China

Visas for China

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Consular Processing Information

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED ONLINE AT: https://cova.mfa.gov.cn/qzCoCommonController.do?show&pageId=index&locale=en_US

U.S. Passport Holders:

• Passports must be valid for at least 18 months or more. The consulate reserves the right to deny visas to passports that are valid for less than 18 months.

U.S. and Non-U.S. Passport Holders:

• Passports must have at least 2 blank “visa” pages. Endorsement pages in the back do not count.
• Passports must be signed – visas will not be issued to unsigned passports.

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Visa Requirements          

1. Valid and Signed Passport
   • Unsigned passports will be returned to the traveler, thus will delay visa processing.
   • U.S. Passports must be valid for at least 18 months or more. Non-US. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months.

2. Completed Chinese visa online COVA Form. 

3. One (1) Passport Quality Photo
   • Cannot be the same photo as in passport
   • Photo must be taken against a pure WHITE background. Photos displaying non-white background are subject to consular scrutiny.
   • The applicant is required to present a frontal view to the camera with the entire head and face clearly visible
   • No harsh shadows on face. Facial features must be clearly visible. 
   • Must have been taken within the last 6 months
   • Must be printed on photo paper. Standard printer paper is not acceptable.
   • Must be a high quality photo. Photos that are too pixilated or blurry will not be accepted

4. Color Copy of Your Valid Driver's License
5. Copy of previous Chinese Visa(s):
   • If your previous Chinese visa is in another or expired passport please also send a copy the passport bio page.

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Business Visa:  For travelers who are participating in business meetings and discussions only. In addition to items 1-6 above, please send:

7. Letter of Invitation from inviting organization in China. (Please note: Letter of Invitation is still required if visiting the Chinese branch of your organization) MUST BEAR COMPANY'S OFFICIAL STAMP AND AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE AND MUST CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

 M and F Visa Invitation Letter

(1) Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.

(2) Information about the invitee’s visit to China: reason for coming to China, date of arrival and departure, place of visit, relationship with the inviting unit or inviter, who will pay for the travel, etc.

(3) Inviting party information: inviting party name, address, telephone number, official seal, legal representative or inviter’s signature, date, etc. (the information must be included in the text of the invitation letter)

8. Letter of Guarantee from your company/employer in the United States. (Pleaset note: Letter of Guarantee is still required if visiting the Chinese branch of your organization)

Requirements for Invitation and US Company Letters

• Must be on company letterhead
• Both letters must be addressed to “Consulate of The People’s Republic China
• Traveler’s full name must be included. Missing middle names may result in rejection of visa request.
• Purpose of travel: 
• Contact person in China and their contact information
• Financial Guarantee
• Can be signed by any official within the company, except the traveler

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Additional Fees (if applicable)

• Expedited fees at Embassy to be determined if available.

Additional Visa/Consular Processing Information

Non-US Passports may be issued a visa that is less that ten years validity as well as a limited number of entries.

 

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Documents

 China Instruction Guide
 China Visa Instructions
 China Visa Application Form