Our agency charges the same low service fee ($17.45) for your visa application, no matter what type of visa and number of entries (except for two-year multiple entry visa, 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.

1. Your actual passport. The passport must have at least six (6) months validity left before expiration and at least one blank visa page.
2. One completed Visa Application Form (Q1)
3. One passport-size photo (approximately 2x2, color).
4. Your itinerary (flight and hotel) (one copy per applicant, detailed guide)
5. A copy of the online order confirmation page.

1. Business visa needs a visa notification from the Chinese side (changed on 04/15/2008: authority in China, not just a letter from a company/organization that hosts you).
2. Two-year business visa or two-year family visit visa needs more documents.
3. Non-US passport holder must provide a copy of current US immigration document (e.g. I-20, green card).
4. 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 a copy of your Chinese passport or a copy of Chinese visa on your last foreign passport.
5. 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 $130 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. One-year multiple visa (all types) for US Citizens
  2. Special rule for people holding non-US passport or dual citizenship
  3. Instructions on two-year multiple entry business visa
  4. Two-year multiple entry family visit visa
  5. People from Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong (in traditional Chinese)
  6. Note on visa validation and duration of stay (can I stay for more than 30 days with a tourist/family visit visa?)
  7. Special rule for children of Chinese origin: visa or travel certificate? (see Chinese Version)
  8. Miscellaneous tips
• Notarization (in Chinese) and Document Authentication