Chinese Visa FAQs

1. How long does it take to process regular and urgent visas?

Regular processing takes 7-8 working days.

Urgent processing will take 3 working days.

2. I'm going to Mainland China, and then Hong Kong, and will go back to Mainland China again. Does this mean I have to apply for a double-entry visa?

Yes. Although the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions are part of China, their visa regimes are different from those of the Mainland China. Every time you enter mainland China, that costs one entry.

3. How to apply for a Hong Kong and Macao visa?

Hong Kong visa and entry permit: the Hong Kong government and immigration department allow visa-free access to passport holders from many countries and territories. Others must obtain a Hong Kong visa to enter.

Macao visa: foreigners who do not enjoy visa-free access to Macao must apply for a visa to enter the country. Normally, you can apply for a Macau visa on arrival.

4. When is the best time to apply for a visa?

Please apply one to two months (at least two weeks) before the scheduled visit date. If you apply too late, you may not have enough time to get it done. If you apply too early, it may expire before you leave.

5. I have received the visa. Is it 100% guaranteed that I can enter China?

A visa is not a guarantee of entry into China. The final decision shall be made by the Chinese Border Administration Department at the port of entry in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations.

6. Do I need a visa to go to Mainland China?

Foreign citizens generally need a visa to visit China's mainland with the exception of the visa-free entry according to relevant agreements and regulations.

7. What documents do I need to apply for a visa to China?

Basic requirements: original passport, valid for at least 6 months, 2 blank pages, 1 complete, clear and true application form, 1 recent passport photo. You should also submit additional documentation for the different visa categories. Please kindly check the visa types additionally.

8. Do I need an appointment to apply for a visa? Can I entrust someone else to apply for it?

No appointment required. You may entrust another person or ask a travel/visa agent to go to the visa office for application, but online application is not accepted.

9. How long is a Chinese visa valid?

Normally, a single-entry visa is valid for three months (from the date of issue). Except in special circumstances, Chinese consulates now automatically issue one-year multiple-entry visas to US passport holders. Hold a one-year multiple entry visa. Your visa is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. You can enter China at any time during the 12 months of validity of the visa.

10. Do I need to provide a medical examination form to apply for a visa?

No.

11. I have received the visa, but my travel plan will change. Do I need to apply for a change of visa type or validity?

Once your visa application has been processed and approved, you will not be able to change the type or validity of the visa unless you require the visa to be invalidated by the visa office and apply for and pay for a new visa. Those who have entered China shall apply to the local public security office for changing the type of visa or extending the duration or validity of their stay. Your application will be considered by the public security office in accordance with relevant Chinese laws and regulations.

12. What kind of payment method can I use?

Money order, cashier's check, company check, Visa or master card.