How to Obtain a Visa for the People's Republic of China

Apply for a Chinese visa and visit China to experience the culture.

If you are considering visiting China for purposes such as tourism, business or employment, you must apply for a Chinese visa. The Embassy of the People's Republic of China and its consular offices process and approve applications for Chinese visas. Since the Embassy/Consulate of the People's Republic of China does not accept applications by mail, you must apply for your visa in person. If you cannot personally visit the Chinese Embassy/Consulate, you may authorize another individual, such as a relative or travel agent representative, to apply for the visa on your behalf.

Instructions

1. Get a passport-sized photo of yourself taken within six months of your visa application. The photo must be 2 x 2 inches. You may also have the photo taken at the Photo Room of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate. As of April 2010, there is a $10 USD fee for visa photos taken at the Embassy/Consulate.

2. Gather supporting documents for your specific visa type. For example, if you are applying for a Business (F) visa, you must have an invitation letter from a company in China, including a copy of the company's license, or a Visa Notifications Form from a Chinese Unit.

   Similarly, if you are applying for a Tourist visa, according to the Chinese Embassy, you must have a "Visa Notification from any head office of the China Travel Service (CTS), China International Travel Service(CITS), or China Youth Travel Service (CYTS), or Chinese National Tourist Bureau, or any Chinese provincial Tourist Bureau."

3. Visit the Chinese Embassy/Consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence (see Resources). Click on the Embassy/Consulate displayed above your state of residence and then visit the homepage to obtain the address and hours of operation for the specific Office. You do not need to make a visa appointment.

4. Take a number when you arrive at the Embassy/Consulate and then wait to be called.

5. Request an application form for your specific visa type when your number is called and then complete and submit the application form to the Embassy/Consulate staff. You are issued a Pick-up Slip.

6. Arrive at the Embassy/Consulate on the date displayed on your pick-up slip, go to Window number two and then pay the processing fee for your visa. As of April 2010, the fee for a single-entry visa is $130 USD for U.S. citizens and $30 USD for non U.S. citizens.

7. Collect your approved Chinese visa at Window number one.

Tips & Warnings

• The window numbers may vary from one Chinese Embassy/Consulate to another. Therefore, ask an Embassy/Consulate staff if you do not know where to go.

• You may pay your visa processing fee using a debit/credit card, company check or cashier's check. If you are paying with a debit/credit card, only cards with the Visa or MasterCard logos are accepted. Personal checks are not accepted.

References

• Embassy of the People's Republic of China: A Brief Introduction to Chinese Visas
• Embassy of the People's Republic of China: General Procedures For Application
• Embassy of the People's Republic of China: Chinese Visa
• Embassy of the People's Republic of China: Business (F) Visa
• Embassy of the People's Republic of China: Tourist Group Visa

Resources

• Embassy of the People's Republic of China: Embassy and Consulates General