How to Obtain a Chinese Tourist Visa

How to Obtain a Chinese Tourist Visa
International travel often requires you to obtain a visa for the country you are visiting, in addition to a passport. If you are a U.S. citizen traveling to China for pleasure, you will need to obtain a tourist visa from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China. Generally, you want to allow yourself at least a month to get the visa, but rush processing is available at an extra cost.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Visa application form Pen Visa photo (2 inches by 2 inches) Passport Photocopier
  • Visa application form
  • Pen
  • Visa photo (2 inches by 2 inches)
  • Passport
  • Photocopier
Step 1
Complete the visa application form. You can find the application form online at the embassy's website: http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/zgqz/t84240.htm.
Step 2
Affix a visa photograph that is 2 inches wide by 2 inches high. The photograph may be in color or black and white.
Step 3
Photocopy the information page of your passport. You will provide this photocopy as well as your passport. Your visa cannot be processed and issued without this.
Step 4
Review your application for completeness, legibility and accuracy. Incomplete or inaccurate applications will be denied. There are also additional requirements for certain applicants, so refer to the embassy's website for these.
Step 5
Provide your completed application form and other required materials to the nearest embassy or consulate general of the People's Republic of China. See http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/t84229.htm for a map of which states are served by each embassy and consulate general.
Step 6
Pay the visa fee of $130 for American citizens. If you pay at the embassy, you may be able to use a credit card. Otherwise, you can submit a money order, cashier's check or company check made out to Chinese Embassy.

Tips & Warnings

 
Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your application date. If you are unable to take your application to the embassy in person, you may use a visa service company or ask someone you know to deliver the application to the embassy.
 
Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your application date.
 
If you are unable to take your application to the embassy in person, you may use a visa service company or ask someone you know to deliver the application to the embassy.
 
Applications cannot be submitted via mail.
 
Applications cannot be submitted via mail.

Article Written By Gina Todorovich

Gina Todorovich has been writing for six years. She's edited and written for a monthly magazine, as well as for the college newspaper. She also drafted reports for a government agency. Todorovich works with online content management and editing. Todorovich has a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Pacific Union College.

Write for Trails.com
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