IFP China 2010: Visa Requirements

 

 

Please note:  We have done our best to provide you with the most recent information available. However, requirements change often so please be sure to check regularly with the embassy for any updates.

 

You will need to apply for a Tourist or Student Visa at the Chinese consulate. The visa application should be submitted and picked up in person by the applicant (or someone else entrusted).

Tourist Visas:

As an American national, you can apply for a single or double entry x-visa (Valid for 90 days) or a multi entry visa (valid for one year).

Requirements:

• Completed application (download application here)
• A recent 2X2 passport photo (attached to application).
• Original passport with at least 2 blank visa pages and valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of application.
• Former Chinese visarecords (if any, together with their copies).
• U.S citizens may apply for a single, double-entry visa valid for 3 months or a multi-entry tourist visa valid for 12 months. If people apply for a multi-entry tourist visa for 12 months their passports should be valid for at least 18 months.
• An applicant born in China who is applying for a Chinese visa with his or her new foreign passport is required to submit his or her Chinese passport or last foreign passport.
• Non-US citizens shall provide documentsvalid for at least 6 months that entitles them to reside for an extended period of time in the US, Such as a Green card, work or study visa (together with their copies). Temporary visitors to the US should apply for a Chinese visa in their own country. For the special case, the visa officer has the rights to make the final decisionon whether issuing a visa or not.
• Visa Fees paid in cash, money order: Single entry: $50.00 & Multi entry: $130.00 (American Nationals)

 

Visas or Entry Permit for SAS or Entry Permit for Hong Kong

 

U.S. citizens visiting Hong Kong SAR for a short tour, or business visit can stay in Hong Kong for 90 days without applying for visas.

 

The following U.S. citizens visiting Hong Kong are required to apply for visas in advance:

• U.S. citizens intending to stay in Hong Kong longer than 90 days;
• U.S. citizens intending to enter Hong Kong for employment, investment, education, training or residence

Please be noticed that all X-visa holders shall, within 30 days of entry into China, obtain aliens' residence permission from Public Security Bureau at the place of their residence. Otherwise, aliens may be fined, detained or even ordered to leave the country within a specific time period.

Submitting Application

The office hours of the Passport and Visa Office are:

9:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-2:30pm

 

Applicants are suggested to avoid the following busy dates and the long line:

 

• All Mondays and Tuesdays;
• First 2-3 days after the holidays of the Passport and Visa Office
• All afternoons

 

Generally speaking, it is less crowded during the first hour of the day, 9:00-10:00. Applicants are suggested to submit the applications as early as possible.

 

The period from April to June is the busiest time for the Passport and Visa Office.

 

Submit to:

Consulate General of the P. R. China in New York

Passport and Visa Office

520 12th Ave.

New York, NY 10036

Information Center: (212) 868-2078

*The main entrance of the Application Hall is located at the corner of 42^nd St. and 12^th Ave, Manhattan.