How to Get a Visitor's Visa to China
Visitors to China need L visas. Different visas often are required to travel to Hong Kong or Macau--even though those areas are part of China. You qualify for a tourist visa namely if you intend to travel to explore the country or visit friends and family members. Instead of the L visa, you must obtain a student (X) visa if you plan to attend school and study longer than six months, a work (Z) visa if you or your family will work, and a business (F) visa if the trip is career or business related. However, you will need a sponsor to support your non-tourist visa application.
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Things You'll Need
- Valid passport
- 2x2 inch photograph
- Application fee
- Washington, D.C., connection
Instructions
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Obtain a valid passport that must have more than one blank page. If you are American, then you usually can apply for a U.S. passport at a local post office (usps.com/passport). Ideally, your passport will be valid for at least six months. If you plan to stay longer than six months, then your passport should be valid for three months beyond your expected departure.
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Complete a L visa application form and attach one passport-size photo of yourself. If applicable, include any letters of invitation that you have received, such as to visit a school or friend, in order to strengthen your application.
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Pay the appropriate visa fee. If you are American, the fee is $130. If you are Romanian, the fee is $75. If you are a citizen of any other country, the fee ranges from $30 for single entry to $90 for a two-year multiple entry visa (meaning that you can travel in and out of China).
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Evaluate your medical history. If you suffer from a mental disorder, venereal disease (e.g., chlamydia, yeast infection, genital wards), AIDS, contagious tuberculosis or any other contagious diseases, then you likely will be barred from obtaining a visa.
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Submit a complete application to the appropriate Chinese embassy or consulate in person or have someone personally deliver your application on your behalf. The Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., handles visa applications for U.S. citizens. If you mail an application, it will be returned without being processed. Processing times vary but you can pay for expedited service if you need the visa in less than one month.
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Tips & Warnings
Prepare a complete and legible application. Understand when your visa expires. To avoid overstay penalties, you must depart China before your visa expires or submit a visa application while inside the country. You cannot renew or extend a current visa.
Chinese visa application requirements are rather standard, but be prepared for changes or additional requests. Your background will be reviewed and your application can be denied based on your criminal past.
