Visa Information and Checklist
To travel in China, citizens of virtually all other countries need a visa.
A Chinese visa is a permit issued by the Chinese authorities to an alien for entry into, exit from or transit through China. The Chinese authorities issue a visa to an alien according to his/her status, purpose of visit to China and/or passport type.
The usual tourist single-entry Chinese visa is valid for thirty days and must be used within three months after it is issued.
An "L" visa is issued to an alien who comes to China for sightseeing or to visit family members or friends.
How to apply
- You must come to the visa office of the Embassy or Consulate-General in the consular jurisdiction in which you live to submit the application; no appointment is required.
or
- If you cannot come personally, you may entrust someone else or a travel/visa agent to come to the visa office of the Embassy or Consulate-General in the consular jurisdiction in which you live for the application process.
Mailed applications are not acceptable and will be refused.
The visa application form must be filled out completely, correctly and legibly, otherwise a delay in processing or the refusal of the requested visa is possible.
Requirements
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Your valid & actual passport (valid for at least six months beyond last day of travel and with blank visa pages) If passports are new, be sure to sign. |
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One completed Visa Application Form (Q1) with one passport photo (black & white or color is acceptable). The Visa Application Form can be downloaded at: http://www.china-embassy.org/chn/hzqz/zgqz/P020070611087242661716.pdf |
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An applicant who was born in China is required to submit his/her Chinese passport or last foreign passport with a Chinese visa when he or she applies for a Chinese visa with a new foreign passport. |
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Photocopy of birth certificate of child of Chinese descent |
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$130.00 per visa. Money order is required. One money order per family is fine. NO personal checks are accepted by the Consulate. |
Visa Validity and Duration of Stay
Usually the validity of a Single Entry or Double Entry "L" visa is 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue. This means the holder of the visa shall enter China no later than 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue, otherwise the visa is expired and is null and void. The duration of stay of a "L" visa is 30 days, which means the holder of the visa may stay in China for up to 30 days from the date of entry.
The visa officer may extend the Duration of Stay if the applicant needs and requests a stay in China for more than 30 days.
Additional information regarding the Visa Application Form
- For Chinese Name (line #1): Photocopy the child's name in characters from their Chinese passport and paste onto the application; then photocopy the completed application; use the photocopied version as your original.
- If the child still uses her original Chinese name leave Former Name (line #2) blank.
- Families who have changed the original Chinese name to a new Chinese name will need to insert the original passport name in line #2 and use the new Chinese name in line #1.
- For Issued by: list the place under “Authority” on your passport.
- For Purpose of your Visit (line #12): "Attending Families with Children from China Heritage Tour, sponsored by China Overseas Exchange Association."
- For Place (County/City/Province) list the major cities without province and for less known cities list city and province as the space is limited.
- Name and address of the organization or person to be visited in China (line #18):
China Overseas Exchange Association
No. 35 Fuchengmenwai Street
Beijing, P.R. China 10037
- Signature: A parent needs to sign the Visa Application Form for a minor child and indicate the relationship (mother/father).
