Frequently Asked Questions

Standard processing takes 4 business days at the consulate. Express processing takes 2-3 business days, and rush processing takes 1 business day. Including our review time and shipping, the total turnaround is 7-10 business days for standard, 4-6 for express, and 3-4 for rush. We recommend applying at least 3-4 weeks before your departure. See our processing time page for a detailed breakdown.

All China visa applications require: a valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), completed application form, recent passport photo (48mm x 33mm, white background), and supporting documents specific to your visa type. Tourist visas need travel itineraries and hotel bookings. Business visas need invitation letters. Work visas need work permit notification letters. Visit our requirements page for complete details by visa type.

For US citizens, the consular fee is $140 regardless of visa type or number of entries. Other nationalities pay $30-$165 depending on their country and visa entries. The eChinaVisa service fee is a flat $150 for all visa types. Express and rush processing incur additional surcharges of $20-$30. Visit our fee schedule for complete pricing.

While the Chinese consulate requires physical passport submission, you can start your application process online through eChinaVisa. We handle form completion, document review, and consulate submission. You mail your passport and documents to us using a trackable shipping method, and we take care of everything else, including returning your passport with the visa via insured express delivery.

Yes, US citizens need a visa to enter mainland China for tourism, business, work, study, and most other purposes. The good news is that US citizens are eligible for 10-year multiple-entry visas at a flat fee of $140, which provides excellent value for frequent travelers. Some transit visa exemptions exist for brief layovers in certain cities (144-hour visa-free transit).

Visa validity is the window during which you can use the visa to enter China (e.g., 3 months, 1 year, 10 years). Duration of stay is the maximum number of days you can remain in China per entry (e.g., 30, 60, or 90 days). For example, a 10-year multiple-entry visa with 60-day stays means you can enter China anytime within 10 years, staying up to 60 days each visit. The duration of stay countdown begins each time you enter China.

Yes, you can apply for a visa extension at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration office in China. Apply at least 7 days before your current stay expires. Extensions are typically granted for 30 additional days and cost 160 RMB. You will need your passport, a completed application form, a passport photo, proof of accommodation, and a valid reason for the extension.

If your visa is denied, the consulate typically does not provide a specific reason. Common causes include incomplete documents, insufficient financial proof, inconsistencies in the application, or concerns about immigration intent. With eChinaVisa, if denial is due to our error, we provide a full refund of our service fee. We also offer consultation to help you understand potential issues and advise on whether reapplication is advisable.

Most nationalities can enter Hong Kong visa-free for 7-90 days and Macau for 30-90 days. However, Hong Kong and Macau are separate immigration zones from mainland China. If you plan to visit both mainland China and Hong Kong or Macau on the same trip, you need a double-entry or multiple-entry Chinese visa, because traveling from mainland China to Hong Kong or Macau counts as exiting mainland China.

We recommend applying 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date. This allows ample time for standard processing plus a buffer for any unexpected requests for additional documents. However, Chinese visas cannot be applied for more than 3 months before your planned entry date, so do not apply too early. For work visas, start the entire process (including work permit) 2-3 months in advance.

No, you must apply at the Chinese consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence. For example, California residents must use the San Francisco or Los Angeles consulates, while New York residents must use the New York consulate. When you use eChinaVisa, we automatically submit your application to the correct consulate based on your home address.

China requires a 48mm x 33mm (approximately 2 inches x 1.3 inches) color photo with a pure white background, taken within the last 6 months. Your face must be centered, showing clearly with a neutral expression, both eyes open, mouth closed. No glasses, hats, headbands, or face coverings are allowed (religious head coverings may be acceptable). The photo must be printed on high-quality glossy photo paper. We recommend using a professional photographer familiar with Chinese visa specifications.

Previous travel to Tibet does not affect your China visa application, and having a Chinese visa is the first step for visiting Tibet. However, in addition to a Chinese visa, you will need a separate Tibet Travel Permit (TTP). This permit must be arranged through a licensed travel agency in Tibet at least 20 days before your planned arrival. Independent travel in Tibet is not permitted for foreign tourists; you must travel with an organized group or private guide.

Travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for Chinese visa applications. However, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and emergency evacuation. Healthcare in China can be expensive for foreigners, especially at international-standard hospitals. Many travel insurance plans cost only $30-$100 for a two-week trip.

Overstaying is taken very seriously in China. Penalties include a fine of 500 RMB per day (approximately $70/day, up to 10,000 RMB maximum), possible detention for up to 15 days, deportation at your expense, and a ban from re-entering China for 1-5 years depending on the severity of the overstay. Always leave China before your authorized stay expires, or apply for an extension at the local PSB at least 7 days before expiration.