China Visa,Chinese Visa

A visa is a stamp in your passport from officials in a foreign country. This stamp allows you to visit a country for a specific amount of time. Over 270 countries offer visas, and there is more than one type of visa offered.

There are many different types of visas depending on the reason for travel and the amount of times the person is planning on china.

Do I need a China Visa before I go?
Yes! China visa is permission issued by Chinese visa issuing authorities permitting transit into China. YOU CANNOT OBTAIN THE VISA UPON ARRIVAL - YOU MUST GET IT BEFORE YOU ARRIVE INTO CHINA.

How do I know Which Visa I need?


A Chinese visa is a permit issued by the Chinese visa authorities to an alien for entry into, exit from or transit through China. The Chinese visa authorities may issue a Diplomatic, Courtesy, Service or Ordinary Visa to an alien according to his status, purpose of visit to China or passport type.
The ordinary Visa consists of eight sub-categories, they are C, D, F, G, J-1, J-2, L, X and Z.:

C Visa: Issued to crewmembers to perform duties on board an international train, airliner or other vessel, and their accompanying family members.
D Visa: Issued to an alien who comes to reside permanently in China
F Visa (Business): Issued to an alien who is invited to China for a visit, an investigation, a lecture, to do business, scientific-technological and culture exchanges, short-term advanced studies or Intern practice for a period of no more than six months
G Visa (Transit): Issued to an alien who transits through China
J-1 Visa: Issued to foreign residen correspondents in China
J-2 Visa: Issued to foreign correspondents who make short trips to China on reporting tasks
L Visa (Tourist/Family visit): Issued to an alien who comes to China for sightseeing, family visiting or other private purpose
X Visa (Study): Issued to an alien who comes to China for study, advanced studies or intern practice for a period more than six months
Z Visa (Work/Employment): Issued to an alien who comes to China for a post or employment, and his/her accompanying family members.

Passport requirements

A) There must be at least one totally blank page in the passport. Pages for endorsements or amendments cannot be used as a visa page.
B) Single or double entry visa requires a passport valid for at least 6 months. For multiple entry visas, a passport should be valid for at least 9 Months.
Accompanying person using the same passport
The photo of the accompanying person using the same passport should be affixed to the form. The full visa fee will apply.

How to apply for your Visa

Applicants should come in person or through a third party (e.g. Travel Agent or Tour Operator) to apply for the Chinese visa during office hours 9 -12 am in Chinese Embassy / Chinese Consulates-General in the country you live.
Usually, the processing time is about 5- 7 working days.

Applications by Mail: It takes 2 weeks to process the application, so there is no same day or express day service. It is advised that your passport(s) should be sent by registered post for security and proof of posting needs to be kept. Please enclose a self-addressed envelope, the visa application form and payment (visa fee and service fee---see item: visa fee).

You should send a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your application together with the appropriate fee.

Forms for Download
Useful Links :
Embassy of People's Republic of China in the United States of America