Cheap flights, hotels & vacation packages (2024)

From the USA:

For a China travel visa request, the Chinese Embassy or Consulatesrequire the following:
• Your passport, which must have at least six (6) months ofremaining validity and at least one blank visa page in it.
• A recent passport sized photo;
• A completed Chinese visa application form;
• An applicant who was born in China is required to submithis/her Chinese passport or last foreign passport with a Chinese visawhen he/she applies for a Chinese visa with a new foreign passport
• To apply for a Multiple Entry "L" Visa valid for 6 months or1 year, you need to submit documents that certify you will come toChina frequently for family visits or sightseeing. Acceptable documentsinclude an invitation letter from a family member in China or proof ofthe relationship; or ownership certificate of real estate in China, orsale agreement or lease agreement of an apartment in China; or a copyof an adoption certificate or the child's former Chinese passport ifhe/she has adopted a child from China.
• Foreign Chinese born in China who have visited China at leasttwice in the past 12 months, need to submit a copy of the visa(s); orsubmit an official letter issued by the host institution in China, oran application letter which explains why you need to visit Chinafrequently for tourism.

Notes: You must go to the visa office of the Embassy orConsulate General in the consular jurisdiction in which you live tosubmit the application; or if you cannot go in person, you may entrustsomeone else or a travel/visa agent to go to the visa office of theEmbassy or Consulate General in the consular jurisdiction in which youlive for the application process.

For more detailed or up-to-date information, please check theUSA Chinese Consulate website: http://www.China-embassy.org/eng

From the UK:

For a China travel visa request, Chinese Embassy or Consulates requirethe following:
• Your passport, which must have at least six (6) months ofremaining validity and at least one blank visa page in it.
• A recent passport sized photo;
• A completed Chinese visa application form;
• You need particular documentation depending on the type ofvisa you are applying for: Tourist visa: itinerary or flightbooking. Business visa: invitation letter from a ChineseGovernment department or government-authorized company. Pleaseget in touch with your local consulate for more information.

Notes: You need to visit the Chinese Embassy or Consulate toapply for and pick-up your visa (unless you use a travel agency thatwill do it for you).

For more detailed or up-to-date information, please check the UKChinese Consulate website: http://www.chinese-embassy.org.uk

Other Regions

Click to visit ChinaTravel.net for a list of Chinese Embassies by region and a thorough Q&A on the visa application process.

Validity

Generally, a visa is valid for entry within three months fromthe date of issue. Please apply for your visa no more than three monthsin advance, but not too close to your departure date in case anyproblems arise.

Processing Time
Normal processing time for a visa is a minimum of five business daysafter the date the Chinese Consulate receives the application. (Howeverin the UK, it just takes three working days after a successfulapplication.)

Types of Business visas and validity

F - Visa
Business Visit Visa
Z - Visa
Work Visa

Issued to foreigners who are invited to China for a businessvisit. Maximum stay is 30 days for each entry.

Issued to foreigners who are to take up a post or employment inChina, and their accompanying family members.

For foreigners staying in China, you will need to register withyour local PSB within 30 days of entering China.

Where can I get a Chinese Visa Application Form?

Click the link below to open the application form. The form can be filled in and printed directly from your browser window. To download the form, right-click the link and select "Save Target As…" or "Save link as…"

Chinese Visa Application Form (PDF, 438K)

The best time to visit China really depends on the regions youintend to visit and the weather you prefer, because China is a largecountry with various unique climates.

In winter, most parts of China will be cold, especially in thenorth. In spring or summer, it gets very hot throughout China. Yourclothing should be casual and comfortable. During the rainy season,from May to August, a raincoat is necessary. For more detailedinformation, please refer to the table below. Don't forget that Chinais a large country, and in one season the temperature varies dependingon which part of the country you are planning to visit (i.e. the southis usually a lot warmer than the north)

Before you leave make sure to have a useful checklist:
• Make sure to bring enough money with you.
• Do your research into political, cultural and economicconditions of the countries to which you will be traveling. Ask friendswho have been there, travel agents, foreign missions, and consultguidebooks before you leave.
• Draw up a flexible itinerary and budget. Leave a copy withsomeone at home.
• Find out about weather conditions. Pack appropriate footwearand the minimum amount of clothing.
• Purchase a supplementary health insurance plan that isappropriate for the type of trip that you are taking.
• Carry proof of insurance coverage.
• Know how to contact your insurer, and make sure that yourtraveling companion(s), travel agent and someone at home know how to doso as well.
• Photocopy the identification page in your passport. Keep acopy separate from the passport, and leave another copy with someone athome.
• Ensure that you have all the required vaccinations.
• Keep any medication that you require in its originalcontainer, and carry a doctor's prescription for any controlled drug.
• Carry a medical certificate for syringes if you require themfor medical purposes.
• Ensure that you have the required visas. Make photocopies ofyour visas, and keep them separate from the originals.
• Investigate whether or not you or any of your family membersare also considered nationals of any of the countries you plan to visit.
• Learn a few phrases in the language of the country you planto visit.

China is a vast country, so you cannot expect to see everything. On thefirst trip, you'd be best visiting the major cities. Refer to this listof the major attractions:
• Travel to Shanghai and Beijing and visit the small citiesaround them.
• Explore Tibet.
• Visit Xi'an, Luoyang and Kaifeng. These are all Chineseancient capitals.
• Visit famous Chinese mountains such as Lushan, Huangshan,Taishan and Wuyishan.
• Enjoy the beaches in Hainan, Dalian, Xiamen and Qingdao.
• Go to Guilin, Zhangjiajie or Jiuzhaigou to view the beautifullandscape.
• Take a ride down the Yangtze River from Chongqing.