How to Get Tourist Visa to China

Apply for a Chinese visa at a consulate.

A visa is a legal certificate that grants permission to enter a country. China issues tourist visas for different lengths of time depending on the specific visa for which you qualify. Complete an application, provide the necessary paperwork and pay the applicable fees to receive a visa in time for your trip. The process is relatively simple but does require planning ahead.

Things You'll Need

• Passport valid for at least six more months
• Blank visa page in your passport
• Visa application form
• Recent 2x2-inch photo
• Proof of travel
• Visa fees

Instructions

1. Download the Visa Application Form.from the Embassy of China website (see Resources).

2. Print and fill out the application. If you plan to travel back and forth between Hong Kong and mainland China, clearly indicate so by selecting the "double-entry" option on the form. Glue or staple a recent photo of yourself to the application. It must be 2x2 inches in size but may be taken in color or black and white.

3. Submit the required material to the the Chinese embassy or consulate nearest you (see Resources). Application must be made in person. No appointment is necessary. As of September 2009, the standard fee for a visa was $130 and can be made payable by cash, money order, cashier's check, Visa or MasterCard. No personal checks. Visas are processed in four business days -- or one to two business days at an extra charge with the express service.

4. If you can't get to a Chinese embassy or consulate, a travel agent can arrange for someone to submit the the visa material for you. You can have your documents returned to you by mail if you provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your application

Tips & Warnings

• A visa to China is not required for visitors staying only in Hong Kong for less than 30 days.

References

• Chinese Embassy
• Passports and Visas

Resources

• Chinese Visa application form
• Chinese Consulates