What is the application process of a China visa for US citizens in 2023? So much has changed now that China has re-opened post pandemic. What do you need to do? How long will this take? What kind of visas are available? You’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know as a US citizen applying for a Chinese visa.
If you’re like most people, you have multiple questions about applying for your China visa. Everything from what documents you need to apply to whether or not you can send in your application by mail (hint…you can’t mail in a China visa). To make matters worse, the Chinese embassy website is a mess. Frankly, it’s hard to find any organized, useful information on there.
As a citizen of the United States myself, I’ve applied for over a dozen different visas ranging from tourist visas to student visas to dependent visas to business visas.
I’ve learned a lot through the process and I’m hoping I’ll be able to provide you with guidance and answer some of your most pressing questions.
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Note: Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I may be compensated if you choose to use one of the services listed. I only recommend what I’ve personally used, and I appreciate your support!
Covid Requirements & Restrictions
Let’s begin with the elephant in the room: the global pandemic known as Covid-19.
Despite the fact that Covid first appeared in China back in December of 2019, it wasn’t until 2023 that the country officially re-opened to new visa applications.
Now, for a US citizen trying to get into China right now, the process has changed quite a bit, which includes a new online application and appointment system. Here are a few of the requirements and restrictions you’ll face:
- New Online Application: Before applying for any China visa, you will now be required to submit an online application to get an ID number. You can’t make an appointment without an ID, and if even one bit of the application has an error or was filled out wrong, you will need to submit a new application to get a new ID.
- Limited Appointments: In an effort to create efficiency, China implemented a new process whereby an appointment was required to apply for a visa. Unfortunately, this creates a huge bottleneck since there are limited appointments (the embassy seems to be trying to add more slots).
Thankfully, visitors are no longer required to quarantine upon entering China. This policy, of course, can change at any moment and it’s impossible for me to keep this article updated with daily changes. This is why I always suggest using a reputable China visa agency to help you with the process since they usually have the most up-to-date knowledge of what’s happening.
China Visa Requirements for US Citizens
The China Visa requirements for US citizens is slightly different for each type of China visa.
I’ll go over the variances below, but first, here are the items that are the same no matter what kind of China visa you’re applying for.
- China Visa Application ID: Every China visa requires that the applicant go through the China Online Visa Application (COVA). BUT…before you go filling out this form, be sure that you’re ready with everything you need. One of the reasons I recommend using Passport Visas Express is because they coach you through filling this out so you don’t make any errors. Any errors result in an immediate rejection!
- U.S. Passport: The passport must have 6 months of validity, measured from the date at which you are scheduled to land in China. It also needs to have at least two (2) blank pages in the passport – one for the visa and one for the customs stamps.
- Proper Headshot Photo: This photo must follow the general requirements of all passport visa photos: no head covering, no smile, nothing covering the eyes (regular glasses allowed, not sunglasses). The background should be pure white.
- Itinerary with Hotel and Flight Confirmations: China requires that you present your travel itinerary, which includes confirmed hotels and flights. These are annoying requirements that have a creative workaround if you’re not able to present these easily. Keep in mind that once you are issued your visa, you are not required to maintain that same itinerary. Nobody anywhere in China will check your visa against your submitted itinerary as you travel.
These are the requirements of all visa applicants, no matter you’re a student, a tourist or a person doing business.
If you’re planning to apply for a specific visa other than a tourist (L) visa, check the following requirements:
- China C Visa (Crew): You’ll also need to present a letter of guarantee issued by your transportation company.
- China J Visa (Journalist): You will need to present a Visa Notification letter issued by China’s Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. This is in addition to an official letter from your media organization.
- China M Visa (Business): For those doing business, you will need to present the invitation letter issued by your Chinese trade partner or fair organizer on the Chinese side.
- China Q1 & Q2 Visas (Family Visitation): You will need an invitation letter from the Chinese citizen that includes their residence permit, copies of their passport and other documentation.
- China S1 & S2 Visas (Student): Students will need to submit a JW202 form to the institution where they intend to study. Once this has been approved, they will be given a letter of invitation that they will need to submit with their China visa application.
- China Z Visa (Work Visa): If you will be teaching English in China or some other form of business, you will need to submit a Foreigners Employment Permit and a letter of invitation from the company with whom you will work. Your school or company should supply these.
The problem here is that these requirements can be very confusing and one wrong document can mean your Chinese visa application is rejected. It’s a huge waste of time and money!
This is why I always recommend people use a professional visa service to help the process. I’ve personally used Passport Visas Express many times from here in the United States and it’s been a great experience. I highly recommend them.
No-Hassle China Visa Service!
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Cost & Time | China Visa for US Citizens
For those interested in a China visa for US citizens, the two most common questions have to do with the cost and the timing of the visa.
Let me address both of those questions here.
How much does a China visa cost for a US passport holder?
For 2023, the cost of a China visa for US citizens remains US$145. This is the same whether you apply for a 6-month visa, a 1-year visa or even a 10-year visa.
This visa service fee for US citizens can be paid by Visa, Mastercard, Money Order or Cashier’s Check (make check payable to “Chinese Embassy”). The Chinese embassy does not accept cash or personal checks.
**Note**: This cost is accurate as of April 2023. While visa application fees don’t change often, that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Check with your nearest Chinese consulate in the United States to find out the most current visa fees.
How long does it take to receive a China visa in the United States?
Processing times prior to the pandemic were 4 business days, but Covid has made things a bit less “normal”. Because of the new appointment system, you should expect that processing will take somewhere between 26-29 business days.
That’s right…it will take more than a month to get your visa approved.
There are expedited services available, but so far they don’t seem to speed up any part of the process except the mailing of documents (using next-day mail). It’s best to just plan for this process to take a while.
How to Apply for a China Visa for US Citizens
The application process to get a China visa for US citizens is pretty straight forward. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Another unfortunate reality is that not every China consulate follows the same rules, so keep that in mind.
Step 1: Submit a COVA (China Online Visa Application)
Before you can visit the China embassy/consulate or submit your visa application, you will first need to fill out the COVA, or China Online Visa Application, to receive a visa ID number.
Step 2: Make Appointment at the China Embassy/Consulate
Unfortunately, you can’t just apply to any Chinese embassy. You must apply to the embassy that serves the state which is your legal residence (i.e. the state listed on your driver’s license).
Based on this map, you’ll see that if your legal residence is Tennessee, you will have to apply for your Chinese visa in Washington D.C. If you try to apply in Los Angeles, your application will be rejected.
Note: Due to ongoing political tensions, China was order to close the China consulate in Houston. Residents of the southern states are now directed to the embassy in Washington D.C..
You will need to use the ID from the COVA in step 1 to make an appointment at the embassy.
Step 3: Bring Documents & Passport to Consulate for Appointment
Once you have your COVA ID and an appointment, you have to wait for that time to physically bring your passport and all of the required documentation with you to the consulte.
You cannot mail this in!
Unless you live next to a consular office, this is on reason why it’s best to work with a visa service like Passport Visas Express. Somebody has to bring your passport and documents to the appointment, and it’s usually easier to have a trusted service do it for you.
The last thing you want it to show up for an appointment only to find out that you didn’t bring the right documents or you filled out the COVA incorrectly. A visa service helps to prevent that.
They will pick up your passport once the visa has been issued and mail it back to you.
The link above includes a 10% discount on your visa service fee, so make sure you take advantage of the savings!
Frequently Asked Questions | China Visa for US Citizens
In addition to all the information I’ve shared above, I get a number of other questions from travelers about getting a China visa for US citizens. Hopefully this can answer some of your questions as well.
Right now, no. These visa-free policies are slowly being re-opened, but for now they’re still suspended. There are a number of specific requirements to get a transit visa and very few people fit them. Read more about the China transit visa to get up-to-date information.
Yes. The crazy thing is, China’s 10-year visa is the same price as any other visa available to Chinese citizens, so there’s no reason not to apply for the 10-year China visa for US citizens.
No. While an invitation letter might make the process easier, it’s not necessary. Instead of a letter of invitation, you can submit an itinerary that details all your flights and hotels. This also means you must include confirmations for all these flights and hotels (an annoyance which has workarounds).
No. There is no point in the China visa process when the embassy or customs will ask for proof of immunizations or check your health. This only happens if you apply to stay long-term. Still, I recommend you check what vaccinations are recommended for US citizens in China.
At this time, there aren’t. While the relationship of the two countries isn’t great, there are no travel restrictions for US citizens in China. That said, you might want to check the US State Department China travel page for any warnings prior to your China travel.
Final Thoughts | Getting a Chinese Visa as a US Citizens
As I’ve mentioned earlier, the process for a US citizen to get a Chinese visa is pretty straight forward. There are no major hoops to jump through and no big pitfalls you need to watch out for.
That said, the application form can be a bit confusing at times and the act of turning in the application to the right consulate is inconvenient for some.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to use a reliable China visa service to handle the process. You ship your passport and application to them, they’ll look it over for any mistakes and then submit it on your behalf.
If you’re needing a recommendation, I’ve used Passport Visas Express for many different kinds of visas and it’s been a great process. I highly recommend them.
Hi josh,
great articles! I’m wondering if its possible to have a 90 day duration of stay in china with the 10 year mult-entry L-visa, and is it easy to obtain?
Hi Tiffany. Is it possible? Yes, it is. Is it likely? Probably not. You’ll have to make a special request for a 90-day visa and they usually ask you for your reasoning. If they don’t accept your reasoning, they’ll probably just give you 90 days.
Hello Josh
I have the valid chinese visa that will Be EXPired in 2026, however it is in the passport that is not valid anymore. Do i need to apply for New one or i can travel with my New passport and show the IMMIGRATIOn the visa In my old passport. Thank you.
Hi Apple, from what I’ve been told, you can keep your old visa to enter China, but they ask that you get the visa transferred to your new passport as soon as possible.
Hi Josh, Do you happen to know any information about bringing pets to China, and/or which visa is required? I’ve found some conflicting information online and the CONSULATES in DC, Houston, and San Francisco don’t know the answer haha. I was hoping someone already living in China might have an idea.
Thanks in advance!
Hello Josh, i cannot find any information on maximum length of stay with a 10 year, can you give me any insight please?
It all depends on what the consulate issues you. Some are 30 days, some are 60 days. It’s possible to get a 90 day stay, but you have to give a good reason to the consulate.
Hi Josh, what a great service you did for us travelers!
1) Where did you get your passport photo taken to fulfill all these (difficult) requirements? We used to have it Taken at CVS.
2) We have a cruise that starts on March 28, 2020 in Shanghai (and Stops in Beijing). Assuming we get all the pAperwork in order, can we apply in July? I ask because we have limited windows of opportunity to do so.
Hi Kim, thank you! Yes, personally I went to a place like Walgreens, CVS or RiteAid to get my passport photo. They usually do a good enough job. The requirements seem technical and difficult, but it’s really not that bad. As for application, you’ll want to discuss that with your China visa partner. My guess is that the Chinese embassy won’t accept applications that early – usually they want application no earlier than 60 days prior to your trip.
Hi Josh,
My son is 11 and is going to china in june with his uncle and family.
My wife and I are not going with him.
What documents do we need to submit to apply for his visa?
Thank you,
Vincent
There’s too many variables here for me to answer (what nationality, what kind of visa, etc.). I recommend you reach out to a China visa service like Passport Visas Express and let them help you determine what is needed and what isn’t.
HI JOsh,
As a first time applicant born in china, i am required to produce a chinese passport. Since i left as a toddler in 1952, obviously i do not have it.
do you know if they would make an exception
I honestly don’t know, but I’m sure you’re not the first person to have this issue. Contact a local visa agency like Passport Visas Express or the nearest Chinese embassy to see what they say.
Josh,
Can a US citizen apply for a tourist Visa outside the US? Specifically apply for a Visa in Manila. Currently in Philippines and would like to go to see the great wall.
Thanks
Yes, you can. You’ll have to apply at the Chinese consulate in Manila.
josh, i just saw a previous post of a us citizen who is in manila could file there, and you said yes, i think that answers my question, though i will be in bangkok and singapore, so i assume the same applies. thanks, alexander
It’s not the case for every country, but most China consulates (particularly those that border China) allow citizens of other countries to apply for visas.
How do I transfer my China visa from an expired passport to a new passport?
You’ll have to send both passports in to the Chinese consulate and they can make the transfer.
hi josh,
So i had a question, I already have a valid work permit card/visa but i need to get a new residence permit in china. i overstayed and they issued me a 10 day stay visa in which they said i have to go to Hong Kong to apply for a tourist visa, reenter china and then apply for the residence permit. or i’m wondering if i can go home (usa) and apply for a z visa again…do you know what the process would be if i already have my work permit card? because i know with the z visa you have to have the invitation letter from the chinese school/company you’re planning to work for, but if i already have my work permit visa, can i provide that instead and be issued a z visa?
Your work permit is issued with your visa, so if you get a new visa, you’ll probably have to get a new work permit. This is all conjecture, though – you’ll have to find out from the Chinese consulate or the Public Security Bureau in your city to be certain.
Looked over application but saw no place to request a 10 year visa. is this done at the consulate when Paying?
At this point I believe its become default for any new tourist visa applications.
Is there an alternative to sending in the passport? I will need it for travel during the timeframe the visa application is being reviewed.
No, they have to have the passport in hand so they can add the visa to the passport. The only alternative is to either apply for the visa earlier than this travel time or to do express service (24-48 hours) to make sure you get the passport back in time.
How do i know that ‘passport visa express’ is a legimitate site? the website looks “shady.” i ask since i’m sending them my personal information
I can assure you that they’re legit – I’ve worked with this company for years and I’ve sent them my passport. I know how it feels to send that type of very important documentation to another country, which is why I take this recommendation very seriously.
Do I need a formal invitation letter from my sister if she is the one I am visiting and staying with? Or is the invitation only valid from a Chinese citizen?
Great question, Sara. Your sister can issue the invitation letter, but she’ll need to include a copy of her passport and resident’s permit.
I am a US citizen living in China. My parents would like to come and visit me, although not exactly sure when. They would like to just go ahead and have a visa ready and on hand so that if there was an emergency between me or my wife or their grandkids, they could just hop on a plane and come. What if I write them an invitation letter and they apply, get accepted but don’t actually come until several months later. I saw somewhere that the invitation letter expires after 60 days. What should we do in this situation? Thanks!
Hi Mitch, the invitation letter expires after a period of time, but the visa would not. If they are able to use the invitation letter to get a visa (preferably a 10-year, multi-entry visa), then they should be set.
Ok so I live and work in Australia but am from the US.so I don’t anticipate going to the US solely to apply, surely the consulate here in Australia can suffice for applying.
Yes, if applying from a different country, you would use the appropriate Chinese consulate in that country. Much of what is shared here is specific to those applying from within China.
Nice and useful site. In response to inquiries about old passports, attached to my visa is a note saying as long as you bring your old passport with the visa inside, and as long as information has not changed, no problem. The answer to my question I believe I saw but could not find after. Once I have the 10-year visa I can just go to the airport and jet over without doing any paperwork?
Hey josh, i am chinese and my boYfriend is in Us army, He trIes to apply a visa and comes to china to visit me, is the application process the saMe to him? Can he apply his visa via agency you mentioned as weLl?
Thanks for all the useful tips. We’re planning a trip to china to visit our son, who’s there working for an american company for a few months. should we mention him on the visa and ask him for invitation letters? Or should we just apply as tourists (which we are)?
It’s entirely up to you, Karen. Either way, you’re applying for a tourist visa. Getting an invitation letter just means that you shouldn’t need to submit an itinerary during the visa application process.
We if you already had your china visa that was inside yOur passport but you lost it. How can you get another one repkaced
Since you’ll be getting a new passport and you don’t have your old visa, unfortunately I believe you’ll have to apply for a new China visa altogether.
We are flying to beijing for 5 days from the us and plan to get the 10 year visa. From beijing we fly to singapore For 3 days and then board a cruise Ship. The cruise ship then stops in vietnam, hong kong and then shanghai before going on to Japan. Will we have any issues with reentering china?
If you have a multi-entry visa (which most 10-year visas are), then you won’t have any issues re-entering China.
i am a Canadian citizen living in the us. I have a green card. Is the process still the same? I registered on the passportvisasexpress website but it is not clear. Will I still be bale to get a 10-yr visa? Are these rejected as well?
The process should be the same. The green card shouldn’t matter since you’ll be getting the visa in your Canadian passport, but since you’re in the US you’ll still need to have your passport processed at the appropriate US embassy.
hi, Josh,
I applied for a 10-year tourist visa from the SF Consulate, and they issued a 3-month visa instead. It took over a month, and in that time I had to postpone and then cancel my trip, because my vacation dates were limited. So now I have a visa I can’t use. I went through a visa service to get the visa, and they were awful–poor communication, couldn’t tell me why the visa was delayed, seem to have forgotten to get one document from me, and charged a lot. Do you know if I can ask the consulate to change my visa from single entry, 3-months to multiple entry, 10 years? Or once they’ve issued a visa, do I have to wait till that has expired?
Thank you.
Deb
Wow, that stinks Deborah! So sorry about your experience.
You don’t really “change” a visa, you just get issued a new one (and, theoretically, the old one is cancelled…although that doesn’t always happen). You can try to get a new 10-year visa, but there’s no guarantee that they’ll issue you one.
What if you just want to hang out in beijing for the day while on a layover? Can you leave the airpoRt and come back? Is there a special visa for just one day travel?
There is something known as a transit visa, but if you’re coming from one country and departing directly to another, you can also take advantage of visa-free entry.
Hi Josh,
Our Cruise in 1 Feb 2020 starts in hongkong & ends in shanghai 15 feb. our total time in shanghai is 10 hours, from 8 am to 6 pm,we will be flying back from Pudong int’l airport to the states.
I’ve got conflicting advices from every agency imaginable. Local visa agency in Orlando, fl. said we need to apply for transit visa, not tourrist visa. since we have no address for staying our tourrist visa application will be rejected but this agency does not handle transit visa.
What do you think? Will “passport visa express” be able to help us obtain whatever kind of visa needed for the short time in Shanghai, be it tourist or transit or whatever else?
Sincerely,
The Dillon family
The good news is that you should be eligible for visa-free entry into China for those 10 hours. I’m surprised the cruise company hasn’t helped you navigate this at all?
Hi Josh,
Thank you for this article, so helpful! WHen applying for the visa, do you need to turn your passport into the embassy to have the visa completed? With my timeline, I do not think this will be possible for me.
Thanks again!
Yes, you will need to hand over your passport to the embassy. In some cases, you can pay extra for a rush visa.
Josh- Thank you For All this helpful informatioN.
One question: when applying for the visa in person, do you know iF it is required that I pick it up, or can Can another family member pick it up on my behalf (with a letter of Authorization)?
You can have somebody else drop off and pick up your passport – it doesn’t have to be you.
do you know if its possible to receive a chinese long term study visa (x1) from the rome or paris chinese embassy if you’re an american citizen?
Technically, any Chinese embassy can issue you any Chinese visa, although some are easier than others. I can’t say for sure about the Rome or Paris embassies.
I want a 10 year tourist visa. I put apr 1 as the start date and 60 days as the max stay. Can i submit just a return flight from beijing and a 10 day hotel reservation? is it too early to apply, do I need to say im starting my trip in feb?
You are a little early. I recommend applying for the visa 3 months before you depart.
Hi Josh, I hope all is well. My wife has just returned from china and is returning there next month as part of her multi entry visa. She has a us passport but it expires in may, so validity of under 6 months from her new date of travel to china. Is this permitted or will she be refused entry?
Thanks in advance
David
No, I believe she will be permitted. The 6 months is only for the issuing of the visa. As long as your visa is valid and you have proof of onward departure before the end of your validity, she will be able to travel.
My us passport is about to expire in four months,but already have china visa,if renew us passport at the time,will the china visa still valid？？
The visa will still be valid, but you’ll need to have it transferred to the new passport before you can continue to use it.
Hi there, am i still able to get a visa for china right now during the whole covid situation? the visa offices say they are currently closed on the website. any new updates you have?
No visas are being issued during this Covid time. Sorry.
hi: i am a us citizen. my farther who lives in china is getting older and older.and he dosen’t feel well recently. So I am erger to pay a vsit him.but i don’t know how to apply for a china visa.please give me the guides and help me. by the way, Dose the visa office begin to work?
The only advice I can give is to speak with the Chinese consulate in the US. They are the only ones that can help you with this.
I have a 10 year Visa that expires in 2025.
I am currently in the USA since February 2020.
I am in the import business and i need to develop some new product for my usa customers.
Can I return to china at this time?
Right now, it depends on what kind of visa you have and whether or not you have a work permit. For now (and this is changing all the time!), short-term business and tourist visas are not allowed to return and there’s no future date set.