Original passport and one photocopy of information page. The passport must be signed, valid for 6 months beyond stay in China and with at least one blank visa page available for the Chinese visa.
For all tourists, one original China visa application FormA is required.
In addition, FormB is required for non-US citizen.
The application form(s) must be typed in CAPITAL LETTERS. Every question must be answered (please answer N/A if the question does not apply to you). Improperly completed Chinese visa application forms may delay the processing of your Chinese visa.
One recent (taken within 6 months) 2 x 2 passport type photograph, in color, front view and with a plain/white background.
4A. Official Invitation from China:
- An Invitation Letter for Tourist Group or Invitation Letter for Tourist by a Duly Authorized Tourism Unit, or Invitation Letter issued by companies, corporations, institutions and individuals in China.
- If the invitation letter is issued by an individual in China, the photocopy of the ID of the individual is required. If the invitation letter is from a Non-Chinese citizen, a copy of their status in China is required.
- A letter of invitation must explain the relationship between the host and the applicant and must include detailed information about the applicant, including full name, gender, date of birth. The letter must also state the purpose of visit, where the applicant will stay, and the date of arrival and departure from China. The letter must indicate who will be responsible for the cost of the applicant’s accommodations in China and information about the inviting host: name of the unit or individual, phone number, address, and if applicable, seal and signature of the legal representative.
- Please click the link for a sample "Invitation Letter in Chinese (1)"
- Please click the link for a sample "Invitation Letter in Chinese (2)"
- Please click the link for a sample "Invitation Letter in English"
4B. Proof Of Departure:
- Computer generated flight itinerary from the airline or travel agency or copy of airline tickets showing round trip travel to China or onward flight.
4C. Hotel Confirmation:
- A copy of confirmed hotel and/or cruise reservation(s). Please make sure that the applicant’s name must be listed on the hotel confirmation.
If this is your first time applying Chinese visa, a copy of the birth certificate and copy of parents’ passports for minors under 18 may require.
- You must write your name in Chinese characters for question 1.3 on the visa application form
- If you have been previously issued a China visa in your current or expired passport, you must submit a copy of that visa
- If you have never been issued a China visa,
a) you must submit your original Chinese passport showing your name in Chinese characters
b) If you are a minor who was adopted from China, you must also include your original adoption papers and a copy of them as well
c) If your name on Chinese passport and on US passport not identical, please include a supporting document, such as copy of your naturalization papers or marriage certificate, for the name change.
Chinese visas are usually issued for 3 months, 6 months or 12 months from the date of issue and allow single, double or multiple entries according to visa application request and supporting documents. Length of stay is generally up to 30 days, but longer stays, such as 60 days or 90 days, can be issued at the discretion of the Chinese Consular officer. In rare cases, 180
Chinese visa applications are usually processed in 7 to 10 business days. Rush 3 to 4 business day visa service is available for additional fees.
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. *Exception: French citizens must apply in person.
Processing Time | Regular (10 business days) | Express (5 business days) | |
For US citizen | $200 | $250 | |
For non-US citizen | Canadian | $140.00 | $190.00 |
all other countries | $75.00 | $125.00 |
Delivery Type | Ground | 3-Day | 2-Day | Next Day |
Shipping cost | $10.00 | $20.00 | $25.00 | $30.00 |