FAQ about Chinese Visa Application
Many frequently asked questions about Chinese visa application are listed.

 China and Visas 
The PRC follows the international system and issues visas according to its laws and regulations which may be modified from time to time.

 Number of Entries / Validity / Duration of Each Stay
1. Single, Double and Multiple Entry Visas
2. Validity (Enter Before) 
3. Duration of Stay (After Entry)

 Visa Exemption 
There are a very few situations where no visa is required for entering mainland China. 

 72-hour Visa-free Transit 
Passport holders from 45 countries are exempted from visa to transit in Beijing and Shanghai from Jan. 1, 2013.

 Visa on Arrival (Issued at Entry Ports) 
There are certain emergency situations which will permit aliens to get a visa on arrival at entry ports of mainland China.

 Types of Chinese Visa
 Tourist Visa (L) Issued to aliens who are going to PRC for tourism, family visiting or other private affairs.  
 Business Visa (F) Issued to aliens who are invited to PRC for a business visit, an investigation, a lecture, scientific-technological & cultural exchanges, short-term furthering studies or intern practice less than six months.
 Student Visa (X) Issued to aliens who are going to PRC for study, furthering studies or intern practice longer than six months. 
 Work Visa (Z) Issued to aliens who are going to PRC for a post or employment, and to their accompanying family members.
 Transit Visa (G) Issued to aliens who are going to a third country in transit of PRC.
 Crew Visa (C) Issued to crewmembers involving international-based transportation by trains, airway and ships and their accompanying family members.
 Resident Visa (D) Issued to aliens who are going to reside permanently in PRC.
 Journalist Visa (J-1, J-2) Issued to foreign journalists for the purpose of reporting from PRC.  

 Chinese Visa Application 
 Application in Your Own Country
 Application in China (Renewals and Extension)
 Application in a Third Country & Regions
 Requirements 
 Fees, Overstaying & Visa Agents 
 Visa Mail Service 
 Holiday Schedule of Chinese Embassies/Consulates   
 Visa Cancellation & Airline Regulations 
 Mutual Visa Exemption between PRC and Foreign Countries

  Visa to Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR
 Hong Kong Visa
 Hong Kong Visa Application
 Non-Visa to Hong Kong for Foreign Countries/Areas
 Macau Visa 

 Chinese Residence Permit
 Temporary Residence Permit 
 Policy about Family Visit Visa/Temporary Residence Permit
 Permanent Residence Permit
 Requirements for Permanent Residence Permit

 Marriage Registration in China
It explains the basic rules that foreigners need to know about marriage registration in China.

 Required Forms for Download  
    Visa Application Form of PRC 
    Supplementary Visa Application Form of PRC 
    Hong Kong Visa/Entry Permit Application Form 
    Macau Visa Application Form
    Physical Examination Record for Foreigner
    Affidavit of Marital Status 
    Application Form of Notarization and Legalization
    Foreign Student Visa Application Form JW201
    Foreign Student Visa Application Form JW202 
    Application Form for Chinese Government Scholarship

TravelChinaGuide provides the following information to help foreign travellers understand about obtaining visas for China and some of the rules for foreigners to stay in China.  The information is accurate to the best of our knowledge.  However, there is considerable complexity as there are several visa types; visas can be applied for in your own country, in China, or in a third country; the rules vary according to your nationality, and the regulations can be changed at any time.

The information is relevant to holders of ordinary passports. If you hold a diplomatic or service passport, there are different rules and you will need to get advice from your employer.

Wherever you are in doubt about your visa situation, you should contact your local Chinese office that issues visas, such as Chinese Embassy in Washington DC, USA, Chinese Embassy in Ottawa, Canada, Chinese Embassy in London, UK.

The visas we are talking about here are 'entry visas', those which are part of the permission for a person to enter a foreign country. US citizens can contact Travel Visa Pro to order Chinese Visa. Services start at $39 and you can get Chinese visa in just 6 hours. Call them 24/7, toll-free 888-470-8472. 

Mostly, a visa is a permit granted before travelling to enter a country, usually for a fee. However, the visa is only an indication to immigration officials that you have satisfied certain conditions.  On arrival, the immigration official has the power to approve or disallow your entrance to the country.  So, when you arrive you can be told that you may not enter.  This can be for many reasons including a belief that there is something wrong with the passport or the visa, you do not have enough money, you plan to work when the visa does not allow this, or that you are in some other way 'undesirable'.  There is normally nothing you can do about it and you will not be permitted to enter.  This poses problems for airlines and in turn for passengers – see the heading Airline Rules

Sometimes, a visa can be issued at the border when you arrive.  This is half way between being a true visa and a 'no visa required' situation.  There are not many situations where this is available for entry to China.

 Chinese Visa Application Requirements
Application Requirements at Embassy/Consulates of PRC in USA
Application Requirements at Embassy/Consulates of PRC in UK
Application Requirements at Embassy/Consulates of PRC in Canada
Application Requirements at Embassy/Consulates of PRC in Australia