Obtaining a Chinese Tourist Visa

by Ken Ripoll • July 2012 • Trek • Comments (0) • 228

China is a place where ancient culture meets the spirit of modernity. But for many years the political situation made it difficult if not impossible for a good number of foreigners to travel to this Far East locale.

However, the economic reform that has occurred over the last few decades has opened Mainland China up to the masses, and today it is the third most visited country in the world. This tourism boom draws people from across the globe, including Europeans and U.S. citizens. That being said, the Chinese government maintains tight control over who can enter and exit their country, and a lot is required of those tourists who wish to visit it.

Before the Trip

Tourist visas are not offered upon arrival to China. The government requires that all tourist applications be submitted before travel to the country. Those who attempt to enter China without a valid visa will be fined and immediately deported. A valid U.S. passport with at least six months validity is required to obtain a tourist visa, and the application should be delivered to the Chinese consulate at least two weeks before the planned departure date in order to account for processing times.

Many travelers to China end up visiting other areas, such as Hong Kong or Macau, and end up returning to the mainland. Travelers whose itineraries dictate they re-enter China will need to apply for a multiple-entry visa. These visas can be issued for up to one year, as long as the passport in question is valid for that amount of time.

All visa information can be found here: http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/zgqz/t84246.htm

Exiting China

A visa is not only required to enter China, but to exit the country as well. The country is firm on this point. Those travelers whose visas expire while in China will be prevented from leaving the country until they receive a visa extension. Processing times for visa extensions vary depending on location, but travelers in Beijing can count on a one-week wait. Visitors to China should not expect shorter extension processing times solely to accommodate their schedule, as they will only end up disappointed.

Those who experience lost or stolen passports in China will need a replacement passport as well as a replacement visa. Obtaining these replacements can take at least one week. In most areas of China it is required to report the loss or theft to the appropriate entity (police department, Entry/Exit Bureau) in that particular region.

If all of the proper visa requirements are met, there is nothing from stopping travelers from thoroughly enjoying China. A relatively safe country, petty street crime is typically the only safety concern for visitors. That being said, certain regions of China, such as Tibet, often require special visitation permits for travelers that can only be obtained in China, usually through travel agents.

More information for those interested in traveling to China can be found here: http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/. Ken Ripoll is the owner of Allstarpassports.com. Allstarpassports can help you with tourist visas of any kind. They specialize in China Visas, Los Angeles passport renewals and expedited passport services.