A China tourist visa is required of all U.S. citizens who wish to enter the mainland for tourism. While the Chinese consular services offers several differnt types of visas, this article will provide information on how to apply for a China tourist visa.

Visa applications by mail are no longer accepted by the Chinese consular services. You can submit the application yourself or get someone you know to do it for you. This can be a friend, relative, travel agent or visa expediter.

The validiy on a China visa can be either 3, 6 or 12 months. You can also request a single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry visa. An additional travel permit is necessary in order to visit any non-open city. Visit the local security bureau in China to get this.

The China Tourist Visa

A China tourist visa, also known as an L visa, is usually valid for 30 days from the day of entry. Upon arrival, your documents will be examined by an inspection agent. If all your documentation is in order, an entry seal will be stamped in them. You have to submit a request at the local public security bureau if you decide to extend your stay in China.

You are allowed to enter China for sightseeing or visiting family and friends with a tourist visa. You need to request a Foreign Travel Permit at the local public security office if you would like to enter a restricted area.

Chinese Visa Requirements

The following items are required in order to obtain a tourist visa to China.

Declaration Form

All travelers who apply for a China visa are required to also complete the Declaration Form. You need to fill in your full name, nationality, passport number and the countries or U.S. states the applicant has visited during the two weeks prior to completing the form.

Your Current US Passport

You are required to submit your current U.S. passport together with the tourist visa application. Your passport should have at least six (6) months validity remaining after your intended arrival to China. Also, you should make sure you have at least one blank visa page in your passport.

ONE (1) Passport-Style Photograph

The siize of the photo has to be 2×2 inches. To avoid problems you should get your photograph at a place that has experience with this type of photo. The photo will only be accepted by the consulate if it is high resolution, clear, and provides proper contrast with white background.

Completed Chinese Visa Application

The China visa application has seven sections. The theme of the first section is person information. You need to provide your name, sex, nationality, date of birth, passport number, occupation and other such data. The second section is where you provide information about your trip to China. This includes the purpose of your trip, intended number of entries, date of entry and length of stay.

Questions about your health and prior travel are found in Section 3. You need to include information about previous trips to China. Section 4 is for your contact information such as home address, work or school address, contact in China, telephone numbers and email.

Additional declarations about your travel plans are made in the fifth section. The sixth section asks information about the person that completed the form if other than the person requesting the visa. The seventh and final section is for your signature.

How to Get Your China Tourist Visa Quickly

Regular processing of your visa to China can take 4 business days or more. If you need to get your visa in a hurry, the Chinese consular services offers express and rush processing. It takes 2 to 3 business days for express visa processing. Rush process takes 1 business day. You will have to pay more if you want this expedited processing.

If you are unable to travel to the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate general and do not have a friend or relative who can do it for you, then you will need to contract a private visa expediter. An expediter can submit your visa application and documents to the consulate for you. This allows you to get your China visa expedited as quickly as the same day.