two or more consecutive blank pages. This is where the visa stamps and other visa-related stampings will be placed.
• You must also provide a photocopy of the information page of your passport.

• If you plan to use our 6–8 day expedited service, please fill out China’s online visa application form. You must select North America, then New York. When filling out the online China visa application form, please do not click the “Submit” button at the end.

• If you plan to use our 15 day or 20 day service, all applicants must create an online account, complete the visa application form, and upload the required documents.
  Each account can include multiple applicants. Please note that your account login information (email and password) must be shared with our agent so we can review and process all visa requests under that account.
  Important: Do not click the “Submit the application” button at the end (Step 10) of your online application. Instead, provide us with your online account login credentials (email & password).
  Ensure you have all the required digital files (see No. 2 above) before starting your online China visa application.

• Select application location based on your driver’s license:Select Washington, DC: AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV
  Select New York: AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, MA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WI
  Select San Francisco: AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY
• Create your China online visa application account to start your application.
• For applicants born in China, Macau, Taiwan, or Hong Kong, it’s necessary to include your Chinese name in Chinese characters under the “Other name(s)” section on the online visa application form.(大陆或港台出生的申请人，务必将中文名字填写在签证申请表上）

Applicants must submit a colored passport-sized photograph that meets the following requirements:

• The photographs required for a China visa must be a passport photo that is 33mm wide and 48 mm tall.
• The photograph should be taken within six months and colored. It should feature the front view of your full face and bare head against a light background. This photo will be attached to the Chinese visa application form.

You must provide the Notification Letter of Foreigner’s Work Permit in China. Your employer in China obtains this for you.

You need to submit a document that proves your current residential address. This proof document can be a copy of your driver’s license or utility bill. Minors who don’t have a driver license can submit a copy of the parent’s driver license.

If you have visited China before, then you need to provide a copy of the previous Chinese visa. It must be the most recently issued version. If your last valid visa is on your previous old passport, please make sure to submit the original previous old passport.

Fill out the Visa Express online order form. You will be asked to input your personal information, order information, and payment information. After inputting your data, click on “Place Order” which will create your completed order form, then print it out and sign it.

Consulate Fee & Service Fee:
Please check the following table for Chinese consulate fee and our service fee:

FAQ – Visa For China

Planning a trip to China? Most US citizens need a visa before they travel. Below are the questions our clients ask most about China visa requirements, processing times and fees.
This is a comprehensive guide that sheds light on various issues people might have concerning Chinese visa.

Want the full picture? Our China visa guide for US citizens explains every visa type (L, M, F, Z, X, Q, S and more), the documents you need, consulate fees and processing times.

Planning your trip? Our travel guides cover visas, airport transfers, getting around and practical tips for each destination:

• Beijing travel guide – the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the 240-hour transit
• Shanghai travel guide – the Bund, the Maglev and day trips to Suzhou and Hangzhou
• Hong Kong travel guide – 90-day visa-free entry and crossing into mainland China
• Guangzhou and Canton Fair guide – business visas and getting to the fair
• Xi’an travel guide – visiting the Terracotta Warriors
• Dunhuang travel guide – the Mogao Caves and the Silk Road
• Getting around China – high-speed trains, metro, DiDi and apps
• China travel health guide – vaccines, medications and insurance