
Gather, complete, & submit the requirements below.
China Tourist Visa Requirements
Passport: Valid, Signed

Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity & blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport’s data page and the photo page if it is separate.
China Visa Application Form
Completing the Chinese Visa Application Form, (must be typed)
1 Recent Passport-type photograph
(2″ x 2″) in color, front view with a white background.
Hotel Confirmation
Copy of confirmed hotel reservations. The applicant’s name must be on the hotel reservation.
Itinerary
Copy of round trip tickets or confirmed itinerary.
If you’re looking for assistance with a visa for China, here’s a general guide to the process. Let me know if you need more specific details for your business offerings or other types of visas!
Types of China Visas
- Tourist Visa (L): For sightseeing or visiting family.
- Business Visa (M): For business and trade activities.
- Work Visa (Z): For employment in China.
- Student Visa (X1/X2): For studying in China.
- Family Reunion Visa (Q1/Q2): For visiting relatives.
- Transit Visa (G): For short layovers.
- Journalist Visa (J1/J2): For media-related work.
General Application Requirements
- Completed Visa Application Form (Form V.2013): Fill it out electronically or by hand.
- Passport: Valid for at least six months with at least two blank visa pages.
- Passport-Size Photo: Color photo with a white background.
- Proof of Legal Status: For non-U.S. citizens, proof of residency or legal stay in the U.S.
- Travel Itinerary: Flight tickets and hotel bookings or an invitation letter.
- Additional Documents: Vary depending on visa type (e.g., employment contract for a Z visa or admission notice for an X visa).
Application Process
- Preparation: Collect all necessary documents.
- Submission: Submit your application at a Chinese embassy, consulate, or a visa service. Some applications may require appointments.
- Fee Payment: Pay the visa processing fee (varies by visa type and nationality).
- Processing Time: Generally takes 4-5 business days but may vary.
- Pick-Up or Delivery: Retrieve your passport with the visa or arrange for it to be mailed.
Additional Tips for Businesses
- For business-related visas (M), a company invitation letter and a copy of the inviter’s business license may be required.
- If providing hand-carry services, ensure all forms and supporting documents are complete and comply with the latest Chinese visa policies.
China Business Visa Requirements
Passport: Valid, Signed
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity & blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport’s data page and the photo page if it is separate.
China Visa Application Form
Completing the Chinese Visa Application Form, (must be typed)
1 Recent Passport-type photograph
(2″ x 2″) in color, front view with a white background.
Business Letter of Invitation
A business letter from the sending company in China on the company letterhead stationery addressed to “The Consulate of China, Visa Section”, & signed by a senior manager, Vice-President or above.
Briefly introduce the applicant and specify the employment status/position held in the company by an applicant.
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- State the nature of the business to be conducted (i.e.. business meetings, contract negotiations, etc.) & the names & addresses of companies to be contacted in China.
Specify the Type & desired Validity of the visa (i.e.. a one-year multiple-entry business visas). - Guarantee of sufficient funds for travel.
- The letter should have an official seal/stamp from the company.
- Sample Company Letter of Guarantee
- State the nature of the business to be conducted (i.e.. business meetings, contract negotiations, etc.) & the names & addresses of companies to be contacted in China.
China Crew Visa Requirements
Passport: Valid, Signed
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity & blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport’s data page and the photo page if it is separate.
China Application Form
Completing the Chinese Visa Application Form, (must be typed)
2 Recent Passport-type photograph
(2″ x 2″) in color, front view with a white background.
Crew Letter
A business letter of Invitation issued by a relevant company in China.
Crew ID
Copy of the company crew ID.
Itinerary
Copy of round trip tickets or confirmed itinerary.
Student Visa Requirements
Passport: Valid, Signed
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity & blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport’s data page and the photo page if it is separate.
China Application Form.
Completing the Chinese Visa Application Form, (must be typed)
2 Recent Passport-type photograph
(2″ x 2″) in color, front view with a white background.
Driver’s License.
Copy of the applicant’s Driver’s License or a copy of the utility bill (e.g. electric, water, gas, sewage) bearing the applicant’s name & current address.
JW201 or JW202 Form.
A signed original and a photocopy of the approved Foreign Student Visa Application Form issued by the school in China. Forms must be signed by both the student & the school.
School Enrollment Letter.
Original School Enrollment letter from China signed by both the applicant & the school.
Physical Examination Form.
For applicants studying in China for more than 6 months must submit a Physical Examination Form for Foreigners filled out & signed by a physician in the US. Form….
Itinerary.
Copy of round trip tickets or confirmed itinerary.
Work Visa Requirements
Passport: Valid, Signed
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity & blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport’s data page and the photo page if it is separate.
China Visa Application Form.
Completing the China Visa Application Form, (must be typed)
2 Recent Passport-type photograph
(2″ x 2″) in color, front view with a white background.
Driver’s License.
Copy of the applicant’s Driver’s License or a copy of the utility bill (e.g. electric, water, gas, sewage) bearing the applicant’s name & current address.
Visa Notification Letter.
Original invitation letter from the sponsoring company in China and must be obtained from the proper Government agency in China.
Foreign Expert Permit.
An original permit issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts & an Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities.
Itinerary.
Copy of round trip tickets or confirmed itinerary.
Non-Business Visit Visa Requirements
Passport: Valid, Signed
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity & blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport’s data page and the photo page if it is separate.
China visa application form.
Completing the Chinese Visa Application Form, (must be typed)
2 Recent Passport-type photograph
(2″ x 2″) in color, front view with a white background.
Personal Letter.
A personal letter from the applicant addressed to the Embassy of China, explaining the purpose of the trip, dates of travel, cities to be visited, & place of accommodation.
Driver’s License.
Copy of the applicant’s Driver’s License or a copy of the utility bill (e.g. electric, water, gas, sewage) bearing the applicant’s name & current address.
Letter of Invitation.
A business letter from the sending company in China or Individual. The letter should be printed on the company letterhead stationery, addressed to “The Consulate of China, Visa Section”, & signed by a senior manager, Vice-President or above.
Briefly introduce the applicant and specify the employment status/position held in the company by an applicant.
State the nature of the business to be conducted (i.e.. business meetings, contract negotiations, etc.) & the names and addresses of companies to be contacted in China.
Specify the Type & desired Validity of the visa (i.e.. a one-year multiple-entry business visas).
Guarantee of sufficient funds for travel.
The letter should have an official seal/stamp from the company.
Itinerary.
Copy of round trip tickets or confirmed itinerary.
China Official Visa Requirements
Passport: Valid, Signed
Original signed passport with at least six months of remaining validity & blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport’s data page and the photo page if it is separate.
China visa application form.
Completing the Chinese Visa Application Form, (must be typed)
2 Recent Passport-type photograph
(2″ x 2″) in color, front view with a white background.
Business Letter of Invitation.
A business letter from the sending company in China on the company letterhead stationery addressed to “The Consulate of China Visa Section”, & signed by a senior manager, Vice-President or above.
Briefly introduce the applicant and specify the employment status/position held in the company by an applicant.
State the nature of the business to be conducted (i.e.. business meetings, contract negotiations, etc.) & the names & addresses of companies to be contacted in China.
Specify the Type & desired Validity of the visa (i.e.. a one-year multiple-entry business visas).
Guarantee of sufficient funds for travel.
The letter should have an official seal/stamp from the company.
Sample Company Letter of Guarantee
The letter should have an official seal/stamp from the company.
U.S. Government Letter.
A letter from the U.S. Government International Travel Information addressed to the Embassy of The People’s Republic of China, Washington DC, explaining the nature & dates of travel. The letter also should indicate the name & passport number of the applicant.
Itinerary.
Copy of round trip tickets or confirmed itinerary.
Visa China Instructions
Please send the passport(s) and all completed documents to the address below:
Visa DC, 1875 Campus Commons DR Reston VA 20191 Contact Us
China Visa Service Fees
| Fee Type | Duration | Processing | Consular Fee | Service Fee | Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist – Multiple | 10 years | 4-6 business days | $140 | $98 | $238 |
| Business – Single Entry | 60 days | 4-6 business days | $140 | $98 | $238 |
| Business – Multiple Entry | 180 days | 4-6 business days | $140 | $98 | $238 |
| Business – Multiple entries | 365 days or more | 4-6 business days | $140 | $98 | $238 |
| Crew Visa | Varies | 4-6 business days | $140 | $98 | $238 |
| Student Visa | Varies | 4-6 business days | $140 | $98 | $238 |
| Work Visa | Varies | 4-6 business days | $140 | $98 | $238 |
| Official Visa | Varies | 4-6 business days | $0 | $98 | $98 |
| Rush Service Surcharge | Varies | 2-3 business days | 160 | $98 | 258 |
Other Information
FedEx Options
- $29.50 Fed Ex Letter (Not Including AL +HI – USA ONLY)
- $75.00 Fed Ex Envelope (First Overnight – Overweight package)
- $48.50 Fed Ex (Saturday Delivery – USA ONLY)
