China visa types

This page serves as a general introduction to the requirement for application of a Chinese visa. There are also specific requirement for each visa type, please follow the links.

Our agency charges the same low service fee ($24.96) for your visa application, for most visa types and numbers of entries ( see details of visa fee, service fee and duration of stay).

How to apply

follow the "step by step procedures" at the bottom of the main index page.

Documents to be included with application:

Your actual passport. The passport must have at least six (6) months validity left before expiration and at least one blank visa page.
One completed Chinese Visa Application Form.
One photo (approximately 2x2, color, similar to passport photo).
A copy of the online order confirmation page.

If you are applying for a China tourist visa visa (single to one-year multiple), and none of the following applies to you, the above are all you need, you do not need to read the rest.

The supplemental visa application form (V2011B) is needed for Work visa, Student visa, and for applicants holding non-US passports.
Business visa needs an invitation letter from a company/organization that hosts you, see Chinese Business Visa for details.
Non-US passport holders must provide original AND copy of green card, or original I-94 and a copy of US immigration document (e.g. H1B, I-20). Please also submit the supplemental visa application form (V2011B). Please read detailed information and country specific visa requirements.
Requesting stay of more than 60 days on each trip: you will need some justification on section 5 of the visa application form.
An applicant born in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan,
- please write your name in Chinese on the application form. If you don't have one, don't know how to write, attach a brief explanation.
- if your current passport does not contain a Chinese visa, please submit the original AND a copy of your Chinese passport, or a copy of Chinese visa on your last foreign passport.
- If changed name in US, please provide a copy of name change document.
Children who were born in US and either parent is Chinese, please follow instructions in this document (in Chinese).

Visa fee and processing time

[For details on visa fees please see table here] The regular processing time at the consulate is 4 working days and costs $140 for single or multiple entry visa. For express service, additional fees are required for 1-day or 2-3 working days processing. For round-trip time including shipping, please use our Travel Planner.

Specific information

Visiting Hong Kong or Macau on your trip? You may need multiple entry visa (details).
Tourist Visa (L) is for sightseeing or visiting family members and friends.
Business Visa (F) is for someone who is invited to China for a visit, an investigation, a lecture, to do business, scientific-technological and culture exchanges, short-term advanced studies or internship for a period of no more than six months.
Study Visa (X), also known as Student Visa, is for someone who comes to China for study, advanced studies or intern practice for a period of more than six months. If the period is six months or shorter, you should apply for a (F) Visa.
Work Visa (Z) is issued to an alien who comes to China for a post or employment, and his/her accompanying family members.
Transit Visa (G) is for someone who transits through China. You may stay for upto 7 days.
Journalist Visa (J) is for reporters who travel to China for news reporting, either short term or long term.
Other
1. People from Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong (in traditional Chinese)
2. Note on visa validation and duration of stay (can I stay for more than 30 days with a tourist/family visit visa?)
3. Special rule for children of Chinese origin: visa or travel certificate? (see Chinese Version)
4. Miscellaneous tips
Notarization (in Chinese) and Document Authentication
Hong Kong visa and permit US citizens may visit Hong Kong without a visa for 90 days.

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General visa information
Tourist/family visit visa
2-year family visit visa
Business visa
2-year business visa
Study/student visa
Employment/work visa
Transit visa
Non-US passport holder

Document authentication

Born in China? read
for more targeted information
Notarization & Authentication
Chinese passport
American born Chinese children

Tips

You may use self-taken pictures for visa application (please print at photo stores), see visa photo requirement.

For US citizens, a 1-year multiple visa is as easy to get as a single visa, and costs the same.

Frequent travelers, please make sure you have at least one blank visa page.

You may make a single payment to us for consular fee, service fee and shipping.

Chinese Visa Types: General Information