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Step 1
Explore a new world.First, be sure your Passport is current. In addition to a Visa for China, you need a current Passport for any international travel.
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Step 2
Know which Chinese Visa you need. There are numerous types of Visas available to non-Chinese residents (aliens) when visiting China. You will need to apply for the correct type of Visa, depending on the purpose of your travel to China.
These are the subcategories of regular Visas for China:
C Visa - for international crew members, who must perform on-board duties on trains, airplanes, and other vessels, and their family members
D Visa - for aliens who will reside in China permanently
F Visa - for aliens who are invited to China for less than six months for an investigation, a visit, a lecture, scientific or technological and cultural exchanges, business, short-term advanced studies, or an internship
G Visa - for aliens who travel through China
J-1 Visa - for foreign resident correspondents in China
J-2 Visa - for foreign journalists on reporting jobs who make short trips to China
L Visa - for aliens who visit China to sight see, visit family, or for other private reasons
X Visa - for aliens who travel to China for study, advanced study, or internships for longer than six months
Z Visa - for aliens, who travel to China for a post or for employment, and their family members -
Step 3
Ensure your Visa covers the correct length of your China trip.Most visitors to China apply for a Tourist Visa (L Visa) as an American citizen. If you need a different kind of Visa, refer to the Resources section below for those specific directions.
Gather the following documentation to apply:
- current Passport that is still valid for at least six months and with at least one blank Visa page
- completed Visa Application Form
- one 2x2 inch (either black and white or color) photo stapled or glued to the application form -
Step 4
Take in the culture of China.Hand deliver the completed application to your state's Visa Office of the Embassy or Consulate. If this is not possible, use the Application Mail Back Service.
Specific requirements for the return envelope for the Application Mail Back Service follow:
- include a self-addressed pre-paid return envelope with correct return postage using a tracking number or bar code via the U.S. Postal Service Express Mail, FedEx, or other such delivery service
- do not use a metered or stamped envelope
- do not use certified or registered mail service
- as the applicant, fill in your name and address as the sender on the return envelope
Allow seven business days for processing. Rush service is not available to get a Visa for China. -
Step 5
Prepare well in advance to visit China.Include the application fee of $130 and a $5 handling fee per envelope per person. Pay using one single money order, cashier's check, or company check only. Make it payable to "Chinese Embassy" for both fees.
Note: Do not use two money orders or checks. -
Step 6
For instructions to get a Visa for China for a subcategory visit other than an L Visa, see the Resources section below for a direct link to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States of America.
Detailed instructions are provided for each subcategory listed in Step 2.
Comments
makaksa said
on 6/22/2009 This is something we are going to have to do in September so thanks for the steps.
joanhaines said
on 6/16/2009 I wanna go someday. thank you.