If you are traveling to China, you will likely need a Chinese Visa. The information below will explain a bit more about Chinese visas and how to get them. If you are ready to get a China visa now, please visit our
China Visa Order Form.
Below is a video that describes information about Chinese travel visas.
What Is a China Visa?
A visa is essentially a pre-approval from a foreign government to enter their country.
An Example Chinese Visa Document in a U.S. Passport
While U.S. citizens can travel to most countries without any type of documentation, many countries like China,
India,
Brazil,
and
Russia
do require a visa in advance.
After submitting the required paperwork to the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC or one of the Chinese consulates in New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles or San Francisco,
Embassy of the Republic of China, Washington, DC
the approved visa is inserted into your passport. If your trip is coming up soon, please see our
urgent Chinese visa information
When checking in for an international flight to China, the airline will verify that you have the appropriate visa in your passport.
When you arrive in Beijing, Shanghai or any other Chinese airport, immigration will review your
passport and visa.
Passport and Entry Control in Beijing, China
If your documents are not valid, you will be turned away and made to take the next flight out of China. If your documents meet the requirements, you will be allowed entry into China. Once in China, you are free to travel wherever you like, however any time you leave mainland China, your documents will need to be re-verified upon your return.
How Long Are Chinese Visas Good For?
Chinese visas can vary in length from 30 days up to 10 years. Generally speaking, Chinese visas issued to U.S. citizens are valid for 10 years, however they may choose to approve a shorter duration visa at their discretion. Non-U.S. citizens typically receive visas valid from three months to one year. If you need this visa quickly, please review the
rush Chinese visa information.
What Is Chinese Visa Validity?
Visa validity can cover two aspects of a visa how long the visa is good for and how long the traveler can stay in the country known as "length of stay". As noted above, Chinese visas for U.S. citizens are generally valid for 10 years (with some exceptions) and the length of stay is usually 60 days per entry. This means that a U.S. citizen who is issued a 10 year
Chinese Tourist Visa
or
Chinese Business Visa
may enter China for up to 60 days at a time, as many times as they like over a 10 year period. There are limits to the number of days a non-Chinese citizen can spend in China, which is generally limited to 180 calendar days per year.
How Does Our China Visa Service Work?
ItsEasy is the leader in Chinese visa application services for international travelers based in the US.
We assist travelers with US passports as well as non-US passport legally residing in the US who need to obtain visas for travel to China.
The most common requests we have are for
Chinese tourist visas and
Chinese business visas
for travelers going to China in the near future.
ItsEasy is registered to submit China visa applications for customers who choose not to apply in person
(the Chinese Embassy and consulate offices will not accept China visa applications by mail, so applicants must either appear in person or use an approved service).
Visa Issuing Office in Embassy of China, Washington, D.C.
Our website provides you with clear and easy to follow instructions for completing the application and collecting the required documentation,
not to mention that we are here to support you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year!
We do encourage you to review the requirements provided on our site which will explain the process and each item or document that is required.
We provide a helpful
China Visa Application Guide
which will explain how to fill out the application correctly. In recent years, the
Chinese Embassy
has become more strict about how the application is filled out including that it must be typed
(as opposed to handwritten which they no longer accept) and no field can be left blank (blank fields must now be answered as "N/A").
The Chinese Embassy will also not accept signatures in anything other than black or blue ink.
Once we receive your documents, our Chinese visa specialists will review everything provided to ensure your application materials will process quickly and without incident.
If there are any issues with your visa application to China, we will reach out to you right away to resolve the issue.
Members of the ItsEasy Chinese Visa Specialist Team
Traveling to China can be a momentous project, obtaining your China visa doesn't have to be! You can count on ItsEasy to obtain your Chinese visa!
ItsEasy maintains the visa requirements to all countries, including China. Use
the widget above to see your particular requirements for visiting China based upon
your citizenship and state of residence in the USA.
Sample Requirements For China
Below is a sample set of requirements for visiting China using a Tourist Visa Visa. These requirements
are only a SAMPLE. To get the EXACT requirements for you to visit China, please go to our TripBuilder page
and enter in your specific information that is your exact situation.
Effective immediately, the Consulate of China in New York now requires notarized copies of proof of US status for all non-US citizens. This means you must submit a notarized copy of your Green Card, I-94, or I-20 with your visa application to ensure smooth processing.
Special Information About China Embassy/Consulate
NOTE: Processing times for all China visas start the day AFTER we receive all correct physical documents in office. This does not include shipping times.
China Videos
Important Issues with China Tourist Visa
In this video we go over the common mistakes with China Tourist Visas
1.1 Passport
• Submit your current, signed passport. Visas are stamped directly into the passport, so the original is required.
1.2 Photo Requirement
Submit two (2) identical, color, passport-style photographs. The photos must be recent and generally should not be the same as those used for the passport itself.
Photo Criteria:
• Plain white background
• Printed on photo paper
• No glasses or jewelry
• Neutral expression
1.3 Proof of Residency
• Provide a legible, color copy of the front AND back of your driver's license or state-issued ID. No other forms of residency proof are accepted.
1.4 Travel to Turkey or Pakistan
• If you have ever visited Turkey or Pakistan, complete and provide the affidavit below.
1.5 Previous Chinese Visa Holders
• Submit previous Chinese visas. If they are in an old passport, include that passport or provide a letter explaining its absence (e.g., lost, stolen, damaged).
1.6 Applicants Under 18yrs
• Applications for minors are treated individually. Additional requirements apply.
1.7 Former Chinese Nationals
• Submit your previous Chinese passport or proof of a previously issued Chinese visa. Former Hong Kong citizens must provide an original previous Chinese visa or appear in person at the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
1.8 Travel History Form
• Complete the China Travel History Form.
1.9 Where You Stay Form
• Complete the Where You Stay form.
1.10 Visa Application
• Complete the online visa application.
1.11 Job Description Form
• Submit a completed job description form. This fillable PDF must be printed and included with your application.
1.12 Special Notice
• For US citizens, China typically issues a visa valid for multiple entries up to 10 years if the passport is valid for more than a year. In some cases, the visa might be limited to fewer entries or a shorter validity period.
1.13 Work in Media
• Applicants who work in the media or for a media company must appear in person to submit their application. We cannot assist media industry applicants in any capacity. (We can assist with Document Preparation and Pre-Check Service.)
Concierge Service is our premium white-glove service, providing a dedicated Concierge Team to
manage the entire application process including document preparation and review,
optional 1-1 phone appointments with a Concierge Specialist, upgraded shipping,
priority submission, and more - all beginning within 4 business hours of your request.
It's a complicated world out there. Let us simplify it for you. (Additional premium fees apply)
If you have an EMERGENCY situation, you may utilize our EMERGENCY CONCIERGE SERVICE
which puts you to the front of the line instantly! EMERGENCY CONCIERGE is our "drop everything"
service for when you need that immediate team attention.
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ItsEasy Passport Renewal & Photo App
Save time and money - download the ItsEasy Passport Renewal & Photo App
for your iPhones/iPad or Android now! Once you place your order, simply take your own picture
with your iphone and upload to our server. We'll check it, print it and
match it with your documents - for free!
Going the extra mile to make it Easy!
Why Choose ItsEasy.com?
Founded in 1976, ItsEasy.com Passport & Visa Services is a US Government
registered passport and visa expediting company which has processed over
2 million passport and visa applications.
We specialize in securing expedited US passports and business and
tourist visas for US citizens or non-US citizens legally residing in the
US. For emergency passport or visa services, please contact our office
24 hours a day at 1-866-ITS-EASY.
Document Pre-Check Service
During the order process you may be offered Document
Pre-Check service. While not required, this option provides you the
ability to scan and securely upload your application and supporting
documents through ItsEasy.com's secure portal for review prior to
submitting. Having documents reviewed in advance can greatly reduce
delays and additional shipping charges. Serviced within 24 business
hours. Additional fee per traveler of $45 for first service, $25 for
each additional service.
