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General Timeframe to Obtain a Chinese Visa
Unless you arrive under a visa-free exemption policy, all visitors entering China will need a valid visa to enter the country. To obtain one, foreign travelers must submit a China Visa Application Form.
The type of application you use depends on the purpose of your visit and whether it’s for tourist or business travel. This post will discuss general timeframes and procedures for applying for a Chinse visa.
Generally speaking, it takes between 2 to 4 business days. However, this can only happen if you have at least 6 months remaining on your passport and 2 blank pages. Obtaining a visa can take longer in specific scenarios, including:
- The Chinese Embassy Consulate Officer asks for a supplementary interview or additional documentation
- Applications by email (applicable to Australian citizens) can take as long as 10 business days
- If you use the “mail-back” service through the CVASC, more days are required
Expediting Your Visa
For faster processing, applicants can use a rush service to expedite their visa application. If it’s an emergency, where you must receive it within 24 hours, using an expediting visa service will be your only option. Expedited visa services are available only for certain countries and can only be granted by the Chinese Consular Office.
Rush China Visa services are available in Los Angeles and Atlas Passport and Visa Services is an authorized expeditor. You must complete the visa application form for the correct consulate location where you plan to apply. For example, L.A. County residents applying in Los Angeles would use the corresponding form for the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles.
Our rush processing times are as follow:
- Standard processing ( 5days)
- 3-day rush delivery
- Next day rush delivery
Chinese Visa Exclusions and Exceptions
There may be situations where a visa to enter the country may not be necessary. However, you will always want to double-check this information before your departure. Below, we cover a few examples where a Chinese visa is not required:
- You’re visiting from Hong Kong to Shenzhen for less than five days. Or, you’re going from Macau to Zhuhai for less than three days.
- You’re visiting Hainan with a well-planned trip of a minimum of 5 people for up to 15 days.
- You hold a valid passport from Japan, Brunei, or Singapore, or you are staying in China for less than fifteen days.
- You hold a valid passport from Fiji, Mauritius, Serbia, Grenada, Ecuador, Bahamas, Seychelles, or Tonga, and you are staying in China for less than 30 days.
Processing Times for Hong Kong, Macau, China Port Visas, Tibet, and Group Visas
For special Chinese visa types, application procedures and processing times vary. Understanding which specific visa type you need to apply for will help you better prepare for your trip. If you meet the requirements, you can apply and obtain your visa at your port of entry or arrival destination.
Hong Kong SAR Visa
To apply for a Hong Kong SAR visa, you must apply through the Chinese Consulate General or Embassy. The standard processing time is 4 days. Express services are also available, between 2-3 days.
Macau SAR Visa
You may apply for a Macau visa through the Chinese Consulate General or Embassy. The standard processing time is 4 to 10 business days.
Express delivery is available and takes between 2-3 days for your visa to arrive. If you are applying through the Macau SAR Immigration Department, it can take as much as 3 weeks. Rush processing is not available.
Chinese Tourist Group Visa
This type of visa is for tourist groups of 5 or more members who plan to travel together. Group visas are valid for one use only, and they are issued on a separate document, not on a passport.
Tourist group visas take between 4 to 5 days for standard processing. Rush services are available in some countries for extra fees.
Tibet Travel Permit (TBB)
Tibet is under China’s provincial territories and under Chinese occupation. It has also has been divided into separate provinces, each of which, requires separate permits.
It can take as long as 14 days to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit through the TBB (Tibet Tourism Bureau). If you plan to visit other regions within Tibet, you will need permits for each region.
China Port Visa on Arrival
Visitors are required to obtain a Chinese Visa before arrival. However, under certain circumstances, travelers can obtain a visa on arrival (VOA). We should point out that China Port visas are only available at specific points of entry, such as Beijing and Shanghai. These visas are only available for citizens of certain countries, including the United States and the E.U.
Visas on arrival are only valid for one entry and are limited for a specified amount of time.
Other ports of entry where visas on arrival are available are:
- Hainan: Valid for 30 days throughout mainland China
- Shenzhen: Valid for 5 days
- Zhuhai: Valid for 4 days
- Xiamen: Valid for 5 days
To apply for a VOA, you complete the application at the port of entry and receive it on the same day. The processing fee is between 168-304 Chinese Yuan, which is about $24 to $44 U.S dollars. Costs will depend on the visitor’s nationality.
Basic Eligibility Requirements for a China Visa
- A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and 2 blank pages.
- A copy of your passport with your picture on it, as well as any previously issued Chinese visas (if applicable)
- A valid passport sized-photograph
Former Chinese Citizens
- A copy of your previous Chinese passport
- Evidence of legal status in China
- Corresponding Chinese Visa application form
Applicants Applying through the CVASC (Chinese Visa Application Service Center)
The CVASC as an independent entity that is authorized to process visas on behalf of the Chinese government.
- A printed and signed declaration
- A printed copy of your appointment receipt
- An issued invitation letter by a relevant individual or entity in China. Invitation letters are only required for the following types of visas: C visa, F visa, M Visa, Q visa, L visa, Z visa, or S visa. Other types of visas may have additional requirements. Make sure you understand which visa type you will need to enter the country.
Where Can You Apply For a Chinese Visa in the U.S?
You can apply for a visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate. There are 5 consulate general locations throughout the United States, and one embassy location located in Washington D.C. Rush services are available in the U.S.
Los Angeles area residents can apply at Consulate General in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles
Chinse Consulate General in Los Angeles
443 Shatto Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90020
Business Hours:
Monday through Friday
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Other Consulate General Locations in the U.S.
San Francisco
Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in San Francisco
1450 Laguna St
San Francisco, CA 94115
Monday through Friday
9:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Houston
Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Houston
3417 Montrose Blvd
Houston, TX 77006
Monday through Friday
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM / 1:30PM to 3:00 PM
New York
Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in New York
520 12th Ave
New York, NY 10036
Monday through Friday
9:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Chicago
Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago
1 E Erie St
Chicago, IL 60611
Monday through Friday
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM / 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Washington D.C.
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America
3505 International Pl NW
Washington, DC 20008
Monday through Friday
9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Chinese Visa Fees for U.S. Citizens
The current fee for U.S. passport holders is $140; this includes 10-year, 1-year, and 6-month visas. Money orders, cashier’s checks, and most major credit cards are accepted; however, the Chinese Embassy does not accept personal checks. Fees may change at any time. Make sure you call ahead of time to find out the current cost.
How Far in Advance Should You Apply for a Chinese Visa?
We recommend that you apply at least 50 days before your departure date. You want to allow enough time to have your application processed.
Make sure that you are applying for the correct visa type that corresponds to the purpose of your visit. As we’ve mentioned, China has different types of visas. The requirements vary for each type. Be sure that you meet the specific eligibility requirements and that you use the correct application form.
