How To Apply For A Visa To China

Whether business travel or leisure travel, entry to the Chinese mainland usually require a visa. The application process is relatively simple. If you submit a complete application form and the required supporting documents, you should get your visa within 4 days. Once you arrive in China, you must always carry your visa and passport with you.

You must have a visa to go to China. Most foreign citizens need visas to visit China, even if you were a Chinese citizen before. If you take an organized tour group to Hainan for 15 days or less, you generally don't need a visa. If you stay in China for 15 days or less and have a passport from Singapore, Brunei, or Japan, you do not need a visa.

Select the visa category that covers the purpose of your visit. There are 16 different visa categories in China, covering everything from short trips to longer business trips. Most tourists choose the "L" visa, which is for a 30-day travel visit. If you plan to carry out trade or business activities in China, you need the M visa.

If you come to China to study, you need an X1 or x2 visa. X1 visa allows you to stay in China longer than an x2 visa. If you come to China to adopt a child, you will probably need an S1 or S2 visa, so that you can complete the adoption and other private affairs in China. Your adoption agency may help you complete the application process.

Download and complete the application form. Once you have selected the type of visa you need, you can download the application form directly from the website of the Chinese embassy or consulate. You can input the answers into the form on the computer, or print them out and fill them out manually. In general, the application form requires information about your citizenship, the date you plan to visit China, and the purpose of your visit.

Take a photo of your passport in line with Chinese regulations. You must attach a color passport photo to the visa application form. Photos should be taken in front of a white background and must clearly show your face without glasses, face, or hair covering. Hats or headscarves are only allowed if they are needed for religious reasons. Your face should be centered horizontally in the picture.

Collect all the documents needed to support your application. The specific documents you need depend on the type of visa you are applying for. These documents are listed on the website of the Chinese Embassy and consulate in your country. However, all visa applicants must submit the following documents at the time of application:

Original passport, valid for at least 6 months, 2 blank pages

Black and white photocopies of passport photo pages

How To Apply For A Visa To China

If you apply through cvasc, please make an appointment

China also has China visa application service centers in various countries in Asia, Africa, North America, Europe and Oceania.

Hand in your application and supporting documents

Chinese embassies and consulates do not accept visa applications by mail. You must bring your original application and supporting documents to the embassy or consulate. Most embassies and consulates do not require you to make an appointment, but you may want to call in advance to confirm, especially if you have to travel abroad.

If you cannot travel to an embassy or consulate, use a travel agency

If the Chinese embassy or consulate is too far away for you to visit in person, you can pay to the travel agency. Although they will charge you a fee, it is usually less than the cost of going to the embassy or consulate in person.

Request fast processing if necessary

The Chinese visa is usually valid within 4 working days after receiving your application. If you need a visa earlier than here, you can pay for an extra express or expedited fee.

Go back to embassy or consulate to get visa

When you submit your application, the consular officer will tell you when the visa is ready. The Chinese Embassy will not send you a visa. If you have to apply to an embassy or consulate, stay in the general area until the visa is ready.

Pay visa fee when issuing visa

When you go to get a visa, you have to pay a commission. The fees vary depending on your nationality, the type of visa you are applying for, the country you are applying for, and the number of arrivals included in the visa. Generally speaking, costs range from $30 to $140.