Do I Need a Visa to Travel to China
From LoveToKnow Travel
If you are wondering "Do I need a visa to travel to China?" the answer depends on where you are going to visit, the purpose of your visit, and how long you plan to stay. Generally, visitors without a Chinese nationality do need a Chinese visa to enter the mainland of the People's Republic of China.
When Do I Need a Visa to Travel to China
A Chinese visa is a stamp on your passport that proves that you have been granted permission by the Chinese authorities to enter, transit through and exit China. There are several types of visas issued:
- Ordinary visa – This is the most frequently issued type of visa. It comes in eight categories:
- C visa (Crewmember visa) - For crewmembers and their families on international transportation
- D visa (Resident visa) – For foreigners who plan to become permanent residents in China
- F visa (Business/Visit visa) – For foreigners who are invited to China for a visit of less than six months
- G visa (Transit visa) – For those who are traveling through China
- J visa (Journalist visa) – For foreign journalists who are posted to China
- L visa (Tourist/Family visa) – For those who enter China to tour, visit family members or other personal reasons
- X visa (Study/Student visa) – For foreigners who will be studying in China for less than six months
- Z visa (Work visa) – For foreigners and their families who are employed in China
- Diplomatic visa – This visa is for foreigners who officially represent the government of their homeland
Situations Where No Visa is Required
You will not be required to have a visa in certain situations. Policies and procedures change, so be sure to check the China Embassy website for the most current information.
Generally, the following people will not need a Chinese visa:
- Americans who stay in Hong Kong for up to 90 days. A tourist visa is needed for travel to the mainland.
- Crew and passengers on airplanes that are traveling through China or who are staying at the Chinese airport for less than 24 hours.
- Citizens of selected countries who are traveling through Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao Airport and staying in Shanghai less than 48 hours. Countries include:
- United States and Canada
- South Korea
- Australia and New Zealand
- Germany, France, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg and Austria
- Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece
How to Get a Chinese Visa
Chinese visas are issued by Chinese embassies and Consulate-Generals in Washington DC, New York City, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco. You can:
- Apply in person
- Have a travel or visa agency handle the process
- Have a tour company handle the process if you are going to be part of a tour group
You will need to complete an application form, provide a valid passport and have recent a 2-inch, full-face, bare-headed, black and white or color photo.
When to Apply
A visa is valid for a specific period of time, so it important not to apply too early. For example, a tourist visa is valid for three months prior to travel and is valid for a 30 day stay. Applying too early could result in your visa being invalid before you even have a chance to use it. It usually only takes about five to seven business days from the point you apply until you receive your visa.
Cost
Tourist visas cost $50 for an American citizen. There may be additional costs if you use a travel or visa agency.
Other Documents Required
The answer to "Do I need a visa to travel to China" depends on the current regulations. The regulations on visas and other entry documentation can change frequently. Be sure to review the visa information on the China Embassy website for the most current information on visas and to check what other documents may be needed for a trip to China.
Other helpful articles on China Travel from LoveToKnow:
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