A business visa is required for business travel, research trips, and cultural exchanges to China. Business visas can be single-entry, double-entry, six-month-multiple-entry, and one-year-multiple-entry. A business visa is normally good for stays up to 30 days.

Multiple-entry visas are now under strict control and may only be issued to U.S. passport holders who have obtained at least one Chinese visa in the past.

Here's what you'll need to provide us:

• Actual passport*, signed and valid for at least six months beyond stay and with a blank visa page.
• One visa application form per person, completely filled out and signed. (Use black or blue ink only.)
• One recent passport-size photograph (color or black and white).
• A business letter from your company addressed to “Consulate of the Peoples Republic of China, Visa Section”. The letter must explain the purpose of the trip and guarantee your financial support while in China and your return transportation.
• An invitation letter from a company or organization in Mainland China (on company letterhead). If a multiple-entry visa is required, the invitation must be issued by a Chinese Government Ministry, such as Ministry of Foreign Affairs or authorized agency, or regional office of Chinese Foreign Economic Relations and Trade Commission, and include 4-digit reference number.
• Visa processing fees, return postage, and your mailing address.

Visit our forms section to download forms you'll need to apply for your visa.

Are you of Chinese descent? If so, visit our FAQs section to learn more about other documents you may need.

*Non-U.S. passport holders must provide photocopy of U.S. Green Card or valid U.S. visa.

All requirements may change without notice. For a six-month visa, passport must be valid for at least 9 ninemonths beyond stay.