Chinese Visas

Special Information About China Embassy/Consulate

Updated China Travel Information (6/23/22):
China has provided updated COVID related travel information.

All travelers to China must have proof of a negative COVID PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before departure, and a second PCR test taken less than 24 hours before departure. Even with the negative tests, upon arriving in China, travelers will still need to quarantine for a period of 10-14 days at an approved facility and undergo a rigorous COVID testing protocol while in quarantine. A further seven days of quarantine at home, or at the location you will be staying, is typically required once you are released from the quarantine facility.

China Videos

Important Issues with China Tourist Visa

In this video we go over the common mistakes with China Tourist Visas

1.1  Passport

Applicant must submit their current, signed passport. Visas are stamped into a passport, therefore the original passport is required.

1.2  Photo Requirement

Applicant must submit two (2) identical, color, passport style photographs. The photos must be recent and generally should not be the same used for the passport itself.

Please note the following photo requirements as provided by the Chinese Embassy:

The photo must meet the following criteria:
• Photo must have a plain white background
• Photo must be printed on photo paper
• Photo should not show the applicant wearing glasses
• Photo should not show the applicant wearing jewelry
• The applicant must have a neutral [removed]not smiling, posing, etc.)

1.3  Proof of Travel

Each applicant, including minors, must submit a confirmed flight itinerary in their name showing travel originating from and returning to the US, that includes entry and exit from mainland China. If an infant is traveling without their own seat, the itinerary must reflect that they will be traveling as a "lap baby", though the consulate may not require that they be specifically named on the itinerary in such instances.

Note, if traveling via private charter the charter's manifest should suffice.

1.4  Proof of Accommodations

All tourist visa applicants must submit proof of stay in China.

If applicant is staying in a hotel, they must submit a copy of a confirmed hotel reservation. The applicant's name MUST appear on hotel confirmations (even children). If an applicant's name is not listed on the hotel confirmation, they should contact their hotel or travel agent and have their name added and a new confirmation sent.

If an applicant is part of a tour, an invitation letter for a tourist group issued by a duly authorized tourism unit based in mainland China may be submitted. The invitation letter must bear the companies seal or stamp. Invitation letters from travel agencies not based in mainland China will NOT be accepted by the consulate.

If an applicant is staying with friends and/or family who are Chinese citizens, they must provide an invitation letter issued by the individual inviter, as well as a copy of the front and back of their Chinese ID Card. If an applicant is staying with friends/family who are not Chinese citizens, they must provide a scan the inviter's passport information page as well as their China residency permit. Invitation letter must include the following items:

(A) Personal information of applicant: name, gender, date of birth, etc.

(B) Information concerning applicant's visit: purpose of visit, date of arrival and departure, places to visit, relationship between the applicant and the inviter, and who will bear the cost of the applicant's accommodations in China.

(C) Information of inviter: name of the unit or individual, phone number, address, and if applicable, seal and signature of the legal representative.

Invitation letter can be submitted as a photocopy. However, original invitation and/or personal interview may be requested at visa officer's discretion.

1.5  Proof of Residency

Applicant must submit a legible, color copy of the front AND back of their driver's license or state issued ID. At this time, no other Proof of Residency will be accepted.

1.6  Travel to Turkey or Pakistan

If applicant has indicated on their application that they have visited, or has an entry or exit stamp from Turkey or Pakistan, in order to avoid potential delays applicant must provide a personal letter stating the exact dates, and purpose of travel to either or both of those countries.

In addition, they must complete and provide the below affidavit.

1.7  Previous Chinese Visa Applicants

For applicants who have previously held Chinese visas, the Embassy and consulate offices often request copies of previous visas.

If the previous visa is in the current passport there is no action required.

If the visa was in an old passport, please include either the old passport or clear color copies of the visas from the old passport. If applicant does not have the old passport, applicant may write a letter addressed to the Chinese Embassy explaining why they cannot provide copies of the old visas (such as previous passport lost, stolen, damaged, etc). Applicant must sign and date the letter.

1.8  Applicants Under 18yrs

Although applicant may be submitting documents along with other family members, when submitted to an embassy or consulate, applications are treated individually. If applicant is under 18 years old, please view the following link.

1.9  Former Chinese Nationals

If applicant is former Chinese or Taiwanese citizen, applicant must submit previous Chinese passport or proof of previously issued Chinese visa.

If applicant previously held Hong Kong citizenship, applicant must provide an original previous Chinese visa OR must report in person to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate office nearest them and provide documents which prove they have renounced their citizenship or request a travel document.

1.10  Travel History Form

Applicants must complete the China Travel History Form.

1.11  Visa Application

Applicant must complete the online visa application.

1.12  Job Description Form

Applicant must submit one fully completed job description form. Similar to the above, the document is a fill-able PDF and must be completed on a computer, printed and included with your application documents provided to ItsEasy. Failure to include this document will likely result in processing delays.

1.13  Special Notice

For US citizens, China will issue a visa valid for multiple entries up to 10 years by default if the applicants passport is valid for more than 1 year. In some cases, and/or if the applicants passport is valid for less than 1 year, the visa may be valid for a limited number of entries (single or double) and for a shorter period (three months, six months or one year). As with all visas, the actual visa issued is at the discretion of the Embassy/consulate.

1.14  Work in Media

The consulate of China in New York requires that any applicant who works in the media or for a media company (regardless of your actual job within the organization) to appear in person to submit their application for a visa. As such we cannot assist any applicants who work in the media industry in any capacity.

1.15  Select Visa Service