Do I need a visa to visit China's mainland?
Foreign citizens generally need a visa to visit China's mainland with the exception of visa-free entry according to relevant agreements and regulations. (See Exemption of visa for more information.)
I get a new passport, but I have a valid Chinese visa in my old passport. Can I travel with both passports to China without applying for a new visa?
Yes, you may travel with both passports provided that your visa is still valid and the personal details including your name, sex, date of birth and nationality on both passports are exactly the same.
Do I need to schedule an appointment for visa application?
No. You may visit the Visa Office anytime during business hours unless otherwise required by a consular officer.
Can I apply for a visa by mail? Could you mail the passport with visa back to me?
No. We do NOT accept mail-in visa applications. We do NOT provide mail-back service either.
How long does it to process my application? What is the right time to submit my visa application?
Normally it takes 4 business days to process a visa application although some applications require longer processing time. You will be notified of the estimated collection date either on your pick-up slip or by phone later. You are advised to submit your visa application about one month before your planned travel date in China.
What are the requirements for passport, visa application form and photo?
Your passport must valid at least for one year, and not altered/damaged/smudged in any way.
Make sure you TYPE to complete and sign an up-to-date version of visa application form . You must provide true, complete and accurate answers to each question on the form. The form needs to be signed by the applicant (or a parent /guardian in case of a minor). Only original signature is accepted.
Please glue a photo that is printed on glossy photo paper onto the form. Your photo must meet the requirements.
What are the requirements for an invitation letter?
The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout, and must be signed by the inviter and/or company seal in case of a business invite. An applicant may be required to provide the original invitation letter as deemed necessary by a consular officer.
Do I have to provide Physical Examination Form to apply for a visa?
No.
I am currently in China on a visa and the permitted time of stay is almost up, but I need to stay longer. May I send my passport back to a friend in U.S. in order to get a new valid visa?
No. You must leave mainland China if you need to apply for a new visa. Or you may apply for an extension of visa from the local public security authorities in China.
I am now in China on a Z visa and have received my residence permit. Can I leave China and come back as often as I wish?
You may use your residence permit (placed on your passport and similar to a visa) issued by the local public security authority to enter and exit China during the validity of the residence permit. No other visa is needed.
If you are a Chinese Permanent Resident Card holder, you don't need a visa to enter China during the validity of your Permanent Resident Card.
Where should I apply for document legalization? Must I appear in person to submit my application? May I use an agent?
Please check detailed info here as to where to submit your document authentication application. You don't have to appear in person unless required by a consular officer. You may ask your friend or an agent to help submit your application.
Do I need to schedule an appointment for authentication application?
No. You may visit the Visa Office anytime during our business hours unless otherwise required by a consular officer.
What do I need to know if I go to the Consular Section to submit my application?
Please make sure you have checked our website and prepared all necessary documents BEFORE you come to the Consular Section. Oversize baggage or hazardous objects are NOT allowed in the Consular Section. You must pass a security check at the entrance of the Consular Section. Once in the office, please wait for your turn. Proceed to the window that submit your application. You will be given a pick-up form for your application accepted. Please retain the form and return to the Consular Section on or after the date shown on the form to pick up your documents. You will need to pay for your documents on the pick-up day.
If no pick-up date is shown on the form, you need to wait for a call from the Consular Section as your application may require longer processing time. You may also contact us for inquiries.
How long does it to process my application? Do you provide express service?
Normally it takes 4 business days to process an authentication. Express service is available for an additional fee. You need to make such request to our staff while submitting your application. Please note that some applications require longer processing time and not all applications can be expedited. You will be notified of the estimated collection date either on your pick-up form or by phone later.