Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Chinese visas.

 
 

Do I need a visa to travel to China?

Americans and Canadians traveling to Mainland China, whether for business or leisure, need a visa prior to travel. You are exempt if you travel and stay only in Hong Kong or Macao for less than 90 days. Travel to Hong Kong or Macao for less than 90 days does not require a visa

When do I need to apply for a visa?

The best time to apply is between 30-90 days before your departure. The visa is valid for three months, six months or12 months from the date it is issued, depending on the type granted.

Do I need to send my original passport?

Yes. it is required to send your actual passport. The Embassy/Consulate needs your passport in order to affix or stamp your visa onto it.

How long can I stay in China for each entry? Can I extend my stay in China while I am there?

With regular tourist or business visa, you can normally stay 30 days for each entry. If you need to stay longer, please contact the visa office of the local Public Security Bureau in China to file for an extension.

 

I am going to Mainland China first, then to Hong Kong and back to Mainland China again. Will single entry visa be enough?

No. You will need to apply for a double-entry visa. Once you go to Hong Kong from mainland China, you have left Mainland China will require another visa to re-enter.

I'm traveling for business and then planning to visit different cities for sightseeing. Will a single entry business visa be enough or will I need a separate business and tourist visa?

Business visa won't prevent you from sightseeing, so you will not need to apply for a separate tourist visa. As long as you travel within Mainland China, you don't need a multiple entry visa to travel to other cities.

Will I need to mail the original copy of the Visa Notification and Work Permit. If so, will it be returned to me after you have finished processing the visa?

Both Work Permit and Official Visa Notification documents need to be original. They won't be returned to you, so please make photocopies for your records. Some applicants will have to provide an Alien Employment License (instead of Work Permit), which will be returned.

Do I need a visa if I'm just going to Hong Kong?

No, Americans may visit Hong Kong for up to 90 days without a visa. However, if you are traveling to mainland China, you will need a visa.

Are there any additional steps for people of Chinese descent and their children?

The children of people of Mainland Chinses descent will require, along with a visa application, a copy of the child's birth certificate and a copy of the parents' non-Chinese passport or a copy of a foreign permanent residence identity card (such as a U.S. Green Card).

Applicants who were born in Mainland China and previously held a Peoples Republic of China (PRC) passport and are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time must also provide their previous Chinese passport or previous foreign passport along with their application.

Applicants who were born in Mainland China, previously held a PRC passport, and have previously applied for a Chinese visa on a different passport must provide a copy of their previous Chinese visa with their application.

If you have any additional questions, please contact us.

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