Select the visa type. If you're going to be in Hong Kong or Macao for less than thirty days, you do not need a visa. If you are visiting any other part of the country, you need either a business or a tourism visa. If you're in China for the purpose of travel or pleasure, you need a tourism visa. If you are in China for business purposes, you need a business visa. There are also student visas and work visas available.
Fill out and send in the application. Print out and fill in the visa application and then send it to the nearest Chinese Embassy (see Resources below).
Turn in a complete application. Include two pictures of yourself to accompany the application and your passport. Make sure that if you will be leaving and entering mainland China several times that you have a multiple entry visa. Verify that your visa covers your entire stay in China - you don't want a visa that is only good for six months if you will be there for 12. Choose the type of service you want: standard, rush or next day. You will get your visa anytime between the next day and six days later.
