For those foreigners who want to come to China, visa application can be the most important preparation. Applying for a visa to a foreign country, such as China, what are the common questions or problems for foreigners?
For those foreigners who want to come to China, visa application can be the most important preparation. Applying for a visa to a foreign country, such as China, what are the common questions or problems for foreigners?
What is a Chinese Visa?
A Chinese visa is a stamp or endorsement placed by officials of a China on a passport that allows the foreign to visit China. Chinese visas are obtained through a visa service from the local consulates of China. "Visit" is further defined as the reason for entry, usually business, tourist or transitory. There are over 270 countries that offer visas and literally thousands of different types of visas available based upon country, type of visit, and length of visit.
Do I need a Chinese visa?
If you are traveling to mainland China, whether for business or tourism, you require a Chinese visa to be obtained from a consulate in advance of your trip. You are exempt from this requirement if you travel and stay only in Hong Kong or Macao for less than 30 days.
What is the difference between a Chinese tourist and business visa?
Chinese visas are issued according to the purpose of the trip; either tourism or business activities. In general, "tourist" visas are issued specifically for the purpose of travel for pleasure, while a "business" visa generally permits a traveler to engage in normal business-related activities (sales meetings, visiting a factory, negotiating agreements, etc.).
How long does it take to obtain a Chinese visa?
The answer varies depending upon the service you choose. The consulate fee included in your application indicates to the Consulate the level of expediency you are requesting. There are about 3 levels: the same day, rush service and standard service.
How long is a China visa valid?
A Single and Double entry Chinese visa is good for 90 days from issuance. Within 90 days, you can enter China. And from the date of your entrance, you can stay in China for 30 days.
A Multiple entry China visa (Business Only) is good for 6 months from issuance. Within 180 days, you can enter China. And from the date of your entrance, you can stay in China for 30 days.
What about the multiple entry visas?
Multiple entry visas are granted for business purpose only. You'll need to ask your business partners in China to contact the local government office to issue an invitation. The invitation has to be issued by the Foreign Ministry of Affairs and should be sufficient for the embassy or consulate to issue the visa. However; issuance of a multiple entry visa is at the discretion of the consulate and having an invitation from the Foreign Ministry does not guarantee issuance of the multiple entry visa.
How do I read a Chinese visa?
A: Category of the visa (L means a tourist visa, F means a business visa)
B: Number of Entries. In this case, this visa is a double entry (2). Other choices would be single (1), or multiple (M).
C. Duration of Stay. In this case, the applicant has 30 days to stay in China before they are required to leave. Values could be 30, 90, 120 or 180 depending upon your needs.
D. Entry Dates.