China Visa

All non-Chinese nationals are required to possess a Chinese visa BEFORE arriving in China.  China does not give visa on arrival.

Visa requirements, processing time, fees, and application procedures vary significantly for one country to another.  You must contact a Chinese embassy or consulate nearest you to inquire about how to apply.  The following is a very basic guideline which applies to all nationalities when applying for a visa.

Basic Requirements:

1. A completed Visa Application form. Forms are available in your local Chinese Embassy or Consulate, or can be downloaded from the official website of the Chinese Embassy in your country.
2. Two 2" X 2" passport photos.
3. Valid Passport. Passport should be valid for a minimum of six (6) months from the date of travel and enough blank visa pages.
4. Documents supporting one's purpose to enter China (Invitation Letter). Invitation letters will be issued by CIFA.  Please click here to download an invitation letter form (you will be required to Logon to the system with your username and password).  Fill out the from fields in the letter, print it out and present to a Chinese Embassy or Consulate along with your other application details.  If you require an original copy be couriered to you then please contact Ms. Julia Zhao (julia-zhao@cifa.org.cn).  A flat fee of USD 60 courier fee will be charged for each sending.
5. Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to provide additional information such as a bank statement. You need to check these requirements with a Chinese embassy or consulate nearest to you.

Application Process:

1. You must submit your visa application at the visa office of the Embassy or Consulate General in the consular jurisdiction in which you live.
2. You must either go to the Embassy or Consulate personally or you may entrust someone else or an agent for the application process.
3. Mailed applications are not acceptable.

Pickup and Fee:

1. The cost for a business visa varies from one embassy to another so you must check the fee with the embassy or consulate nearest you.
2. The regular visa processing time is 4 working days. Additional fees are required for express service.

Validity:

An "L" visa is 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue. This means the holder of the visa shall enter China no later than 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue, otherwise the visa is expired and is null and void.

Listing of Chinese Embassies and Consulates Generals Worldwide

For additional information or assistance regarding visa please contact darcher@wcafamily.com