FAQ about China Visa Application 
Many frequently asked questions about Chinese visa application are listed. China and Visas
The People's Republic of China 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. Visa 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. Visa on Arrival (Visa 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 China for tourism, family visiting or other private affairs. Business Visa (F) Issued to aliens who are invited to China 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 China for study, furthering studies or intern practice longer than six months. Work Visa (Z) Issued to aliens who are going to China 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 China. 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 China. Journalist Visa (J-1, J-2) Issued to foreign journalists for the purpose of reporting from China 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 China 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 Permanent Residence Permit Marriage Registration in China
It explains the basic rules that foreigners need to know about marrying in China. Required Forms for Download
Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China
Hong Kong Visa/Entry Permit Application Form
Physical Examination Record for Foreigner
Application Form of Notarization and Legalization
Foreign Student Visa Application Form JW201
Foreign Student Visa Application Form JW202
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 China Embassy in Washington DC, USA, Chinese Embassy in Ottawa, Canada, China 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 China Visa. Services start at $39 and you can get China 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.
Useful Resource:
Travel Insurance can protect travelers from loss of non-refundable trip investments and medical expenses due to sickness or injuries during travel.
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Travelers' Voices on Chinese Visa
1.
Feb. 9,2010 00:16 Reply
Mr.Hutson(Thailand) said:
I am planning on moving to china and teaching English, and I know that I can get a visa through my work. However, my wife would prefere not to teach English. Is there a way for her to get a visa through me teaching English???
If she came, I am sure she would just want to help with some humanitarian work some where in the city. Is there a visa availbale for her doing things like this??
Feb. 9,2010 02:41
Ms.Joe replied:
Your wife can also apply for work visa as dependants, the marriage license is required. You and your wife can apply for work visa together.
2.
Feb. 8,2010 11:48 Reply
Mr.BIMBOLA(Nigeria) said:
i am going 2 china for a conference wat type of visa should i apply for en wat is my fee en requirement pls come to my aid.
Feb. 9,2010 02:39
Ms.Sabrina(France) replied:
You should apply for business visa, the requirements for busines visa are:
1.One completed visa application form with a recently taken passport photo stuck on it; all the items on the application form should be completed neatly with genuine information; false or incomplete information and illegible characters may lead to refusal of a visa.
2.Visa Notification Form issued by an authorized unit in China (Visa notification refers to the form of visa notification issued by the Chinese government departments, companies and social organizations authorized by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The Chinese company who gives invitation knows how to get this form).
3.One formal introduction letter from the applicant’s company to tell his/her identity， the purpose of visit to China, and supposed duration of stay in China.
4.The original and one photocopy of the applicant’s ID card. (The original will be returned at the interviews).
5.The original and one photocopy of applicant’s certificate of incorporation. (The original will be returned at the interviews).
6.Hotel reservation in China and round-trip ticket between Nigeria and China.
7. Recent bank statement of account.
8.Photocopy of applicant’s passport data page and all the Chinese visas.
9.A complete list of the documents the applicant submits.
10. Any other documents the Chinese Embassy requires.
3.
Feb. 8,2010 10:06 Reply
Mr.Jones(Northern Ireland) said:
I live in Northern Ireland. I can have both british and irish passport. I wish to get a multi entry VISA for china for 6months or even 1 year while living in Hong Kong with friends and travelling to China often. How do i do this? i have business contacts in china. Can i get the L tourist VISA for this or does it have to be a Business VISA. What do information is required to get this VISA?
Feb. 9,2010 02:37
Mr.Adam replied:
To apply for a Multiple Entry F Visa, the applicant shall meet onr of the following requirements: The applicant need to visit China frequently in order to execute contracts signed with a Chinese company. Please submit the original and photocopy of the contract (The original one will be returned after checking).
4.
Feb. 1,2010 22:54 Reply
Mrs.Clara(Viet Nam) said:
Hi,
I was just at the consulate but now have a few more questions.
Number 1 -all info online says photos must be 2in x 2in but at the consulate in HCMC I think it said 33mm x48mm. Which is correct or does it matter? I did not take specific note at consulate because I thought I would find it online. Number 2 -I have been reading that it is difficult to get a double entry visa which is what we want as we wish to travel to Beijing and area at Easter (April) and then back to China to Shanghai in June for a weekend. Can we get a double entry? We are a family of six, 2 adults, 4 children ages 13,11, 9 and 5 holding Canadian passports.
Feb. 2,2010 20:48
Mr.Mac replied:
Mrs. Clara, One recently taken 2X2 inch photo showing entire face and without a hat on. Please affix the photo to the application form. You can apply for a double entry visa and write your planned itinerary on the visa application form, the final decision is up to the visa officer, generally speaking, it is a little hard to get a double entry visa in a third place. It is easy for you to get it in Canada.
5.
Feb. 1,2010 02:54 Reply
Mr.Rehman(Pakistan) said:
Dear Sir,
Im Pakistani Passport holder... i have been to china many times... now i had this 6 months multiple visa which will expire on Feb 22, 2010. In my multiple visa i have to go out of china wihtin 30 days.. i always did but this time i forgot the date... and was late for 8 days.
I do lot of busniess from china, and still here for the shipments.
How do i extend the date of my visa, without loosing the validity of my multiple visa.
please advice. thanks.
Feb. 2,2010 20:38
Mr.Mac replied:
You can't extend the date of your visa, now you have overstay for 8 days, your present visa has expired automatically because you don't exit China when the stay days each time is up. When you exit China, you will probably have to pay a fine of 500 RMB a day up to a maximum of 5000 RMB.