China Visa

THE FAST AND EASY WAY TO GET A VISA FOR CHINA

Expedited China Visa

THE FAST AND EASY WAY TO GET A VISA FOR CHINA

CHINA TOURIST VISA APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Gather and send the following documents to Visa Express

Foreigners who wish to enter China for tourism purposes will need an L visa, which has a duration of between 60 to 90 days. 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 Chinese visa policy has been tightened recently. Multiple-entry visa is not issued to non-US citizen. Single entry or double visa will be issued instead in most cases, even though you may have obtained multiple entry visa before.

 1. Valid Passport

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.

 2.Digital Photograph:

  • You need to prepare and upload a digital passport size photo for your online Chinese visa application.
  • Your photo should be recent, taken within the last six months, in color, with a completely clear, white background.

  3. China Visa Application :

  • All applicants for a China Visa must complete a Chinese visa application form online. When filling out the online China visa application form, please ensure that you DO NOT click on the Submit button at the end (step 11: review). Instead, you only need to write down and provide us with the application ID. The China visa application form is available online via [here].
  • Select the application location based on the location where your driver’s license was issued:
    Select New York if your driver license was issued from: AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DE, FL,GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV, WY
    Select San Francisco if your driver license was issued from: AK, CA, NV, OR, WA
  • For applicants who were born in China, Macau, Taiwan, or Hong Kong, you must also type your Chinese name in Chinese characters under 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.

 4. Proof of Residency

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.

 5. Previous Chinese Visa

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.

 6. For Non U.S. Citizens:

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 Chinese visa policy has been tightened recently. Multiple-entry visa is not issued to non-US citizen. Single entry or double visa will be issued instead in most cases, even though you may have obtained multiple entry visa before.

  7. Visa Express Order Form:

To complete your order, please click on the provided link to access the 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.

  8. Processing Time and Fees:

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

PROCESSING TIME ENTRIES VALIDITY CONSULATE FEE SERVICE FEE TOTAL COST
4 Business Days Multiple 10 Years for US Passport $170 $499 $669
6-8 Business Days Multiple 10 Years for US Passport $160 $349 $509
10-12 Business Days  Multiple 10 Years for US Passport $140 $249 $389
15 Business Days Multiple 10 Years for US Passport $140 $149 $289

CHINA FAMILY VISIT VISA REQUIREMENTS

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.

 1. Valid Passport

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.

 2. Digital Passport Photo:

  • You need to prepare and upload a digital passport size photo for your online Chinese visa application.
  • Your photo should be recent, taken within the last six months, in color, with a completely clear, white background.

  3. China Visa Application:

  • All applicants seeking a China Visa must complete the Chinese visa application form online. However, refrain from clicking the Submit button at the end (Step 11: review). Instead, simply note down and provide us with the application ID. You can access the China visa application form online via the provided link [here].

  • When filling out the form, select the application location based on where your driver’s license was issued:
    Choose New York if your driver’s license was issued from: AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV, WY.
    Select San Francisco if your driver’s license was issued from: AK, CA, NV, OR, WA.
  • 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.

 4. Invitation Letter:

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.

 5. Proof of Residency

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.

 6. Previous Chinese Visa

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.

 7. For Non U.S. Citizens:

You must send a photocopy of your U.S. Green Card or your valid U.S. visa with your China visa application.
Please note Chinese visa policy has been tightened recently. Multiple-entry visa is not issued to non-US citizen. Single entry or double visa will be issued instead in most cases, even though you may have obtained multiple entry visa before.

  8. Visa Express Order Form:

Click here to completely fill-out 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.

  9. Processing Time and Fees:

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

PROCESSING TIME ENTRIES VALIDITY CONSULATE FEE SERVICE FEE TOTAL COST
4 Business Days Multiple 10 Years for US Passport $170 $499 $669
6-8 Business Days Multiple 10 Years for US Passport $160 $349 $509
10-12 Business Days  Multiple 10 Years for US Passport $140 $249 $389
15 Business Days Multiple 10 Years for US Passport $140 $149 $289
china-business-visa6

CHINA BUSINESS VISA APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

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.

 1. Original Passport:

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.

 2. Digital Photograph:

For your online Chinese visa application, it’s necessary to prepare and upload a digital passport-size photo. Here are some guidelines for the photo:

  • The photo should be recent, taken within the last six months.
  • It must be in color and have a completely clear, white background.
  • Ensure that the photo meets the standard passport size requirements.
  • Avoid any accessories that obscure your face, such as hats or sunglasses.

Once you have the photo ready, you can upload it to your online Chinese visa application as per the provided instructions.

 3. Chinese Visa Application Form:

All applicants applying for a China Visa must complete the Chinese visa application form online. However, please refrain from clicking the Submit button at the end (Step 11: review). Instead, simply jot down and provide us with the application ID. You can access the China visa application form online via the provided link [here].

  • When filling out the form, select the application location based on where your driver’s license was issued:
    Choose New York if your driver’s license was issued from: AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV, WY.
    Select San Francisco if your driver’s license was issued from: AK, CA, NV, OR, WA.
  • For applicants who were born in China, Macau, Taiwan, or Hong Kong, you must also type your Chinese name in Chinese characters under Other name(s) section on the online visa application form.

Additional Requirements Chinese Americans Born in China:

  • 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.

 4. PU letter OR Letter of invitation:

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.

  5. Proof of Residency:

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.

 6. Previous Chinese Visa:

“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.

 7. Other Visa Requirements To Note:

  • 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 Chinese visa policy has been tightened recently. Multiple-entry visa is not issued to non-US citizen. Single entry or double visa will be issued instead in most cases, even though you may have obtained multiple entry visa before.

  8. Visa Express Order Form:

Click here to completely fill-out 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.

  9. Processing Time and Fees:

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

PROCESSING TIME ENTRIES VALIDITY CONSULATE FEE SERVICE FEE TOTAL COST
4 Business Days Multiple 10 Years for US Passport $170 $499 $669
6-8 Business Days Multiple 10 Years for US Passport $160 $349 $509
10-12 Business Days  Multiple 10 Years for US Passport $140 $249 $389
15 Business Days Multiple 10 Years for US Passport $140 $149 $289
cchina-work-visa

CHINA WORK VISA APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

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.

Original Passport:

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.

Chinese Visa Application Form:

  • All applicants for China Visa must complete a Chinese visa application form online. When you fill out the online visa application form, make sure DO NOT click on Submit button at the end (step 11: review). You only need to write down and provide us the application ID. The visa application form is available online via here.
  • For applicants who were born in China, Macau, Taiwan, or Hong Kong, you must also write down your name in Chinese characters for question 1.1E on the visa application form.

Additional Requirements for Chinese Americans Born in China:

  • First time applicants who were born in China must submit original Chinese passport.
  • First time applicants who were born in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau must submit a photocopy of their previous passport.

Photographs:

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.

Work Permit:

You must provide the original Foreign Experts Certificate issued by the Chinese Foreign Expert Bureau OR the Work Permit issued by the Chinese Labor Ministry.

  Proof of Residency:

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.

 Previous Chinese Visa:

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.

  Visa Express Order Form:

Click here to completely fill-out 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.

  Processing Time and Fees:

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

PROCESSING TIME ENTRIES VALIDITY CONSULATE FEE SERVICE FEE TOTAL COST
4 Business Days Multiple 3 Month Single Entry $170 $499 $669
6-8 Business Days Multiple  3 Month Single Entry $160 $349 $509
10-12 Business Days  Multiple  3 Month Single Entry $140 $249 $389
15 Business Days Multiple  3 Month Single Entry $140 $149 $289
china-visa-faq

FAQ – Visa For China

With the lift of the ban on travel restrictions, many foreigners are considering China as their next destination. This might be for various reasons like tourism, business, research, studies, etc. However, every foreign national who would like to enter China will need a Chinese visa. A China visa is an official document giving foreigners permission to come into China for various reasons like a family visit, research, business, etc.
This is a comprehensive guide that sheds light on various issues people might have concerning Chinese visa.

All foreign nationals are required to get a Chinese visa before entering China. This includes the 144 and 72-hour visa-free transit in major Chinese cities like Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai.

No. All foreign nationals interested in entering China must apply for a Chinese visa at the Chinese Embassy in their home country. There is no provision for China visa application at the port of Entry.

The duration of stay on a Chinese visa is a factor of the type of visa. It, however, ranges between 30 to 180 days. The period on China tourist visa or China business visa is between 60-90 days. Visas like X2, Q2, S2, and J2 are valid for 180 days.

For China tourist visa or China business visa American citizens can get up to 10 years with the chance to enter and stay in China for a maximum of 60 days on a single entry.

No, The Chinese Consulate General does not accept China visa application using mail. Mail application is only accepted for document authentication. However, Visa applicants must present themselves physically at the embassy, entrust a friend, relative, or use our service at Visa Express to help with their application.

The only condition in which you can travel to China with the two passports is if the visa on the old passport is valid. The personal details on the two passports, like your name, birth date, nationality, and sex, are the same.

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.

For a regular China tourist visa or business visa, you can stay in China between 30 to 90 days.

Visitors who want to extend their stay should get in touch with the Public Security Bureau to get an extension on their visa.

Americans with U.S. passports do not have to apply for a visa to visit Hong Kong. However, if you plan to visit China’s mainland, you need to apply for a visa to travel from Hong Kong to China.

There is a provision for Citizens from 74 countries (including Canada, the U.S., Mexico, U.K., Japan, India, and other E.U. countries) to enter Macao without applying for a visa.

The fees applicants will have to pay to apply for a Chinese visa vary depending on various factors like nationality, and the applicant’s choice of service. Click here for processing time and fees

There are various sections on the Chinese visa.

The first section will specify the category of visa you have as described below:

  • L – Tourist
  • M – Business (Trade and Commerce)
  • F – Internship (Study tours and exchanges)
  • Z – work
  • G – Transit
  • C – Crew member and Motor Vehicle Driver
  • S1/S2 – Visiting relatives that are either working or studying in China
  • J1/J2 – Journalist
  • Q1/Q2 – Visiting relatives that have permanent residence in China

 

Entries: This the number of entries or exits into China the visa holder is permitted within the visa’s validity period

  • 01-single entry visa
  • 02 – Double Entry visa
  • M-Multiple entry visa

Issue and exit date:

  • Issue Date: the date the holder is permitted to enter China
  • Exit Date – the date the holder must leave China

Duration of each stay for every entry:

  • This is the max number of days a visa holder can stay in China with each visit. This, most times, depends on the type of visa and the county of the passport holder.
china-visa-application

All You Need to Know About Chinese Visa

Non-Chinese citizens who wish to enter the country for various reasons like health, education, tourism, conference, transit, etc. must obtain a Chinese visa. The applicant must submit the completed China visa application form with other relevant documents. It is also essential to pay the required processing fee. This article will shed light on everything you need to know about China Visa, including the application method and various categories of visas available.

Here is a breakdown of the processes involved in applying for a Chinese Visa.
Step 1: Find out if you need a visa
Unless you qualify for any Chinese visa-free policies, you will need to apply for a visa.

Step 2: Find out the type of visa that applies to you
There are various categories of China Visa. Your choice should be the one that is suitable for your situation. For instance, people on a business visit need an M visa.

Step 3: Prepare all essential documents
Detail of this in a subsequent section.

Step 4: Submit your China visa application
Send your application to the Chinese embassy or a China Visa Application Service Center in your country. A new policy took effect in 2018, mandating visa applicants from various countries to submit fingerprints.

Step 5: Make payment and collect the visa
The China visa fee varies, depending on the applicant’s nationality and the number of entries. The Chinese embassy in your country will shed more light on this.

There are two major categories of China Visa: ordinary visas and diplomatic visas. There are many types under the ordinary visa category, including the L visa, F visa, M visa, Z visa, X1 visa, X2 visa, C visa, J1 visa, and J2 visa. Others include the G visa, D visa, Q1 visa, Q2 Visa, S1 Visa, S2 Visa, and R visa.

Tourist Visa (L Visa)

Foreigners who wish to enter China for tourism purposes will need an L visa, which has a duration of between 30 and 90 days. The 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 tourist visa valid for ten years.

Non Commercial Visit Visa (F Visa)

People visiting China for various purposes like research, lectures, cultural interest, and other non-commercial purposes qualify for this visa. The F visa was once known as the Chinese Business visa and accommodated lots of activities. This was later changed to an M visa. The visa duration is between 30 and 90 days, with single and double-entry options available.

Business Visa (M Visa)

Foreigners entering Chinese soil for all forms of business activities and trade need to get the M visa. To qualify for this visa, the applicant must not be employed by a Chinese firm and has to be an individual who spends less than a year on business visits.

Work Visa (Z Visa )

The Z visa is also known as a Work visa. Foreigners interested in taking up job offers in China, alongside their family members, qualify for this visa. It is a common visa type since foreigners can enter China with their family members. Non-citizens employed by any Chinese firm can apply for a Work visa. The visa is issued upon entry, and all necessary documents must be submitted by the relevant government agencies, employers, and all related departments. X Visa (Student Visa)

Students who wish to study or have their field of research work in China will go for an X visa. The visa does not come with a work permit. However, upon certification from the school and other authorities, students qualify for an internship.

X1 Visa – Students requiring 180 days study period or more.

X2 Visa – Students requiring 180 days study period or less.

Crew Member Visa (C Visa)

Crew members, alongside their family, on land transport assignment, international aviation, etc., qualify for a C visa.

Journalist Visa (J Visa)

International journalists that will like to temporarily or permanently work in China can apply for a J Visa.

J1- Visa: This is for an international journalist working in China for a minimum of one year.

J2 Visa: This is for foreign journalists on a temporal mission on Chinese soil for up to 30 days.

Residence Visa (D Visa)

Foreigners who wish to permanently reside in China need to apply for this visa. It is also called the Chinese green card.

Visa for Personal Visit (Q Visa)

Foreigners with family members who are Chinese citizens can apply for the Q visa to visit their relatives. Also, foreigners with Chinese Spouse who wish to visit for whatever reason can apply.

Q1 Visa: Family members and relatives of Chinese nationals that want to be in China for over 180 days will apply for this visa. It comes with a single entry, and the holder needs to make an application for a residency permit within 30 days of getting to China.

Q2 Visa: Family members and relatives of Chinese citizens on a temporary visit to China need to apply for the Q2 Visa. It can be a multiple entry visa and comes with 180 days of stay per visit. U.S. and Canadian citizens can get up to 10 years.

Relatives of Foreigners (S Visa)

Relatives and family members of foreigners studying or working in China can apply for the S Visa.

S1 Visa: This guarantees a stay above 180 days. It is a single entry visa, and applicants must file for their residence permit on entry.

S2 Visa: This applies to a stay duration of less than 180 days. It can be a multiple entry visa with an entry stay of up to 180 days per visit. Canadian and U.S. citizens can get up to 10 years.

Highly Qualified Persons (R Visa)

Highly qualified people with skills in high demand can apply for the R Visa. The eligible applicant can get multiple entry R visas for five or as many as ten years. Relatives (spouse and kids) of such visa holders can enter China on the R Visa.

Diplomatic and Service Visa

International government officials, U.N. members, and staff on diplomatic missions entering China for accreditation or official mission will apply for this visa.

  1. Passport: Original passports with at least six months validity and a blank visa page
  2. Duplicate of the Passport: A copy of the photo and photocopy of the data page
  3. Visa Application Form: The application form should be completed correctly and typed in black letters. Use Adobe Acrobat reader to fill the form
  4. Passport Photograph: A recent passport photograph with a white background
  5. Itinerary or Invitation letter
  • Itinerary: Evidence of connecting flight and hotel reservation
  • Invitation: A copy of the inviter’s passport and residence permit (for foreign nationals) or copy of the inviter’s Chinese ID (for citizens). The following information should be present in the invitation:
    a. Applicant’s information such as name, gender, passport number, and birth date
    b. Information on a planned trip such as date of arrival and period of departure, destinations, and arrangement for expenses
    c. Inviter’s information, including name, address, signature, and contact number d. Previous Chinese Visa: Applicants applying for a Chinese visa with a new passport will have to submit an original and duplicate copy of the last Chinese passport’s data page

The values of Chinese Visa fee vary considerably based on various factors, including:

  • The number of entries
  • The country from where you are applying
  • Choice of express service

The China visa consulate fee for American citizens is $140, while citizens from other countries can expect to pay amounts ranging from $30 to $90. The payment is made at the point of visa collection, while some locations will require payment at the point of application. In many countries, the fee is based on the number of entries permitted in your visa. In this case, the more entries you have, the more expensive the visa. For countries such as Canada, U.S, and the U.K., there is a fixed fee regardless of the number of entries.

Here are some countries exempted from Chinese Visa fees:

  • Albania
  • Bosnia
  • Bulgaria
  • Maldives
  • Pakistan
  • Slovakia
  • The Republic of Montenegro

Foreign nationals who wish to enter China must present a valid visa. However, individuals who qualify for the visa-free policy are exempted from this rule. A China Visa application can be submitted before entering the country. Alternatively, there is an option to apply for a visa upon arrival. Typically, approval for a China visa takes one to four working days after submission. However, the processing time is a factor of the type of visa and service you chose. Here are two different scenarios that shed light on the processing time.

Regular Chinese Visa Processing Time

All vital documents such as a valid passport, completed Visa Application form, passport photograph, and other supporting documents can be submitted through the Chinese Embassies and Consulates in person or any valid China Visa Application Service Center. The Chinese Embassy will process the application, which typically takes up to 8 business days, provided all documents are valid. Your China visa will generally be ready on the sixth day after submission, factoring in shipping time.

However, the processing time can take longer if The Chinese Consulate Officer needs additional information, supplementary documents, an interview, etc.

Expedited China Visa Processing Time: Express and Rush Service

There is also the opportunity to use rush or express service to fast-track the visa processing time. This is for people in an emergency that needs to quickly get a Chinese visa.

The rush application is only valid in selected countries and for dire emergencies as approved by the Chinese Consular.

  1. Express service takes a maximum of 4 working days and is usually ready by the fourth day at most
  2. Rush service takes 3 working day and is ready by the third day at most