| Interest in travel from the U.S. to China has increased | | | | that your china visa application form is filled out |
| in the last decade. This guide will answer "How do I | | | | entirely. Don't leave any blanks unfilled, and be sure to |
| apply for a China visa?" and four other frequently | | | | sign it in ink. |
| asked questions. | | | | 3) Who is required to fill out a China visa application |
| Interest in travel from the U.S. to China has increased | | | | form? Every U.S. citizen/landed immigrant wishing to |
| in the last decade. This is due, at least partially, to a | | | | travel to China must submit a China visa application. |
| number of factors, including the Beijing Summer | | | | No traveler will be admitted to the country without a |
| Olympics and economic factors. American tourists | | | | China visa. This includes business and pleasure |
| are seeking China visa applications in higher numbers. | | | | travelers as well as students. |
| This guide will answer "How do I apply for a China | | | | 4) How far in advance should I apply for a China visa? |
| visa?" and four other frequently asked questions. | | | | You cannot apply any further in advance of your trip |
| 1) How do I apply for a China Visa? This is the | | | | than three months. It is highly recommended that you |
| number one most frequently asked question. A China | | | | apply no later than three months in advance of your |
| Visa is necessary for travel to all parts of China from | | | | intended departure date. The more time that you can |
| the United States. Applications can be obtained from | | | | allow for processing of your application the better. |
| most every passport processing agency in America. | | | | This will ensure that even if delays in the mail, at the |
| Applications are also available online and from local U.S. | | | | application center, or at the Chinese consular occur |
| Post Offices. Completed application forms and | | | | you will still get your China visa in time for your trip. If |
| required documentation can be submitted in person or | | | | your trip is unexpected and will be taking place in less |
| by mail. China visa application forms cannot be | | | | than three months, it's possible to expedite the |
| submitted electronically. | | | | application process. Expediting fees will apply. Your |
| 2) What documentation must accompany my China | | | | passport processor has a schedule of these fees. |
| visa application form? You must submit several | | | | 5) How long is a China visa valid for? Typically a |
| documents along with your completed application | | | | traveler can stay in China up to sixty days after |
| form. You must send or present a valid U.S. | | | | entering the country. If you expect your trip to last |
| passport. The passport's expiry date must be | | | | longer, you may request a ninety-day China visa. |
| greater than six months away from the date of | | | | These are granted by the Chinese Consulate on a |
| submission. The passport must also have no fewer | | | | case-by-case basis. You must demonstrate the |
| than two blank visa pages left. If either of these | | | | necessity of staying for more than sixty days to get |
| criteria cannot be met then you must apply for a new | | | | this extension. However, all travelers must realize |
| passport/passport renewal first. You must also | | | | that length of stay can be granted at the discretion of |
| submit a passport regulation photo, proof of planned | | | | the consulate. They reserve the right to restrict the |
| travel to China (a trip itinerary OR a photocopy of | | | | validity of any stay. |
| airline tickets which shows that the trip is to take place | | | | "How do I apply for a China visa" and other common |
| within three months) and confirmation of hotel | | | | questions can be answered by most passport |
| reservations in China. | | | | processing agencies. This includes online outlets. You |
| It's critical that all of these documents are presented. | | | | can also address China visa questions to your local |
| Omission of one or more will result in rejection of your | | | | Chinese embassy. |
| china visa application. It's also crucial that you ensure | | | | |