Home Types of China Visas China Visa Application

China Visa Application

Xi'an China, where the Terra Cotta Army is Located

To apply for a China visa, you'll need to prepare some materials. If you know what you need, scroll down to see the application process. Otherwise check out the list of what you need.

Once your documents are ready, here is how to apply:

You can either submit the application to the Visa Office of the Embassy or a Consulate General that is close to where you live, or have a reputable travel/visa agent handle this for you.
If you cannot come in person, you may also entrust someone else to drop off your application at the visa office.
No appointment is required, but be prepared to be in a long line especially when it's traveling season.

Don't mail your application to the Chinese Passport and Visa office. They won't accept it. You can apply for your visa online here.

Visa Processing Time

The regular processing time is 4 working days.
Express service: 2-3 working days processing, $20 will be charged per visa.
Same day rush service: additional fees of $30 for 1 working day processing (applications presented before 12:30pm may be picked up between 2:30pm-3:00pm on the same day).

China Visa Application Fee for Consulates:

Pay by Visa, MasterCard, Money Order, Cashier's Check or Company Check.
Cash or Personal checks are not acceptable.
Make the company check, cashier's check or money order payable to Chinese Embassy.
Fee Amount:

$30 for citizens of all countries except US citizens.
For Americans, the newest fees are shown as following:

Entries	Validity	Processing Time	Embassy Fee
Single	3 months	4 days	$140.00 (Group visa fee will be $120 per person)
Single	3 months	2 days	$160.00
Single	3 months	1 day	$170.00
Double	6 months	4 days	$140.00 (Group visa fee will be $120 per person)
Double	6 months	2 days	$160.00
Double	6 months	1 day	$170.00
Multiple	1 year	4 days	$140.00 (Group visa fee will be $120 per person)
Multiple	1 year	2 days	$160.00
Multiple	1 year	1 day	$170.00