How to Get a Visa for China

First, be sure your Passport is current. In addition to a Visa for China, you need a current Passport for any international travel.

Know which Chinese Visa you need. There are numerous types of Visas available to non-Chinese residents (aliens) when visiting China. You will need to apply for the correct type of Visa, depending on the purpose of your travel to China.

These are the subcategories of regular Visas for China:

C Visa - for international crew members, who must perform on-board duties on trains, airplanes, and other vessels, and their family members
D Visa - for aliens who will reside in China permanently
F Visa - for aliens who are invited to China for less than six months for an investigation, a visit, a lecture, scientific or technological and cultural exchanges, business, short-term advanced studies, or an internship
G Visa - for aliens who travel through China
J-1 Visa - for foreign resident correspondents in China
J-2 Visa - for foreign journalists on reporting jobs who make short trips to China
L Visa - for aliens who visit China to sight see, visit family, or for other private reasons
X Visa - for aliens who travel to China for study, advanced study, or internships for longer than six months
Z Visa - for aliens, who travel to China for a post or for employment, and their family members

Most visitors to China apply for a Tourist Visa (L Visa) as an American citizen. If you need a different kind of Visa, refer to the Resources section below for those specific directions.

Gather the following documentation to apply:

- current Passport that is still valid for at least six months and with at least one blank Visa page
- completed Visa Application Form
- one 2x2 inch (either black and white or color) photo stapled or glued to the application form

Hand deliver the completed application to your state's Visa Office of the Embassy or Consulate. If this is not possible, use the Application Mail Back Service.

Specific requirements for the return envelope for the Application Mail Back Service follow:

- include a self-addressed pre-paid return envelope with correct return postage using a tracking number or bar code via the U.S. Postal Service Express Mail, FedEx, or other such delivery service
- do not use a metered or stamped envelope
- do not use certified or registered mail service
- as the applicant, fill in your name and address as the sender on the return envelope

Allow seven business days for processing. Rush service is not available to get a Visa for China.

Include the application fee of $130 and a $5 handling fee per envelope per person. Pay using one single money order, cashier's check, or company check only. Make it payable to "Chinese Embassy" for both fees.

Note: Do not use two money orders or checks.