China Visa Information
There are many visas available for foreigners to enter China. The least difficult is a tourist visa, which allows entry for a short period of time. Other visas such as employment or student-based require letters of invitation from a Chinese business or school.
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Basics
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Most visas fall into one of two categories--single or multiple entry. A single-entry visa allows you to enter China once, whereas a multiple entry allows you to travel to other countries such as Thailand, Japan and Vietnam, and re-enter without incident. Most people need a special, separate visa to travel to Tibet, Hong Kong or Macau. The cost of a visa for a U.S. citizen is $130 as of September 2009.
Types
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In China, short-term visitors usually receive an L or tourist visa. The X visa is for students. The Z visa is for workers who seek jobs in China. And the F visa is for business-related travel. Citizens of Singapore, Japan and Brunei can visit China for about two weeks without a visa. A limited-visa waiver program exists for citizens of various countries, including the U.S.
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Steps
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To obtain a visa, locate the Chinese embassy or consulate that serves your jurisdiction. Application requirements differ based on the type of visa sought. If you want to obtain a tourist visa, then you must submit an application that highlights the reasons for your trip and includes a passport-size photo along with a filing fee.
Time Frame
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Processing times vary widely. In the U.S., you generally will wait about two to four weeks. If you want to expedite the processing, you can pay an additional fee.
Warning
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When processing your visa application, the Chinese government will perform a background check. Criminals and political activists might face visa denials. Additionally, if you suffer from AIDS, contagious tuberculosis or a venereal disease, you likely will not be granted a visa.
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