How to Obtain a Chinese Visa: What Every U.S. Citizen Needs to Know

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Americans visiting China must abide by strict rules* Proof of departure/flight plan.  To obtain a Chinese
when it comes to travel regulations.  In addition to avisa you must prove that you intend to travel to China
U.S. passport, tourists must also obtain a Chinese Visawithin the next three months.  To do this, you must
for travel to China.supply either a travel itinerary OR a photocopy of your
Americans visiting China must abide by strict rulesairline tickets.  You must also provide a photocopy of
when it comes to travel regulations.  Heightenedyour confirmed hotel reservations(s) in China. 
border security means that those without properTravelers who cannot provide both of these things will
documentation will be denied access to internationalhave their Chinese visa applications rejected.
flights.  In addition to a U.S. passport, tourists must also* Payment for applicable fees.  All travelers who wish
obtain a Chinese visa for travel to China.to obtain a Chinese visa by law must pay a consular
Regulations differ depending upon the nature of the tripfee.  The fee varies depending on how quickly you
(business versus pleasure.)need your Chinese visa.  Your application processing
To obtain a Chinese visa, both business and pleasurecenter will have a schedule of these fees.  It is
travelers must possess:payable to the Consular of the People's Republic of
* A valid U.S. passport.  Every international traveler,China.  For this reason the fee must be paid by
including travelers to China, must own a valid U.S.money order, certified check or credit card.  Your
passport.  All information must be correct andChinese visa application is also subject to a service
current.  The passport must have at least six monthsfee which is payable to your processing center.  An
of validity left.  In other words, your U.S. passportadditional return shipping fee may also apply. 
must have an expiry date that is six months or moreBusiness travelers to China must supply other
away from the day that you send your passport in todocumentation in addition to that listed above.  Your
obtain a Chinese visa.  Additionally, your passportU.S. passport and all forms must be accompanied by a
must have two or more blank visa pages left. If yourletter from your place of employment.  This letter
U.S. passport does not meet these two criteria you willmust be printed on official company letterhead and
be denied a Chinese visa. addressed to the Embassy of China.  It should state
* One passport-regulation photo.  The photo must bethe nature of the business trip and other details
two inches by two inches.  Both color and black andrelevant to the visit and must be signed by a company
white photos are acceptable, but the background ofofficial.  This letter is subject to approval by the
the photo must be white or very light in color.  MostChinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
photographers and photo shops in the United States The rules to obtain a Chinese visa are stringent. 
are familiar with these regulations.  Photos producedFailure to adhere to regulations will result in rejection of
by home photography software are sometimesthe application.  U.S. passport holders who wish to
rejected, so be very careful if you intend to submit aavoid delays or missing a trip entirely should ensure
home-generated photo. well in advance that they possess all the necessary
* A visa application form.  The required form ispaperwork.  It's sometimes possible to speed up the
specific to China, so be sure that you obtain theChinese visa application process by paying an
correct one.  The form must be filled out in itsexpediting fee.  However, the best course of action is
entirety.  Applications with blank spaces or illegibleto apply to obtain a Chinese visa three months prior to
markings will be rejected.  You must sign theyour intended departure date.
completed application in ink.  Unsigned forms will also