- When applying for a visa to China, your No. 1 source of information is the Chinese consulate. The officers are able to answer any questions and there is no appointment necessary to visit the consulate. There are many types of Chinese visas whether you are looking to work, lecture, provide charity, study or travel for pleasure in China. The most common visa applied for is the L1 visa for tourists.
Step 1
Step 2
Determine the type of tourist visa you desire. How long are you planning on staying in China? Will you be leaving the country and then returning? U.S. citizens are eligible for a single-entry visa (valid for three to six months), double-entry visa (valid for six months) or multiple-entry visa (valid for six or 12 months).Step 3
Collect the materials for the visa application. This includes your passport with validity for at least six months and at least one blank page, visa application form provided by the consulate and one recent passport-size photo. If you are a former Chinese citizen or Chinese-American, you should also submit your old Chinese passport or a copy of your most recent Chinese visa.Step 4
Go to the consulate during business hours. It does not accept mail-in visa applications and requires your physical presence to begin processing your visa request. If you cannot make it in person, send a trusted person to act as a visa agent to drop off your application. The consulate can mail back your visa if provided with a self-addressed prepaid envelope.Step 5
Pay the $130 visa application fee. The Chinese consulate accepts Visa, MasterCard, money order, cashier's check, company check or cash. Personal checks are not accepted.Step 6
Return to the consulate and pick up your visa. Most visa applications take four working days to process unless rush service has been requested.