How to Apply for Chinese Visas

2011/07/15

Brief Description of Various Visa Categories
Visa Categories	Brief Description
Tourist Visa	For tourism or visit to families or friends
Business Visa	For business visit, meetings, or studying/ training in China for less than 6 months
Student Visa	For studying in China for more than 6 months
Employment Visa	For employment or commercial performances in China
Transit Visa	For transit through China
Journalist Visa	For resident journalists or journalists going to China for temporary assignment
Crew Visa	For air/train/ship crew members
Diplomatic or Service Visa	For diplomatic or service/official passport holders on official mission or posting to China
Residence Visa	For persons intending to reside in China permanently
Visa Pickup Time, Fees and Payment
Children of Chinese Citizens born in the US
Visa or Entry Permit for Hong Kong SAR or Macau SAR
Guide for Visa Agents
Before You Travel to China….
Office Hours, Location and Contact info. of the Visa Office
Frequently Asked Questions

Reminders:

a. Due to heavy increase of applications, same day visa service has been suspended as of May 2011.

b. As there are usually more applicants after 10 am on weekdays and on the first two days following the holiday closure, it is recommended that applicants avoid peak days and hours so as to reduce waiting time.

T ourist Visa

("L" Visa)

"L" Visas are issued to foreign citizens who intend to visit China for tourism or for visiting families or friends.

A. Requirements:

a. Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China (2011 Edition) completed on a computer and printed out on Letter size papers. Please consult the Instructions (click to view) while filling out the form.

b. One colored, front-facing, hatless passport picture taken against a light background within 6 months. Please affix the picture on the application form.

c. The original and one copy of the passport ( picture page only). The passport should have at least two blank visa pages and a validity of at least 6 months. Defaced, torn or damaged passports are not acceptable.

d. Evidence of previous Chinese visa. If you have received a Chinese visa before, please submit one copy each of the most recent Chinese visa and the picture page of the passport bearing the visa. Please also bring the original passport if the visa does not contain your name and passport number.

e. U.S citizens may apply for a single-entry visa valid for three months, or double-entry visa valid for six months or multi-entry visa valid for twelve months according to their actual needs. For one year multi-entry visa, the passport must have a validity of no less than 18 months.

f. Additional documents to be submitted by former Chinese citizens who apply for a Chinese visa for the first time.

a). Former Chinese citizens born on the mainland of China must also submit:

- The original Chinese passport and a copy of the picture page;

- A copy of the passport renewal page, if applicable;

- A copy of the Certificate of Naturalization or other naturalization documentation if the Chinese passport has expired;

- A completed statement (click to download) if the former Chinese passport expired long before your naturalization;

- A copy of the official record of name change if the name on the current passport is different from that on the Chinese passport;

- A copy of Marriage Certificate if the applicant's surname has been changed to the husband's;

b). Former Chinese citizens born in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan must also provide the original and a copy of official proof of their Chinese names, e.g. Birth Certificate, former travel document, and resident card, etc.

c). A child adopted from China must also submit:

- the original Chinese passport with which the child travelled from China, and a copy of the picture page;

- the original and a copy of the Adoption Certificate;

- official record of name change if the Adoption Certificate does not reflect the change of name.

g. A child of Chinese descent born in a foreign country, who applies for a Chinese visa for the first time, must also submit the original and a copy of Birth Certificate as well as the original and a copy of either parent's foreign passport or foreign permanent residence permit (e.g. US Green Card) in addition to requirements "a","b" and "c" stated above, so as to verify the child's citizenship.

h. Travelers to the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) must submit Travel Permit to Tibet. Please contact the Tourism Bureau of TAR (Tel. +86-891-6834313, Fax: +86-891-6834632) in advance for the Permit.

i. Non-US citizens must also provide the original and a copy of official document (e.g. Green Card, work visa, or student visa) that provides for residence in the US for no less than 6 months. Non-US citizens on temporary visit to the US should apply for a Chinese visa in their own country of citizenship in advance.

j. Other documents that may be required by the visa officer at the time of application.

B. Visa Pick-up Time, Visa Fees and Payment (click to view)

C. Attention:

a. The application may be submitted by the applicant or by a representative. No power of attorney or appointment is needed.

b. The Visa Office does not accept visa application through mail.

c. Visitors who need to stay in China beyond the permitted duration of stay specified on the visa should apply to the local public security bureau for an extension of stay in advance. Overstay without permission will be subject to punishments such as a fine. Please click here to see a visa sample.

d. The above information may be subject to adjustment when necessary without prior notice. In such cases, the consul's explanation will prevail.

e. For further inquiries, please send E-mail to: cnnyconsulate@mfa.gov.cn, or call our information desk at 212-868-2078 on weekdays at 09:00-12:00 or 13:30-15:30. Press "8" to speak to our specialist.

B usiness Visa

("F" visa)

"F" Visas are issued to applicants who intend to visit China for business, meetings, study or training for less than 6 months.

A. Requirements:

a. Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China (2011 Edition)completed on a computer and printed out on Letter size papers. Please consult the Instructions (click to view) while filling out the form.

b. One colored, front-facing, hatless passport picture taken against a light background within 6 months. Please affix the picture on the application form.

e. "Letter of Invitation by Duly Authorized Units", or "Confirmation of Invitation" issued by a provincial level Foreign Affairs Office (together with the Invitation Letter issued by the Chinese inviter), or Invitation letter issued by the Chinese inviter, or a letter of introduction from the applicant's current employer.

f. U.S citizens may apply for a single-entry visa valid for three months, or double-entry visa valid for six months or multi-entry visa valid for twelve months according to their actual needs. For one year multi-entry visa, the passport must have a validity of no less than 18 months.

g. Additional documents must be submitted by former Chinese citizens who apply for a Chinese visa for the first time.

a). Former Chinese citizens born on the mainland of China must also submit

- The original Chinese passport and a copy of the picture page;

- A copy of the passport renewal page, if applicable;

- A copy of the Certificate of Naturalization or other naturalization documentation if the Chinese passport has expired;

- A completed statement (click to download) if the former Chinese passport has expired long before naturalization;

- A copy of the official record of name change if the name on the current passport is different from that on the Chinese passport;

- A copy of Marriage Certificate if the applicant's surname has been changed to the husband's;

c). A child adopted from China must also submit:

- the original Chinese passport with which the child travelled from China, and a copy of the picture page;

- the original and a copy of the Adoption Certificate;

- official record of name change if the Adoption Certificate does not reflect the change of name.

h. Non-US citizens must also provide the original and a copy of official document (e.g. Green Card, work visa, or student visa) that provides for residence in the US for no less than 6 months. Non-US citizens on temporary visit to the US should apply for a Chinese visa in their own country of citizenship in advance.

i. Other documents that may be required by the visa officer at the time of application.

B. Visa Pick-up Time, Visa Fees and Payment (click to view)

C. Attention:

a. The application may be submitted by the applicant or by a representative. No power of attorney or appointment is needed.

b. The Visa Office does not accept visa application through mail.

d. The above information may be subject to adjustment when necessary without prior notice. In such cases, the consul's explanation will prevail.

S tudent Visa

("X" visa)

"X" visas are issued to applicants who intend to study or receive training or internship in China for more than 6 months.

A. Requirements:

a. Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China (2011 Edition) (V.2011A and V.2011B) completed on a computer and printed out on Letter size papers. Please consult the "Instructions" (click to view) while filling out the forms.

b. One colored, front-facing, hatless passport picture taken against a light background within 6 months. Please affix the picture on the application form.

d. The original and a copy of the "Visa Application Form for International Students" (JW-201 or JW-202) issued by the Ministry of Education of China.

e. The original and a copy of the "Letter of Admission" from the accepting school in China.

f. Evidence of previous Chinese visa. If you have received a Chinese visa before, please submit one copy each of the most recent Chinese visa and the picture page of the passport bearing the visa. Please also bring the original passport if the visa does not contain your name and passport number.

g. Additional documents to be submitted by former Chinese citizens who apply for a Chinese visa for the first time (Please see Requirement "f" under "L" Visa).

h. Non-US citizens must also provide the original and a copy of official document (e.g. Green Card, work visa, or student visa) that provides for residence in the US for no less than 6 months.

i. Other documents that may be required by the visa officer at the time of application.

B. Visa Pick-up Time, Visa Fees and Payment (click to view)

C. Attention:

a. US citizens may apply for a multi-entry student visa valid for one year, provided that the student's passport has a validity of no less than 12 months. Non-US citizens may apply for a single entry student visa valid for 3 months. The duration of stay for "X" Visa is "000".

b. All "X" Visa holders must apply for residence permit at the local public security bureau within 30 days of entry into China irrespective of the number of entries specified on the visa.

c. Visa application may be submitted by the applicant or by a representative. No power of attorney or appointment is needed.

d. The Visa Office does not accept visa application through mail.

e. The above information may be subject to adjustment when necessary without prior notice. In such cases, the consul's explanation will prevail.

For further inquiries, please send E-mail to: cnnyconsulate@mfa.gov.cn, or call our information desk at 212-868-2078 on weekdays at 09:00-12:00 or 13:30-15:30. Press "8" to speak to our specialist.

E mployment Visa

("Z" visa)

"Z" Visas are issued to foreign citizens (and their immediate families) who will work in China. Applicants going for commercial performance in China also receive "Z" Visas.

A. Requirements:

b. One colored, front-facing, hatless passport picture taken against a light background within 6 months. Please affix the picture on the application form.

d. "Letter of Invitation by Duly Authorized Units", or "Confirmation of Invitation" issued by a provincial level Foreign Affairs Office (together with the Invitation Letter issued by the Chinese inviter).

e. The original "Foreign Experts Working Permit" issued by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, or the original and a copy of the "Alien Employment License" issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

f. The accompanying spouse or children of the employed person should be listed on the above-mentioned "Letter of Invitation" or "Confirmation of Invitation". If the employed person is already in China, the spouse and children may submit the original and a copy of Marriage Certificate or Birth Certificate as well as a copy of the employed person's Residence Permit or Employment Certificate issued in China .

g. Applicants going to China for commercial performances must also submit:

a). the approval document issued by the Ministry of Culture; and

b). the "Letter of Invitation" issued by the Ministry of Culture, or "Confirmation of Invitation" issued by a provincial level Foreign Affairs Office (together with the Invitation Letter issued by the Chinese inviter).

h. Non-US citizens must also provide the original and a copy of official document that provides for residence or employment in the US for no less than 6 months.

i. Evidence of previous Chinese visa. If you have received a Chinese visa before, please submit one copy each of the most recent Chinese visa and the picture page of the passport bearing the visa. Please also bring the original passport if the visa does not contain your name and passport number.

j. Additional documents to be submitted by former Chinese citizens who apply for a Chinese visa for the first time (Please see Requirement "f" under "L" Visa).

k. Other documents that may be required by the visa officer at the time of application.

B. Visa Pick-up Time, Visa Fees and Payment (click to view)

C. Attention:

a. "Z" Visa provides for a single entry valid for 3 months with a duration of stay of "000" days. All "Z" Visa holders must apply for residence permit at the local public security bureau within 30 days of entry into China.

b. The application may be submitted by the applicant or by a representative. No power of attorney or appointment is needed.

c. The Visa Office does not accept visa application through mail.

d. The above information may be subject to adjustment when necessary without prior notice. In such cases, the consul's explanation will prevail.

T ransit Visa

("G" visa)

"G" Visas are issued to foreign citizens who travel to another country or region via China.

A. Requirements:

b. One colored, front-facing, hatless passport picture taken against a light background within 6 months. Please affix the picture on the application form.

d. Valid visa for the third country/region and connecting tickets.

e. Non-US citizens must provide the original and a copy of official document (e.g. Green Card, work visa, or student visa) that provides for residence in the US for no less than 6 months. Non-US citizens on temporary visit to the US should apply for a Chinese visa in their own country of citizenship in advance.

g. Other documents that may be required by the visa officer at the time of application.

B. Visa Pick-up Time, Visa Fees and Payment (click to view)

C. Attention:

a. "G" Visa generally provides for one or two entries valid for 3 months with duration of each stay within 7 days.

b. The application may be submitted by the applicant or by a representative. No power of attorney or appointment is needed.

c. The Visa Office does not accept visa application through mail.

d. Foreign citizens who transit in China within 24 hours and who remain in the transit area within the airport without going through customs do not need to apply for a visa.

e. Foreign citizens whose transit in China exceed 24 hours or who wish to enter China through the airport customs have to apply for a visa.

f. Citizens of the following countries, notwithstanding their passport type, may transit in Shanghai for up to 48 hours without a visa: USA, Australia, Canada, Korea, New Zealand, and Schengen countries including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.

g. The above information may be subject to adjustment when necessary without prior notice. In such cases, the consul's explanation will prevail.

h. For further inquiries, please send E-mail to: cnnyconsulate@mfa.gov.cn, or call our information desk at 212-868-2078 on weekdays at 09:00-12:00 or 13:30-15:30. Press "8" to speak to our specialist.

J ournalist Visa

(J-1visa or J-2 visa)

J-1 Visas are issued to foreign resident journalists to China and J-2 Visas are issued to journalists on temporary assignment in China.

A. Requirements:

b. One colored, front-facing, hatless passport picture taken against a light background within 6 months. Please affix the picture on the application form.

d. The original or a copy of the official approval issued by competent departments of the Chinese Government.

e. Non-US citizens must provide the original and a copy of official document that provides for residence or employment in the US for no less than 6 months.

f. Other documents that may be required by the visa officer at the time of application.

B. Visa Pick-up Time, Visa Fees and Payment (click to view)

C. Attention:

a. J-1 Visa generally provides for a single entry valid for 3 months with a duration of stay of "000" days. J-1 Visa holders should apply for residence permit at a local Public Security Bureau within 30 days of entry into China.

b. Journalists going to China as tourists should apply for "L" Visas and should not engage in any work-related activities.

c. The application may be submitted by the applicant or by a representative. No power of attorney or appointment is needed.

d. The Visa Office does not accept visa application through mail.

e. The above information may be subject to adjustment when necessary without prior notice. In such cases, the consul's explanation will prevail.

f. For further inquiries, please send E-mail to: cnnyconsulate@mfa.gov.cn, or call our information desk at 212-868-2078 on weekdays at 09:00-12:00 or 13:30-15:30. Press "8" to speak to our specialist.

R esidence Visa

("D" visa)

"D" Visas are issued to foreign citizens who have been granted permanent residency in China. Prior approval from the local public security bureau has to be received by way of a "Permanent Residency Confirmation Form" before proceeding to visa application.

A. Requirements:

a. The original and a copy of the "Permanent Residency Confirmation Form".

b. Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China (2011 Edition) completed on a computer and printed out on Letter size papers. Please consult the Instructions (click to view) while filling out the form.

c. One colored, front-facing, hatless passport picture taken against a light background within 6 months. Please affix the picture on the application form.

d. The original and one copy of the passport ( picture page only). The passport should have at least two blank visa pages and a validity of at least 6 months. Defaced, torn or damaged passports are not acceptable.

e. Additional documents to be submitted by former Chinese citizens who apply for a Chinese visa for the first time (Please see Requirement "f" under "L" Visa).

g. Other documents that may be required by the visa officer at the time of application.

B. Visa Pick-up Time, Visa Fees and Payment(click to view)

C. Attention:

a. "D" Visa generally provides for a single entry valid for 3 months with a duration of stay of "000" days. "D" Visa holders should apply for residence permit at a local Public Security Bureau within 30 days of entry into China.

b. The application may be submitted by the applicant or by a representative. No power of attorney or appointment is needed.

c. The Visa Office does not accept visa application through mail.

d. The above information may be subject to adjustment when necessary without prior notice. In such cases, the consul's explanation will prevail.

Crew Visas

("C" visa)

"C" Visas are issued to international air/train/ship crew members on assignment to China.

A. Requirements:

b. One colored, front-facing, hatless passport picture taken against a light background within 6 months. Please affix the picture on the application form.

d. A letter of introduction (original or a copy) from the dispatching air/train/ship company.

e. Evidence of previous Chinese visa. If you have received a Chinese visa before, please submit one copy each of the most recent Chinese visa and the picture page of the passport bearing the visa. Please also bring the original passport if the visa does not contain your name and passport number.

f. Non-US citizens must provide the original and a copy of official document that provides for residence or employment in the US for no less than 6 months.

g. Other documents that may be required by the visa officer at the time of application.

B. Visa Pick-up Time, Visa Fees and Payment (click to view)

C. Attention:

a. "C" Visas are issued in accordance with relevant agreements reached between Chinese and foreign governments. Crew members of companies that are not covered by the agreements may apply for one or two entries valid for three months.

b. Crew members who intend to go to China for tourism or family visits should apply for tourist visa separately notwithstanding the validity of "C" Visa on their passports.

c. The application may be submitted by the applicant or by a representative. No power of attorney or appointment is needed.

d. The Visa Office does not accept visa application through mail.

e. The above information may be subject to adjustment when necessary without prior notice. In such cases, the consul's explanation will prevail.

Di plomatic or Service Visas

Both visas are issued to foreign government officials, diplomats, or officials of the United Nations or other International Organizations on official mission or posting in China.

A. Requirements:

b. One colored, front-facing, hatless passport picture taken against a light background within 6 months. Please affix the picture on the application form.

d. The original or a copy of diplomatic note issued by a government/diplomatic/ consular organ of the applicant's country of citizenship, or United Nations organizations or other international organizations.

e. An official invitation letter issued by the Chinese host if the visit is hosted by a Chinese government department.

f. Other documents that may be required by the visa officer at the time of application.

B. Visa Pick-up Time, Visa Fees and Payment (click to view)

Please note that fees are usually exempted for diplomatic or service visas. However, diplomatic or service/official passport holders who receive ordinary visas are still required to pay for visas.

C. Attention:

a. The application may be submitted by the applicant or by a representative. No power of attorney or appointment is needed.

b. The Visa Office does not accept visa application through mail.

c. The above information may be subject to adjustment when necessary without prior notice. In such cases, the consul's explanation will prevail.

d. For further inquiries, please send E-mail to: cnnyconsulate@mfa.gov.cn, or call our information desk at 212-868-2078 on weekdays at 09:00-12:00 or 13:30-15:30. Press "8" to speak to our specialist.

Visa Pickup Time, Fees and Payment

A. Visa Pickup Time

A Pick-up Form is issued upon successful submission of application. Please take the Pick-up Form with you when picking up your visa.

a. Normal pick-up: Visas can be picked up the 4th working day if the application is successfully submitted before 13:30, or the 5th working if the application is submitted after 13:30.

b. Express pick-up: Under urgent or special circumstances, at the discretion of the consul, visas can be picked up the 2nd working day if the application is successfully submitted before 13:30,or the 3rd working day if the application is submitted after 13:30.

Reminders:

a. Due to heavy increase of applications, same day visa service has been suspended as of May 2011.

b. As there are usually more applicants after 10 am on weekdays and on the first two days following holiday closures, it is recommended that applicants avoid peak days and hours so as to reduce waiting time.

B. Visa Fees (in US Dollars)

a. Visa Fees for US Citizens

Number of Entries	Visa Validity	2^nd or 3^rd Day Pickup	4^th or 5^th Day Pickup
Single Entry	3 months	$160	$140
Double Entries	6 months	$160	$140
Multi-entry	6 months	$160	$140
Multi-entry	12 months	$160	$140

b. Visa Fees for Non-US Citizens

Number of Entries

Visa Validity

2^nd or 3^rd Day Pickup

4^th or 5^th Day Pickup

Single Entry

3 months

$50

$30

Double Entries

6 months

$65

$45

Multi-entry

6 months

$80

$60

*Please note that the fees may be different for citizens of a number of countries.

C. Payment:

a. We accept money order, company check, Master Card or Visa Card only. Cash payment or other forms of payment are not accepted. Money order or company check should be made payable to "Chinese Consulate General in New York".

b. Please pay when you pickup, not when submitting applications. Please do not include cash in the application kit.

c. It is the responsibilities of the applicant to cross check the correctness of data on the visas. Please see the consul immediately if there is any error on the visa. Please click here to see a visa sample.

d. The above information may be subject to adjustment when necessary without prior notice. In such cases, the consul's explanation will prevail.

D ocuments for Children of

Chinese Descent Born in the U.S.

A. A Child of Chinese descent born in the US is deemed a US citizen if either of the child's parents is a US citizen or a US Permanent Resident Card holder, and the child needs to apply for a visa with the following documents before going to China. :

b. One colored, front-facing, hatless passport picture taken against a light background within 6 months. Please affix the picture on the application form.

d. The original and a copy of the child's Birth Certificate;

e. The original and a copy of the US passport or Permanent Resident Card of one of the parents;

f. If the child has visited China before with a Chinese visa, there is no need to submit documents stated in Requirements "d" and "f" stated above.

g. Evidence of previous Chinese visa. If the child has received a Chinese visa before, please submit one copy each of the most recent Chinese visa and the picture page of the passport bearing the visa. Please also bring the original passport if the visa does not contain the child' name and passport number.

h. Other documents that may be required by the visa officer at the time of application.

B. A child of Chinese descent born in the US is deemed a Chinese citizen if both parents of the child are Chinese citizens without US permanent residence Card. The child needs to apply for a "Travel Document of the People's Republic of China" before going to China. For details, please check the website of the Passport and Visa Office at http://newyork.china-consulate.org/chn/lszj/bzyq/hzqz/t42306.htm.

C. Visa Pick-up Time, Visa Fees and Payment(click to view)

D. Attention:

a. The application may be submitted by the applicant or by a representative. No power of attorney or appointment is needed.

b. The Visa Office does not accept visa application through mail.

d. The above information may be subject to adjustment when necessary without prior notice. In such cases, the consul's explanation will prevail.

Vi sa or Entry Permit for Hong Kong SAR

A. US citizens:

a. US citizens can visit HKSAR for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without a visa.

b. A Hong Kong visa is required if a US citizen intends to stay in HKSAR for more than 90 days; or to work, study, establish or join in any business, or to take up residence in the HKSAR.

c. If Part "b" applies to you, please submit a visa application to the Immigration Department of HKSAR directly or through the nearest Chinese diplomatic or consular mission. For details of application requirement, please see http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas.htm.

d. If a visa application is submitted through a Chinese diplomatic or consular mission, prior approval from the Immigration Department of HKSAR is needed before the visa can be issued. The process may take a month or so. While the visa fee (US$30) is paid when picking up the visa, a telecommunication fee of US$20 has to be paid when the application is submitted.

B. US Travel Document holders:

e. US Travel Document holders should apply for HKSAR visa at the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate.

f. US Travel Document holders whose nationality is written "China" should apply for HK Entry Permit with their Chinese Passport or Chinese Travel Document. To learn about application procedures and requirements for HK Entry Permit, please see http://newyork.china-consulate.org/chn/lszj/bzyq/fhqz/t42764.htm. To learn how to apply for a Chinese Passport or Travel Document, please see http://newyork.china-consulate.org/chn/lszj/bzyq/hzqz/t42306.htm.

C. Chinese citizens:

g. For entry into HKSAR by Chinese passport holders, HKSAR residents, Macau SAR residents and Taiwan residents, please check our website at http://newyork.china-consulate.org/chn/lszj/bzyq/fhqz/t42764.htm.

D. Citizens of all other countries or territories:

h. To learn about HKSAR visa requirement for all other countries or territories, please see http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas_4.htm#part2.

E. Visa fees and payment:

i. Hong Kong Visa is usually ready for pick-up on the fourth working day from the date of application. Visa fee is US$30 irrespective of the number of entries. Under special circumstances, an applicant may apply for second day or third day pick-up. An extra fee of US$20 per application will be charged.

j. We accept money order, company check, Visa Card and Master Card only. Cash payment or other forms of payment are not accepted. Money order or company check should be made payable to "Chinese Consulate General in New York".

F. Address and contact info. of the Immigration Department of HKSAR: please see http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/contactus.htm

Vi sa for Macao SAR

A. US Citizens may visit Macau SAR for up to 30 days without a visa.

B. Citizens of all other countries or territories should check visa requirement or the list of Countries/territories whose passport holders have Visa-free access to Macau SAR at http://www.dsi.gov.mo/documents/visa_free_macau_e.pdf.

C. The address and working hours of the Identification Department of Macau SAR can be found at http://www.dsi.gov.mo/location_e.html.

*The above information may be subject to adjustment without prior notice. In such cases, the consul's explanation will prevail.

G uide for Agents

A. Examine the Passport

Please make sure that the applicant's passport have a remaining validity of no less than 6 months and have at least 2 blank visa pages. Please make a special note if the applicant's name or birth date has been changed.

B. Examine the Application form

The Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China (2011 Edition) must be completed on a computer and printed out on Letter size papers. Please consult the Instructions on the Completion of the Visa Application Form.

C. Submitting the Applications

a. For the convenience of individual applicants, group applications with more 10 passports are required to be submitted before 12:00pm. They will not be accepted after 1:30 pm.

b. Please prepare all application materials and have them ready. Applications may be rejected if they do not meet requirements or you have submitted illusive documents.

c. Please put application forms and other materials into the blank page of each passport.

d. Please submit applications separately according to pickup dates, numbers of entries and categories of visas.

e. Foreign passports, application forms and relevant application materials will be kept here. Please be noticed that original documents such as birth certificates, green cards or Chinese passports (which will be cancelled) will be returned immediately.

f. Please submit any special application separately and explain to consuls in detail.

g. Those who submit applications should bear the responsibility for checking the pick-up forms. Any questions should be addressed with consuls immediately.

D. Picking up

a. We accept Master Card or Visa Card, money order or company check only. Please write down your business phone number on the back of company checks. Visa paid in dud check will be cancelled and applications of the relevant company will be rejected in the future.

b. Those who pick up visas have the responsibility to check the visas in detail. Please report to consuls immediately if there is any problem with the visa.

The above information is subject to change without prior notice.

Before you travel to China....

Please pay special attention to the following before you travel to China:

A.     Please apply for a Chinese visa in advance according to your travel plan. The Visa Application Form should be fully and truthfully completed on a computer and printed out on Letter size papers.

B.     The final decision on whether to issue a visa, validity/ type of visa, number of entries, and duration of each stay is made by consular officers case by case according to laws and regulations and is not to be contested.

C.    Applicants have the responsibility to check the contents of visas upon receiving them and report any problems to consuls immediately.

D.    All US citizens, including Chinese Americans, must have valid visas when entering China. Before you travel to China, please check if you have a visa or if the existing visa is still valid and if there are enough number of entries. If not, please apply for a new visa. Please note that a valid visa on an expired passport becomes invalid automatically. In such a case, please apply for a new visa with the new passport.

E.     Foreign citizens should not stay in China beyond the duration of stay specified on the visa. Please apply for an extension of stay at a local Public Security Bureau if you need to stay longer than permitted on the visa.

F.     Understanding the Chinese visa (Please click here to see a sample):

a.      "Enter before" refers to the validity of the visa. You may enter China anytime before 12:00pm on the date printed after "Enter Before" if there is enough number of entries. A visa exceeding its validity becomes invalid and is not renewable even if you have not used all the "Entries".

b.      "Entries" refers to the number of times you can enter China within the validity of the visa. A visa becomes invalid and is not renewable after the specified number of "Entries" is used up. A visa exceeding its validity is also invalid even if the "Entries" are not used up. In such cases, you will have to apply for another visa before you travel to China again.

c.      "Duration of Each Stay" refers to the longest number of days you are permitted to stay in China from the date of each entry. Holders of "X", "Z", J-1and "D" visas must apply for residence permit at a local Public Security Bureau within 30 days of their entry into China.

G.    Please note that the following circumstances may result in refusal of boarding the plane or entry into China, and may be subject to punishment including a fine:

a.      Departing for China without a valid visa;

b.      Departing for China with an expired visa;

c.      Staying in China beyond the "Duration of Each Stay" permitted on the visa;

d.      Staying in China after the passport has expired (even if the visa is still valid).

H.     Visa applicants/holders are responsible for the consequences due to the following:

a.     The Visa Application Form is not truthfully and completely filled out;

b.     Applying for a visa too long ahead of the scheduled travel, resulting in the expiration of visa before arriving China;

c.     Failure to receive a visa in time due to late submission of visa application;

d.     Expiration of visa due to the rescheduling of travel after a visa is issued;

e.     Failure to examine the contents of visa upon receiving it and report problems immediately;

f.       Failure to examine the validity, number of entries beforehand, resulting in the refusal of boarding the plane or entry into China;

g.     Ignorance of the category and validity of visa and the duration of stay specified on the visa, resulting in illegal overstay in China;

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