Frequently Asked Questions On Chinese Visa

1. Is an appointment required for a visa application? Can I entrust someone else to apply for me?
No appointment is required. You may entrust someone else or a travel/visa agent to come to the visa office for application process, but mail visa applications are not acceptable.

2. Can I provide the embassy or consulate with a photocopy of my passport for visa application?
No. You must provide your actual passport.

3. My child is traveling to China with me. He cannot sign his name on his application; can I sign it on his/her behalf?
Yes. The parents/guardian are allowed to sign the application form instead of the child.

4. I can't download your application form from the Internet, Can you e-mail me one?
We can't e-mail it to you. Please give us your fax number and we can fax one to you.

5. I'm going to China on June 1, and my visa will expire on June 10. Can I still stay in China for 30 days?
Yes. Usually, a Chinese visa is good for 90 days from the date of issuance, you can enter China any day Within the 90 days (please note the time difference between China and the U.S.); Duration of stay of a visa is usually 30 days (It is written in the visa label), you can stay in China for 30 days from the date of your entrance.

6. Do I have to see a doctor to have the " Physical examination record for foreigner" filled out?
This form is strictly for those who will study in China over 1 year. If you are to stay in China for less than one year, you don't have to see a doctor to fill it out.

7. I am going to Guangdong, then to Hongkong and back to Guangdong for one night. Does it mean that I must have a double-entry visa?
Absolutely. Double-entry visa means you can enter into mainland of China twice. Since you are going to Guangdong twice, you must have a double-entry visa.

8. Can I use a certified envelope to mail my application to your office?
No problem. You can choose any envelope to mail your application to us. What we really care about is the return mail. We would like to advise you to use FedEx or Express Mail, because they are traceable.
The Chinese Embassy and Consulates take authentication applications sent by mail, but do not take visa applications sent by mail.

9. I am wondering whether you have received my application. Can I call you to check the status of my application?
Please don't call us for the status of your application processing unless you haven't received your application after 15 days of submission. In case of emergency, you are encouraged to fax us the name of the applicant, and the telephone number through which we may reach you. We'll answer you as soon as possible.

10. My return mail would be USPS Priority Mail. Do you have any idea how much postage I should pay?
Please check postage with the post office. As we know, the postage depends on the weight of the package. For FedEx user, write down your FedEx account number or your credit card number on the airbill and the delivery company will charge your account. We would like to advise you to use FedEx or Express Mail,because they are traceable.

11. I try to call your office, but it is very difficult to reach you.
We receive about 300 calls from different states each day. We have a person answering phone calls all day . If you have a question to which you can't find the answer on the website, you can e-mail or fax it to us. We'll call you back as soon as possible.

12. When is the best time to apply for my Chinese visa?
The best time to apply for your Chinese visa is 1-2 months before your travel date. However, if you are running short on time, we can process your visa in 1 business day. For example, if you overnight your application to us on Monday, you can have it back in your hand on Wednesday with our same-day rush service.

13. How long is a Chinese visa valid for?
The validity of a Chinese visa can be anywhere from 3-24 months depending on the type of visa you request. Normally a single entry visa is valid for 3 months, a double entry visa for 6 months, a multiple entry visa for 6, 12 or 24 months. The validity of a visa starts from date of issue, and applicant needs to enter China before the expiration date listed on the visa.

14. How long can I stay in China with a Chinese visa?
The time you could actually stay in China, or "duration of stay after entry" is usually 30-90 days per entry. Generally speaking, the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco issues 30-day visas, Houston 60 and Chicago 90. If you wish to get more than 30 or 60 days, you must write 90 days on the Chinese Visa Application Form. Please be reminded that the Chinese Consulate has the final say on the on the number of days you receive for your visa regardless of your request.

15. Do I have to send you my passport? Is it safe to send a passport?
Yes. You will need to send your actual passport, not a copy of it. The Chinese visa is stamped on your passport and will become one of your passport pages. Visa request cannot be processed without your original passport. Because of the importance of your passport, we strongly suggest that you send your application in a secure way, using a traceable courier such as FedEx, UPS, Express Mail or Certified Mail. Please note that certified mail could take 7-10 business days to deliver.

16. I need Chinese visas for two people. Can I send them in one package? How should I calculate the fees?
When you send in application for more than one person, you can send all applications in one package. If all passports are to be returned to the same address, you need to pay only one FedEx return shipping fee. Chinese Consulate fees and our service fees, however, are charged one per person.

17. Can I use my own FedEx account number for return shipping?
Yes, you can. To do that, you could either include a prepaid FedEx air bill or write down your FedEx account number on our Order Form. However, we do not accept pre-stamped post office envelopes.

18. I will travel between Hong Kong and the mainland multiple times. Do I need a multiple entry visa?
Yes, you do need a multiple entry visa for that purpose. Each time you enter China from Hong Kong or Macao, you need one entry.

19. I'm not a US citizen. Can you still process my visa application?
We help citizens of all countries to get a Chinese visa as long as they are legally residing in the United States. Non-US citizens must submit a copy of their green card or valid US visa in addition to their original passport. The green card or visa cannot be expiring in less than 6 months.

20. Do I need a visa for Hong Kong and Macao?
US citizens as well as citizens of most countries in North America and Europe can visit Hong Kong and Macao without a visa. Citizens of other countries can check the Hong Kong government website to see if you need a visa. You can also call us for information.

21. I'm going to China on January 1, and my visa expires on January 10. Can I still stay for 30 days?
Yes, you can. As long as you enter China before the expiration date, you can stay for 30 or more days as specified on your visa. The duration of stay starts from the day you enter China.

22. Do I need to send one check made out to the Chinese consulate and one to your service center? Or can I make one check for the total price?
The Chinese Consulate does not accept payment by check. If you wish to pay with a check, you need to combine the total fees and write one check payable to China Visa Service Center.
23. My passport expires in 9 months, can I still get a 12-month multiple entry visa?
No, you can't. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of application in order to get a visa. You can get a single or double entry visa if your passport expires in less than 12 months, but more than 6 months. You can only get a 12-month multiple entry visa if your passport is valid for at least 12 months.

24. I have a British passport and Britain is part of the visa waiver program, so I have no American visa or green card. What must I submit in order to get a Chinese visa?
If your country has a visa waiver program with the US, you can get a Chinese visa in the US if your passport contains a recent entry stamp by the US customs.

25. I have an American passport and a Canadian passport (or some other non-US passport). I would like the Chinese visa to be issued in my Canadian passport so I can travel on that passport. Will this be possible?
You can only get a Chinese visa on your US passport if you apply in the US. If you wish to have a visa stamped on your non-US passport, you must apply outside the US.

26. I have been offered a job in China and want my spouse and children to accompany me. What type of visa do my family members need to obtain?
They can get work visas as well. Their names need to appear on the supporting documents you receive from the Chinese employer. Or you can provide a copy of marriage license and the children's birth certificates.

27. When it says to affix a passport photo, does that mean I must glue or tape the photo to the application?
You can glue, tape or staple the photo. Or you can leave it loose in your package and we will do it for you.
28. My spouse is a Chinese national. What sort of extended stay visas may I apply for?
You can get a 24-month tourist visa with 90-day duration of stay, or a single entry visa with 180-day duration of stay. You will need to provide a copy of your marriage license and your spouse's Chinese passport and green card.

29. I am going to China on tourism and have no inviter or relative in China. How do I complete sections 4.7 - 4.10 on the visa application?
You can write N/A or None in those fields. But please do not leave them blank.

30. I am taking a trip to China and have just realized that all my passport pages are full. Can your company assist in adding pages? If so, what documentation is necessary?
Yes, we can help you add pages to your passport. Please call us at 1-800-799-6560 for detailed instructions

31. My US passport is expiring in 4 months, would I be able to get a single entry visa valid for 3 months?
No, you can't. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months, from date of application, in order to receive a visa.

32. I am a cruise ship crew member and we do not receive our crew badges until after we have boarded the ship. Is there something I may submit in lieu of the crew badge?
Yes, you can submit a letter from the cruise line stating that you will be working on the cruise ship and that you will not receive a badge until after you board the ship.

33. I am a crew member holding a crew visa for China. I would like to travel to China this time as a tourist. May I apply for a tourist visa and still keep my crew visa?
You can get a single entry visa if you already have a crew visa on your passport. Most crew members who wish to visit China on tourist visas would get a second passport in order to receive a multiple entry tourist visa.

34. Chinese visa is a permit issued to a foreigner by the Chinese visa authorities for entry into, exit from or transit through the Chinese territory. The Chinese visa authorities may issue a diplomatic, courtesy, service or ordinary visa to a foreigner according to his identity, purpose of visit to China and passport type. Hereunder is an introduction to the ordinary visa and its application procedure:
The ordinary visas consist of eight sub-categories, which are marked with Chinese phonetic letters (D, Z, X, F, L, G, C, J-1 and J-2 respectively), issued to aliens who are to reside permanently in China. A permanent residence confirmation form shall be required for the application of Visa D. The applicant shall apply to obtain this form himself or through his designated relatives in China from the exit-and-entry department of the public security bureau in the city or county where he applies to reside.

Visa Z: Issued to aliens who are to take up posts or employment in China, and to their accompanying family members. To apply for a Visa Z, an Employment License of the People's Republic of China for Foreigners (which could be obtained by the employer in China from the provincial or municipal labor authorities) and a visa notification letter/telegram issued by an authorized organization or company are required.
Visa X: Issued to aliens who come to China for study, advanced studies or job-training for a period of six months or more. To apply for a Visa X, certificates from the receiving unit and the competent authority concerned are required, i.e., Application Form for Overseas Students to China (JW201 Form or JW202 Form), Admission Notice and Physical Examination Record for Foreigners.
Visa F: Issued to an applicant who is invited to China on a visit, on a study or lecture, business tour, for scientific-technological and cultural exchanges, for short-term refresher course or for job-training, for a period of no more than six months. To apply for a Visa F, the invitation letter from the inviting unit or the visa notification letter/telegram from the authorized unit is required.
Visa L: Issued to aliens who come to China for sightseeing, visiting relatives or other private purposes. For a tourist applicant, in principle he shall evidence his financial capability of covering the travelling expenses in China, and when necessary, provide the air, train or ship tickets to the heading country/region after leaving China. For the applicants who come to China to visit relatives, some are required to provide invitation letters from their relatives in China.
Visa G: Issued to aliens who transit through China. The applicants are required to show valid visas and on-going tickets to the heading countries/regions.
Visa C: Issued to train attendants, air crewmembers and seamen operating international services, and to their accompanying family members. To apply for a visa C, relevant documents are required to be provided in accordance with bilateral agreements or regulations of the Chinese side.
Visa J-1: Issued to foreign resident correspondents in China.
Visa J-2: Issued to foreign correspondents who make short trip to China on reporting tasks. The applicants for J-1 and J-2 visas are required to provide a certificate issued by the competent Chinese authorities.

In addition to providing the above-mentioned documents, an applicant is also required to answer relevant questions and go through the following formalities (with the exception of those stipulated otherwise by agreements):
Providing valid passport or a travel document in lieu of the passport
Filling out a visa application form, and providing a recent 2-inch, bareheaded and full-faced passport photo.
Paying the visa fee.
The overseas Chinese visa authorities are Chinese embassies, consulates, visa offices, the consular department of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in HKSAR, and other agencies abroad authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. If a foreigner intends to enter into, exit from or transit through the Chinese territory, he shall apply to the above-mentioned Chinese visa authorities for a Chinese visa. For further information, please consult the nearest Chinese visa authorities.

36. What is a Chinese Visa?
A Chinese visa is a stamp or endorsement placed by officials of a China on a passport that allows the bearer to visit China. Chinese visas are obtained through a visa service from the local consulates of China. "Visit" is further defined as the reason for entry, usually business, tourist or transitory. There are over 270 countries that offer visas and literally thousands of different types of visas available based upon country, type of visit, and length of visit.

37. Do I need a Chinese visa?
If you are traveling to mainland China, whether for business or tourism, you require a Chinese visa to be obtained from a consulate in advance of your trip. You are exempt from this requirement if you travel and stay only in Hong Kong or Macao for less than 30 days.

38. What is the difference between a Chinese tourist and business visa?
Chinese visas are issued according to the purpose of the trip; either tourism or business activities. In general, "tourist" visas are issued specifically for the purpose of travel for pleasure, while a "business" visa generally permits a traveler to engage in normal business-related activities (sales meetings, visiting a factory, negotiating agreements, etc.)

39. How long is a China visa valid?
A Single and Double entry China visa is good for 90 days from issuance. Within 90 days (please note the time difference between China and the U.S.) you can enter China. And from the date of your entrance, you can stay in China for 30 days (the duration period is written in the visa label).
A Multiple entry China visa (Business Only) is good for 6 months from issuance. Within 180 days (please note the time difference between China and the U.S.) you can enter China. And from the date of your entrance, you can stay in China for 30 days (the duration period is written in the visa label).

40. I am going to mainland China, then to Hong Kong and back to mainland China for one night. Does this mean I must have a double-entry visa?
Absolutely. Double-entry visa means you can enter into mainland of China twice within 90 days. Since you are going to the mainland of China twice, you must have a double-entry visa. Although being part of China, Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region.

41. Do I need any shots before entering China?
None are required, although you might check with your doctor for recommendations.

42. No one invited me to go to China, I am just going to there for touring, how should I complete #18(Inviting Organization/person in China) on the Visa Application Form?
Write down N/A

43. What is a passport-style photo?
The Chinese consulate requires a photo similar to the one in your passport. They will only accept photos which are head-only, fully frontal, with a white background, approximately 2" x 2". You can obtain this type of photo anywhere that advertises "passport photo" service. Cut-outs from personal photographs are not acceptable.

44. Why should I have a full blank visa page in my passport?
China visas are affixed in your passport on the pages specifically marked for them, and most countries require that visa stamps be placed on those pages that do not contain any other stamps.

45. What format is Visa Application Form?
The Visa Application Form is in PDF format, which requires you to use Adobe acorde to read it.

46. Are there different Visa Application Forms for different types of Visas to China?
There is only one visa application form which will work for all types of visa applying to China.

47. Do I need to obtain a visa for entering HongKong/Marcao?
If you are a U.K, Canada or U.S citizen, then you dont need a visa to enter Hongkong if you are staying in less than 30 days.

48. Will Q1 Form (China Visa Application Form) work for applying Marcao or HongKong visa?
No, there are different forms for getting visas for Marcao and HongKong. Click Here to enter the Visa Forms Page.

49. When would be a good time for me to start to applying the China Visa Application?
The China Visa will be valid for 6 months after the issue date, so you can start to apply during this period of time before your entry date.

50. I am not a U.S/Canada citizen, can you still process my application?
Yes, make sure you have the copy of your green card along with your passport in the package.

51. Can a visa be issued on a blank amendment page at the back of my passport?
No, amendment pages at the back of passports are specifically for changes and endorsements to a passport after initial issuance. Chinese Embassy and Consulates generally refuse to recognize the usability of an amendment page for visas.

52. Can I provide the Chinese Embassy with a photocopy of my passport?
Never. Your must provide your original passport.

53. My child is traveling to China with me. She cannot sign on her application, can I sign it on her behalf?
Yes.

54. I'm going to China on June 1, and my visa will expire on June 10. Can I still stay in China for 30 days?
Yes. Usually,a Chinese visa is good for 180 days from the date of issue, which means you can enter China Within 180 days (please note the time difference between China and the U.S.); and duration of stay is 30 days (It is written in the visa label), which means, from the date of your entrance, you can stay in China for 30 days.

55. Do I have to see a doctor to have the " Physical examination record for foreigner" filled out?
This form is strictly for those who will study in China over 1 year. If you are to stay in China for less than one year, you don't have to see a doctor to fill it out.

56. I am going to Guangdong, then to Hongkong and back to Guangdong for one night. Does it mean that I must have a double-entry visa?
Absolutely. Double-entry visa means you can enter into mainland of China twice. Since you are going to Guangdong in the mainland of China twice, you must have a double-entry visa. Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (See information about Hong Kong visa).

58. Can I use one China Visa Application Form to represent more than one people?
No. Each Applicant must have their own completed Visa Application Form in order to apply a China Visa.

59. Are minor applicants required to sign the Visa Application From
No, minor don't sign the Visa Application Form; However, the parent must sign for the them to complete the Visa Application Form.

60. Are all the blank fileds on the China Visa Application Form required to be filled?
Yes, if the situation is Not Applicable , write down N/A in the blank.

61. Do I need a visa to China (not including Hong Kong & Macau)?
Foreigners who visit China are generally required to apply for a visa before departure, but some aliens are exempt from a visa to Mainland China, for example, ordinary passport holders from Singapore, Brunei and Japan enjoy visa free access to Mainland China for up to 15 days. For more detailed information, you can see the Chinese visa exemption.

62. Where can I submit my visa application?
For entry into China, aliens should apply for visas from Chinese Embassies or Consulates. Each Embassy or consulate has its own consular districts. Usually, applicants are required to lodge their application to the relevant Embassy or Consulate according to consular districts. For example, if you live in Idaho, you should submit application to Chinese Embassy in USA.
Applicants who reside or travel away from their country can apply for visas at a local Chinese Embassy or Consulate.

64. Can I apply for a visa at entry ports?
It is very difficult to get a visa on arrival at the entry ports; however, you can get such a visa in real urgent situations which are listed in details on Visa on Arrival (Visa Issued at Entry Ports)

65. Can I get a visa on arrival to Shenzhen or Zhuhai?
Shenzhen and Zhuhai are the Special Economic Zones; they can issue a special economic zone tourist visa to aliens at the entry ports. Shenzhen issues Single-Entry Tourist Visa with 5 days of stay in Shenzhen at the entry ports. Aliens can also apply for Zhuhai Single-Entry Tourist Visa with 3 days of stay in Zhuhai at the entry ports.

66. When is the best time to submit my visa application?
Please apply for the visa only 1 or 2 months (at least 2 weeks) before your planned date to enter China. If you apply for the visa too late, you may not have enough time for the application. If you apply for the visa too early, the visa may become invalid before your departure for China. Generally, the validity of a single-entry visa is 3 months, counted from the date of application.

67. Where can I get the Visa Application Form of the People¡¯s Republic of China?
The easiest way is to download the Visa Application Form from internet, but the form is in PDF, you should have installed the software of Adobe Reader. The Visa Application Form is also offered by the embassy or consulate for free.

68. Do I need to make an appointment to submit application?
No, the appointment is not required.

69. If I can¡¯t go to the embassy or consulate in person, can I entrust someone else to submit my visa application and pick up my visa on my behalf?
Yes, the visa application can be presented by someone else, such as your friends, relatives, visa agency or travel agency, but the visa application form should be completed and signed by yourself. Someone else can pick up your visa for you as long as he can show the "Pick Up Form". We recommend using Passports and Visas.com China Visa Service.

70. Can I send my visa application by mailing?
More than 98% of Chinese embassies and consulates don¡¯t accept visa application by mailing. You should visit the official website of Chinese embassy or consulate to check whether it accepts application by mailing or not. Even though the visa mail service is available, the embassy or consulate is not responsible for the loss or damage of your passport and other documents due to mishandling by mail service.

71. Hong long does it take for the visa application?
Generally speaking, it takes 4 working days for processing the visa application. Many embassies or consulates also provide 1 working day service or 2 ¨C 3 working days service, but you need pay extra money for the service.

72. Do I have to submit my actual passport for visa application? Can I submit the copy of my passport because I need my passport every day?
Yes, you must offer your actual passport because the Chinese visa should be pasted on the visa page of your passport. Visa can¡¯t be processed without your actual passport. If you need your passport every day, you can apply for 1 working day service and pick up your visa on the day of submission.

73. What are the requirements for visa application?
Basic requirements are your original passport with at least 6 months validity and two blank visa pages, one legibly, completely and truly filled Visa Application Form, one recent passport photo affixed on the application form, you also should submit additional documents for different category of Chinese visTourist Visa (L), Business Visa (F), Student Visa (X), Work Visa (Z), Transit Visa (G), Crew Visa (C) and Journalist Visa (J). For more information, please refer to China Visa Types.

74. What is the Visa Notice Sheet (or Visa Notification)? Where can I apply for it?
Visa Notice Sheet is a certificate from an authorized governmental organization in China prescribing the visa validity, number of entries and stay period. The company/institute/company in China which invites you can apply this certificate for you in the Ministries and Commissions of the State Council, the Government of all Provinces, Autonomous Regions, and Municipalities directly under the Central Government, and Foreign Affairs Offices and Bureaus of Economy and Commerce hereunder, and departments and units recognized by the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People¡¯s Republic of China.

75. How can I apply for a visa to visit Tibet?
Before you apply for a visa, you should get a Tibet Travel Permit from China Tibet Tourism Bureau. (The telephone number is 86-891-6834313, and the fax number is 86-891-6834632). You¡¯d better contact a Chinese Travel Agency to organize an entry permit before applying for a Chinese visa.

76. How much should I pay for my visa?
The visa fees vary greatly according to your nationality, the number of entries, the country you are applying in and whether you need an express service or not. Generally speaking, the visa fees are more expensive if the visa has more number of entries. However, the visa fees are same for American citizens no matter what number of entries they apply for.

77. Can I renew my Chinese visa? My visa will expire on 20th next month, but I will go to China on 24th.
The visa can¡¯t be renewed or made any changes once it is issued. You have to apply for a new visa again. The visa is printed on your visa page of passport by computer and any change on it makes the visa invalid.

78. I am an American citizen, I will fly from Los Angeles, plan to visit Guangzhou first and then Hong Kong for a short trip, after that I intend to go to Beijing. How many entries are for my trip?
American citizens do not need a visa to Hong Kong for a short trip less than 90 days. American citizens should have a valid visa for the mainland China. From Los Angeles to Guangzhou is one entry, and from Hong Kong to Beijing is another entry. So you should apply for a double-entry visa.

79. What are ENTRIES of Chinese visa?
ENTRIES of visa vary from single, double and multiple. On the visa, single entry is printed as 01(Ò¼), while double as 02(·¡), and multiple as M(¶à). Entries means the number of entry you can use the visa to enter China during its validity period. Visa becomes void if it goes beyond the date of ENTER BEFORE even if there are some ENTRIES left.

80. What is ENTER BEFORE?
ENTER BEFORE means the last date for the holder to use this visa to enter Mainland China. You must use the visa to enter China before 24:00 on this date. All visas come into effect on the date of issuance. For example, your single visa was issued on 18 May 2007. This date is the starting day for the holder to use this visa to enter Mainland China.

81. What is Duration of Each Stay after Entry?
Duration of Each Stay after Entry means the maximum number of days the applicants are permitted to stay in China. Duration of Each Stay is counted from the date of entry.

82. Can I apply for extension of duration of stay after I arrive in China?
Aliens who are already in China holding the L or F visa can apply for an extension of duration of stay at a local county level Public Security Bureau. You can read the China Visa Application in China to get more useful information.

83. Do I need a visa to Hong Kong and Macau?
About 170 countries or regions don¡¯t need a visa for Hong Kong, you can read the Non-Visa to Hong Kong for Foreign Countries/Areas to check whether you need a visa or not. Passport holders from 65 countries enjoy visa free access to Macau for a certain period; other aliens can apply for visa when they arrive in Macau, please refer to Macau Visa to get the list.

84. I travel to China frequently. How do I obtain a multiple entry visa?
Multiple entry visas are granted for business purpose only. You'll need to ask your business partners in China to contact the local government office to issue an invitation. The invitation has to be issued by the Foreign Ministry of Affairs and should be sufficient for the embassy or consulate to issue the visa. However; issuance of a multiple entry visa is at the discretion of the consulate and having a invitation from the Foreign Ministry does not guarantee issuance of the multiple entry visa.

85. How do I read a China visa?
The visa is stamped on a blank page within your passport supplied to us. Some areas to note :
Category of the visa (L means a tourist visa, F means a business visa)
B: Number of Entries. In this case, this visa is a double entry (2). Other choices would be single (1), or multiple (M).
C. Duration of Stay. In this case, the applicant has 30 days to stay in China before they are required to leave. Values could be 30, 90, 120 or 180 depending upon your needs.
D. Entry Dates. In this case, the applicant must enter before Nov 18, 2004. The visa was issued on May 18, 2004.

86. What is a Chinese Visa?
A China visa is a permit issued by Chinese visa authorities (Chinese Embassies, Chinese Consulates, Chinese visa offices or Public Security Bureau) to non-Chinese citizens for entry into and transit through China mainland (Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR have different visa systems). Citizens of most countries are required to obtain Chinese visas before entering China mainland. There are eight categories of ordinary China visas, which are respectively marked with the letters C, D, F , G, J-1, J-2, L , X and Z .

87. Do I need a Chinese visa?
If you want to travel to Mainland China, whether for business or tourism, you are required to have a Chinese visa obtained from a consulate in advance of your trip.
You are exempt from applying for a Chinese visa if you travel and stay only in Hong Kong or Macao for some days.
http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas_4.htm
http://www.dsi.gov.mo/announcement/E002_index.html

88. I got the China visa at the embassy. What does this visa mean?
CATEGORY: L (tourist visa or visiting relatives) - there are other types, such as F (for business or short-term study), X (student visa), Z (work visa)
ENTRIES: 01 - there are other types, such as 02, M (multiple) and 00.
DURATION OF EACH STAY: 090 - there are other types, such as 030, 060, 120, 180.
ENTER BEFORE: 23FEB2006 and ISSUE DATE: 23NOV2005: 3-month visa
---If you enter into China mainland before Feb. 23, 2006, you can use this visa. The 90 days of duration of stay is calculated right when you enter into China mainland through customs. Suppose you enter on Jan. 3, 2006, the visa is valid until April 2, 2006. And if you want to go to Hong Kong and return to China mainland on Feb. 12, 2006, you cannot use this visa though it is still ENTER BEFORE Feb. 23, 2006. The only 1 entry has been used up the first time you enter. If it were a 02-entry visa, you would use it again.

89. With an F visa, what can I do in China?
F visa is issued to applicants who are invited to China for business, research, lecture, scientific-technological and culture exchanges, short-term advanced studies or intern practice for a period of no more than six months.

90. I am going to mainland China, then to Hong Kong and back to mainland China. Does this mean I must have a double-entry visa?
Yes. Although Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR are part of China, they have different visa systems from China mainland. Each time you enter into China mainland, one entry will be used up.

91. If I want to stay longer in China, can I have my visa done without leaving China mainland£¿
Yes.
If you are holding an L visa, technically you can have it extended twice, with 30 days of each time. If you want to stay longer even than that, you can have your China visa converted to an F visa through a Chinese visa agent.
If you are holding an F visa, you can simply have it extended for another 3, 6 or 12 months.
The visas issued when you are already in China mainland have NO limitation of each stay. It means if you wish, you can stay as long as your visa duration without leaving. The entry (ies) is for your expected or unexpected travel. You don't have to leave.

F-visa holders can stay in China mainland without leaving for consecutive one year, which is calculated from last entry date. 92. I have a double/multi-entry Visa, but have 60 days limit for each stay. How can I remove it?
Double or multiple entry visas (either an L or F) issued by overseas Chinese Embassies, Consulates, visa offices usually have limitations of each stay. The limit can NOT be removed in China since December 2004. Instead you can apply for a new F issued by Public Security Bureau. Your previous L or F will be cancelled since you can NOT have two valid visas simultaneously. THAT'S CHINA can help you do that.

93. How can I get the "Registration Form of Temporary Residence", which is required to do visa extension or conversion?
Foreigners are required to register in the local police station within 24 hours of arrival. When you get a new visa or move to a new place, you need to redo it.
If you are staying at a hotel or hostel, the staff there will automatically do it for you. If you ask, they will give you the form. Please make sure they stamp it with the hotel or hostel' seal.
If you are renting an apartment or staying with your friends, you need to go to the local police station yourself. Normally, you are required to take the following documents:
Apartment rental contract
Passport
For the first time registration, you'd better ask your landlord to come with you. Or at least take one copy of the landlord's ID.

94. There is some company that intends to employ me. Can I avoid the Hong Kong visa run to get a Z visa? Or can I outsource the application to you to make it more efficient and quicker?
Yes, you can. Please find the documents required to do the whole work visa application (including work license, invitation letter, Z visa, Alien Employment Permit and Residence Permit for work application).

95. What is the number of entries?
China visa has single entry, double entry and multiple entry. Single entry means you can into China once within 90 days. Double entry means you can into China twice within 180 days. Multiple entry has no limit of entry

96. What's the validity of China visa?
A single entry Chinese visa is valid for 3 months from issuance, and a double entry visa is valid for 6 months from issuance.

97. How long I can stay in China?
The duration of stay is specified on the Chinese visa. Duration of stay for regular China tourist or business visa is 30 days from the date of your entrance. However, duration of stay for 60 or 90 days are also available upon request.

98. Do I need visa for Hong Kong?
U.S. passport holder doesn't need visa to go to Hong Kong.

99. What documentation is required to apply for a Chinese Visa?
Your valid & actual passport; one additional passport photo; one application form (BG-01).

100. Can I provide the embassy or consulate with a photocopy of my passport?
Your must provide your actual passport.

101. I'd like to travel to China as a tourist. Should I provide an invitation from a Chinese travel agency or my friends?
Not necessary. If we need any supporting information, such as itinerary or a letter of invitation, the consul will telephone you immediately.

102. I frequently travel to China for business consultation. How can I get a multiple visa?
Multiple visas only granted for business purpose. Please ask your business partners in China to contact the local government office to issue an invitation. The invitation should be sufficient for the embassy or consulate to issue the visa.

103. I have read " Instruction of authentication". Does my visa application form need to be authenticated?
No. Authentication applies only to documents being used in China for commercial or civil affairs, or for lawsuits. You only need to sign on the application form.

104. In the application form, items 2 & 3, does " Former Name" refer to " my maiden name", and " last name"& "given name' my current name?
Item 2 "Former Name" does refer to your maiden name. In brief, Item 3 should be the same as they appear on your passport.

105. Item 24, my wife and I are going to China together. I should put my name in this item?
No. Leave it blank. It refers to the situation in which a child who does not have his/her own passport is to travel to China with his/her parent and uses the parent's passport on which the child's name appears for visa application.
If your child uses the mother or father's passport, and he/she is going to China with you, please fill it out. In the Chinese visa, It will be marked the visa label and charge it for 10 dollars.

106. My child is traveling to China with me. He cannot sign on his application; can I sign it on behalf?
Yes. Be sure to let the visa officer know that you signed for him.

107. One of your requirements is that my passport must have 6 months validity remaining. Does that mean that my passport has to be at least six months old, or that it must have at least six months left on it? I just received a new passport. I should wait six months before I apply the Chinese Visa?
Your passport must have at least six months left before it expires. A new passport is good. There is no need to wait for six months before applying for a Chinese Visa. You may apply on the first day having your passport.

108. I'm a German (or other country) citizen and I have an American green card. Can I apply visa in the USA? How much is the visa fee?
The requirement is the same as that of American citizens. Additionally, those who are not American citizens and would like to apply for visa in the USA should provide the photocopy of American green card or social security card to support their applications. The visa fee is also the same as that for American citizens.

110. I try to call visa office, but it is very difficult to reach.
Visa office says they receive 350 or more calls from different states. They must be overburdened already. It seems impossible to answer all of these calls. If you have a question to which you can't find the answer on the website, you can e-mail or fax them.

111. I have a friend who is disabled (handicapped). Can he apply for a Chinese visa?
Sure. Please be advised that his relative(s) or friend(s) should go along with him if he needs help and assistance.

112. Can I take pets to China?
According to regulations formulated by the relevant Chinese government office, foreigners who wish to take pets to China should be acknowledged:
1) One pet per person is allowed, limited to dogs, cats, or birds;
2) The pet should be immunized before going to China. Please prepare a state Immunization Certificate and a Health Certificate issued by a certified veterinarian.
3) Upon arrival in china, you must notify the custom official that you have a pet with you and present the above-mentioned documents.

113. I'm going to China on June1, and my visa will expired on June 10. Can I still stay in China for 30 days?
Yes. A Chinese visa is good for 90 days from the date of issuance. Within 90 days (please note the time difference between China and the U.S.) you can enter China. And from the date of your entrance, you can stay in China for 30 days (the duration period is written in the visa label).

114. I am wondering whether you have received my passport. Can I call the visa office to check the status of my application?
Please don't calling them for the status of your visa processing unless you haven't received your passport after 15 days of submission. Remember, your name, passport number and contact telephone should be provided.

115. Do I have to see a doctor to have " Physical examination record for foreigner" filled out?
This form is strictly for those who will work or study in China over 1 year (360 days). If you are to stay in China for less than one year, you don't have to see a doctor to fill it out.

116. I am going to Guangdong, then to Hongkong and back to Guangdong for one night. Does it mean that I must have a double-entry visa?
Absolutely. Double-entry visa means you can enter into mainland of China twice within 90 days. Since you are going to Guangdong in the mainland of China twice, you must have a double-entry visa. Although being part of China, Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (See information about Hong Kong visa).

117. How to read my Chinese visa?
Upon receiving your visa, you should check the information on your visa for accuracy.
1. Visa type: L for tourist, F for business ...
2. Number of entries: 'M' means multiple entry, '01' means single entry, '02' means double entry.
3. Visa validation period: you must enter China before this date.
4. Duration of stay: the number of days you may stay in China upon each entry. For some work visa (Z) or student visa (X), it may be '000', indicating the duration of stay will be determined upon entering China.
5. Date of issue: the date your visa was issued.
6. Place of issue: in this example, Houston.
7. Your name: only the first initial will be printed here.
8. Date of birth
9. Passport number
10. Machine coded region
11. Visa number

118. Can I stay in China for more than 30 days with a tourist/family visit visa?
Yes, you can. The duration of stay for a tourist/family visit visa is normally 30 days (in fact, 60 days minimum for visas issued recently). If you can justify longer stay and indicate the expected dates of stay in China on the application form (form Q1), you will be issued a visa with a longer duration of stay, upto 180 days for single entry visa, or 90 days double or multiple entry visa.
If you want to stay even longer, you may apply for extension at local public security bureau (police station) for another 6 months each time. This is especially important for those who wants to send their children back to China for a year.
Please note that although requests for longer stay are usually granted, the consulate officers have the right not to issue a visa for the duration you requested, and their decisions are final.

General notes on visa application
* The applicant must submit the original passport with blank visa pages and valid for at least six months beyond the date of application, the completed visa application form, one passport photo and other documents related to application.
* The application form must be filled out faithfully, completely and the applicant shall bear the responsibility for all information provided. Application may be declined if the applicant failed to provide faithful information or documents.
* Holders of category X, Z, D or J-1 visa shall go through residential formalities in the local public security bureau within 30 days as of the date of entry into China.
* Activities irrelevant to applicant's statement made on the application form are not permitted.

119. When is the best time to apply for my Chinese visa?
The best time to apply for your Chinese visa is 1-2 months before your travel date. However, if you are running short on time, we can process your visa in 1 business day. For example, if you overnight your application to us on Monday, you can have it back in your hand on Wednesday with our same-day rush service.

120. How long is a Chinese visa valid for?
The validity of a Chinese visa can be anywhere from 3-24 months depending on the type of visa you request. Normally a single entry visa is valid for 3 months, a double entry visa for 6 months, a multiple entry visa for 6, 12 or 24 months. The validity of a visa starts from date of issue, and applicant needs to enter China before the expiration date listed on the visa.

121. How long can I stay in China with aChinese visa?
The time you could actually stay in China, or "duration of stay after entry" is usually 30-90 days per entry. Generally speaking, the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco issues 30-day visas, Houston 60 and Chicago 90. If you wish to get more than 30 or 60 days, you must write 90 days on the Chinese Visa Application Form. Please be reminded that the Chinese Consulate has the final say on the on the number of days you receive for your visa regardless of your request.

122. Do I have to send you my passport? Is it safe to send a passport?
Yes. You will need to send your actual passport, not a copy of it. The Chinese visa is stamped on your passport and will become one of your passport pages. Visa request cannot be processed without your original passport. Because of the importance of your passport, we strongly suggest that you send your application in a secure way, using a traceable courier such as FedEx, UPS, Express Mail or Certified Mail. Please note that certified mail could take 7-10 business days to deliver.

123. I need Chinese visas for two people. Can I send them in one package? How should I calculate the fees?
When you send in application for more than one person, you can send all applications in one package. If all passports are to be returned to the same address, you need to pay only one FedEx return shipping fee. Chinese Consulate fees and our service fees, however, are charged one per person.

124. Can I use my own FedEx account number for return shipping?
Yes, you can. To do that, you could either include a prepaid FedEx air bill or write down your FedEx account number on our Order Form. However, we do not accept pre-stamped post office envelopes.

125. I will travel between Hong Kong and the mainland multiple times. Do I need a multiple entry visa?
Yes, you do need a multiple entry visa for that purpose. Each time you enter China from Hong Kong or Macao, you need one entry.

126. I'm going to China on January 1, and my visa expires on January 10. Can I still stay for 30 days?
Yes, you can. As long as you enter China before the expiration date, you can stay for 30 or more days as specified on your visa. The duration of stay starts from the day you enter China.
A Chinese visais a permit issued by Chinese visa authorities to non-Chinese citizens for entry into, exit from and transit through China. American citizens and citizens of most countries are required to obtain a China visa before entering China. There are eight categories of ordinary Chinese visas, which are respectively marked with the letters C, D, F, G, J-1, J-2, L, X and Z.
China Tourist Visaor L visit is the most popular type of Chinese visa, issued to those who visit China for tourist purposes, family visit or other personal matters.
China Business Visa or F visIt is issued to applicants who are invited to China for business, research, lecture, scientific-technological and culture exchanges, short-term advanced studies or intern practice for a period of no more than six months.
China Work Visaor Z visIt is issued to those who are hired by Chinese employers to work in China for an extended period of time, and their accompanying family members.
China Student Visa or X visIt is issued to applicants who go to China for the purpose of study, advanced studies or intern practice for a period of more than six months.
China Crew Visaor C visIt is issued to crewmembers on international aviation, navigation and land transportation missions bound for China.
Type L China VisIssued to aliens who enter China temporarily for touring, family visiting or other personal affairs. Single entry, double entry tourist visa are available. Multiple entry china visa is not granted for tourist. The most popular type of Chinese visa, an China L visa is also known as a China tourist visa. It is issued to those who visit China for tourist purposes, family visit or other personal matters.
China Business Visa
Type F China VisIssued to aliens who are invited to China for business visit, research, lecture, scientific technological and cultural exchanges. Single entry visa, double entry visa, six month multiple entry visa and one year multiple entry business visa are available.
China Work Visa
Type Z China VisIssued to aliens who goes to China for employment(such as teach), and his/her accompanying family members.
China Student Visa
Type X China VisIssued to aliens who goes to China for study, advanced studies or intern practice for a period of more than six months. If the study period is no more than six months, then the applicant shall apply for a china business visa.
China Residence Visa
Type D China VisIssued to foreigners who goes to reside permanently in China.

127. What is the number of entries?
China visa has single entry, double entry and multiple entry. Single entry means you can into China once within 90 days. Double entry means you can into China twice within 180 days. Multiple entry has no limit of entry

128. What's the validity of China visa?
A single entry Chinese visa is valid for 3 months from issuance, and a double entry visa is valid for 6 months from issuance.

129. How long I can stay in China?
The duration of stay is specified on the Chinese visa. Duration of stay for regular China tourist or business visa is 30 days from the date of your entrance. However, duration of stay for 60 or 90 days are also available upon request.

130. Can I get a multiple entry China visa?
Multiple entry China visa is not available for tourist. For Multiple entry China business visa, you need provide the invitation, and the invitation must be issued by a Chinese Government Ministry or authorized government office, or Regional office of Chinese Foreign Economic Relations and Trade Commission, and include their 4-digit reference number.

131. Do I need a Chinese visa?
If you want to travel to China, whether for business or tourism, you are required to have a Chinese visa obtained from a consulate in advance of your trip. You are exempt from applying for a Chinese visa if you travel and stay only in Hong Kong or Macao for less than 30 days.

132. What's the type of china visa?
Visa D - For permanent residence in China. Visa Z - For who work in China and their family members. Visa X - For study in china. Visa F - For less than 6 months exchanges visit. Visa L - For travel, visit friends and relatives Visa G - For those who stop over in China. Visa C - For airplanes, trains and ships and their family Visa J-1 - For foreign journalists who reside in China Visa J-2 - For foreign journalists who come to China to gather news.

133. What's does it mean by 'Entry(ies)'?
How many times you can enter China during the visa period. Commonly, there are 4 kinds of Entry: 00= Zero; 01= Single; 02= Double; M = Multiple.

134. How long is a China visa valid?
A Single and Double entry China visa is valid for 90 days from issuance. A Multiple entry China visa is valid for 6 or 12 months from issuance.

135. The difference between a tourist and biz visa
"Tourist" visas are issued for the purpose of travel for pleasure, while a "business" visa permits a traveler to engage in normal business-related activities (sales meetings, visiting a factory, negotiating agreements, etc.)

136. How can I obtain a multiple entry visa?
1¡¢To get it from overseas Chinese consulates or at visa office in Hong Kong, you'll need to ask your business partners in China to contact the local government office to issue an invitation. 2¡¢To get it from local Public Security Bureaus in China. For more information on obtaining a multiple entry business £¨F£©visa

137. How to extend tourist (L) visa in China?
L visa can be extended once or twice. L visa can also be converted to a 3 months or 6 months Business (F) visa. After 3 months or 6 months, you can extend for another 3 months or 6 months, the extension times is no limit, but the maximum time stay inside of China without leaving is 1 year.

139. How to get the "residence registration certificate
If it is a legitimate hotel as well as registered with local police stations, you can ask the hotel to issue the certificate. If it is an apartment or house you rent, you should ask the owner to go to the local police station to get the certificate. If it is an apartment or house you bought, you should go to the local police station with the documents: A) Copy of property ownership certificate, B) your passport. If it is a school's apartment (on campus), you should ask the school to issue the certificate.

140. What is a double-entry visa?
Double-entry visa means you can enter into mainland of China twice within 90 days. If you go to the mainland of China twice, you must have a double-entry visa.

141. My child is traveling to China with me. He cannot sign on his application; can I sign it on his/her behalf?
YES.

142. What document do I need to register my marriage in China?
To get your marriage registered in China, you will need to get an Affidavit of Single Status signed in front of a notary public. And then

1. Certified by the clerk of Court of the County in which the document is commissioned if applicable. It may be omitted if the authority in item 3 will certify directly to the notary.
2. Certified by the Secretary of the State in which the document is executed.
3. Certified by the U. S. Departments of State Authentication Office.
After all that, send the document to us with your registration receipt and application form (G1) to get it certified by the embassy.

143. Can I provide the embassy or consulate with a photocopy of my passport?
Never. Your must provide your actual passport.

144. Is an appointment required for a visa application? Can I entrust someone else to apply for me?
No appointment is required. You may entrust someone else or a travel/visa agent (CSCA is one of them) to come to the visa office for application process, but mail applications are not acceptable by the Chinese Embassy.

145. China student visa?
I am planning to study in China on March 1st, 2007 but I'm goin to China on February 19th, 2007. Until now, the university I applied for has sent the enrollment letter to me, but the letter havent reached to my house yet.

146. My travel agent said that I have to arrange the ticket before February 7th, 2007. If the enrollment letter hasn't arrived to my house yet, can I just use Tourist Visa to go to Beijing? After I arrive there, I will arrange the Student Visa & do the medical examination. Is that possible for me to do that? Will I get any problem in the embassy?
Of course you can, no, as long as you have a tourist visa, you should be fine.

147. When is the best time to apply for my Chinese visa?
The best time to apply for your Chinese visa is 1-2 months before your travel date. However, if you are running short on time, we can process your visa in 1 business day. For example, If you overnight your application to us on Monday, you can have it back in your hand on Wednesday morning with our same-day rush service.

148. How long is a Chinese visa valid for?
The Chinese Consulate now automatically issues 1-year multiple entry visas to US passport holders except in certain special situations. With a 1-year multi-entry visa, your visa is valid for 12 months from date of issue, and you can enter China any time during the 12 months while the visa is valid.

149. How long can I stay in China with a Chinese visa?
The time you could actually stay in China, or "duration of stay after entry" is usually 60 days. However, a maximum of 90-day duration of stay is available upon request. To get a 90-day duration of stay, you must write down such number on the Chinese Visa Application Form. If you did not specify the number of days on this form, you will be allowed 60 days. Please be reminded that the Chinese Consulate has the final say on the number of days you receive for your visa regardless of your request.

150. I will travel between Hong Kong and the mainland multiple times. Do I need a multiple entry visa?
Yes, you do need a multiple entry visa for that purpose. Each time you enter China from Hong Kong and Macao, you need one entry.

151. Do I need to apply for China Visa before I entry Tibet?
All visitors traveling to mainland China, whether for business or sightseeing, require a Visa. We recommend that you obtain your visa before leaving the country where you live. There is a trick when you are applying for the China visa, you d better not to mention Tibet or to write anything about Tibet on the application form. It is advisable to refer to other places in China like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi¡¯an, etc. otherwise, visa officer may reject your application and you won¡¯t get the visa to China.

152. What other travel documents are required?
Traveling to Tibet, you need to get your passport and China Visa first (If you are going to Tibet from Nepal, you have to apply the China Visa in Katmandu). After that, we, Tibet Master.com, will arrange Tibet Permits for you. It is an easy job for us to get the Tibet Permits for you. You need them to enter and travel in Tibet. For more information about this, please click here.
There are three kinds of Tibet Permits (some foreigners call it Tibet Visas):
1. TTB permit: Tibet Entry Permit, as it is issued by Tibet Travel Bureau, also known as TTB permit.
2. PSB permit: Alien's Travel Permit, as it is issued by Foreign Affairs Section of the Local Public Security Bureau, also know as PSB permit.
3.Tibet Military Permit.
The Permits you will need depend on your itinerary and the places you are going to visit. Tibet Entry Permit is a must for people traveling to Tibet. It will be needed when you board the train or flight to Tibet.

153. How do we apply TTB and other Tibet travel permits? Will you arrange all these for us?
You don¡¯t need to worry about the Tibet travel permits. If you book the tour with us, it will be no problem at all for us to arrange them for you.

154. Can I apply the travel permits on my own? Am I able to travel individually in Tibet?
As foreign travelers, you can not apply for the permits on your own, as so far Tibet is not open to foreigners, and you can not travel individually in Tibet. Your whole tour in Tibet must be escorted by a licensed tour guide.

155. Is there any way that my TTB application gets rejected?
All kinds of people can get Tibet permit through a travel agency except diplomats, journalists, and government officials who should travel to Tibet under the arrangement by the Foreign Affairs Office of Tibet Government.

156. How to avoid exceptional difficulties in Permit Application?
There is a trick that when you apply for China visa, please do not mention Tibet, or your China visa may be rejected, as it is a politically sensitive place.

157. Can I visit Kathmandu and Tibet in one trip, anything else should I take note if I make such arrangement?
Entering Tibet from Nepal, either by friendship highway or by air requires a separate visa valid for Tibet from the Chinese embassy in Katmandu. You may apply for a group visa(minimum of two people in a group and you must leave China with this person unless you can change the visa inside China). Please refer to http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/ce/cenp/eng/ConsularService/t363855.htm for more information.




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