How Long Does It Take To Get A Tourist Visa For China
If you’re planning to visit Asia, you will probably want to know what the process of getting a tourist visa for China is like. But for all the information available there is surprisingly little about a tourist visa for China on the net. Travellers forums have plenty of advice about travelling in China once you are there but very little about getting there.China is the most populated country in the world, and with over 1.4 billion bodies in its borders — that means a lot of people are scrambling to get a tourist visa. If you’re among them, here’s a rundown of how long it takes to get one.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Tourist Visa For China
Visitors to China must apply for a tourist visa unless the trip is for business or private visit. Travelers need to apply for a tourist visa at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, consulate or other Chinese diplomatic offices in the countries where they live. If their home country does not have diplomatic relations with China, applicants can apply at other Chinese embassies or consulates that are authorized to accept applications from abroad.The visa application process for those who wish to enter China as tourists can be broken down into three main stages: pre-application, application and post-application.
Chinese Visas Explained: Tourist Visa VS Business Visa
Posted on April 17, 2012 | Last Updated on May 11, 2022
China is a country that attracts thousands of tourists and professionals each year.
If you want to visit China as a student, tourist, on a business trip or to work, you will need a Chinese visa before your departure.
If you are not sure what type of Chinese visa to apply for, we’re here to explain the differences between the Chinese tourist visa type, as well as the business visa for China, to help you make your decision easier.
Chinese Business Visa
The Chinese business visa (trade/ M visa) is given to foreigners who are invited to visit China for commercial transactions, cultural, research, scientific exchanges, an internship or to take part in exhibitions in China.
The Chinese business visa can be granted for 12 months which is the maximum with one or multiple entries and 30, 60 or 90 days stay for each entry.
The standard processing time is 10 working days from the time your documents are with the embassy so give yourself plenty of time to apply before your trip.
The processing time for the express service is between 3 and 5 working days. However, this option is more expensive.
Who can apply for a Chinese Business Visa?
You can apply for this visa if:
- You hold a passport from an eligible country
- You are able to provide biometrics
- You travel with the same passport used for the visa application
What will I need when applying for this visa?
To apply for a Chinese Business Visa you must have the required documents:
- Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and two blank visa pages
- The Chinese Embassy visa application form completed
- An invitation letter issued by the Chinese host company
- Digital photo
- Other documents required by The Chinese Embassy
- Pass COVID 19 test
The price of getting a Chinese business visa with Visa First starts from €140.
Submit Your China Business Visa Application
Chinese Tourist Visa
To visit China for tourist purposes, you are required to have a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) which allows you to travel freely in most parts of China as a tourist.
However, some nationalities do not need a Chinese visa when entering China for a short amount of time (no more than 15 days).
These include passport holders of Japan, Singapore and Brunei.
The visa validity is up to 6 months.
The processing time takes around 5 to 10 days, so be sure to give yourself time to apply before your trip.
You’re allowed to stay for up to 90 days and the visa is valid for 3 or 6 months.
Entries allowed are single or double.
How do I know if I am eligible?
You can apply for this visa if:
- Your passport has at least six months of remaining validity and it must have blank pages as well.
In order to apply for this type of visa, you will be required to provide a number of documents. These include:
- Passport photographs
- A completed application form
- Travel itinerary and hotel booking confirmations are required. If your visit is for the purpose of visiting someone in the country, you must have an invitation from this person and supporting documents as they will be required.
- COVID-19 Test
Chinese tourist visa prices
The price of getting a Chinese tourist visa starts from €140.
Apply For Your Chinese Tourist Visa
Why Choose Visa First?
Our team at Visa First who are global visa specialists will take the tricky application forms and documents associated with arranging travel visas and permits off your hands.
Here at Visa First, we will help you secure your Chinese holiday or business visa and we will process your application with the local Embassy.
We strive to provide easy and convenient visa processing and immigration services.
Visa First has been a licensed Visa expert since 2003 and has over 1 million clients worldwide – that’s a lot of Visas!
Also, we have gained a 99.7% approval success rate.
If you are interested in visiting China, Visa First can help you with obtaining the necessary type of Chinese Visa for you.
Chinese Visas FAQs
Where do I get the application form from?
A: After filling the registration form on our website, a representative will contact you and provide you with all the required information and application forms.
How long is my Chinese Visa valid for?
A: Single-entry Chinese visas, whether for business or tourism, are usually valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
A Double Entry visa is valid for up to 6 months from the date when it is issued. The length of stay allowed on the visa may vary.
Can I leave and re-enter China?
A: You are allowed if you obtain a double-entry visa.
How long does it take to organize a Chinese Visa?
A: Under normal conditions, it takes 5 to 10 working days to process a visa, counting from the date when the application is accepted.
Can a Chinese business visa be used for tourism?
A: Generally speaking, a business visa permits a traveller to engage in business-related activities while a tourist visa is issued solely for the purpose of travel for pleasure.
However, a business visa will not prevent you from exploring China.
Can I work in China with a business visa?
A: No, the business visa is only issued to applicants who travel to China for trade and commercial activity purposes.
To work in China, you will need a Z Visa (China Work Visa).
How many types of Chinese visas are there?
A: China visa consists of 16 major types which are marked with phonetic letters.
When can I apply for a Chinese visa?
A: It is best to apply for your Chinese visa one or two months before you plan to depart for your visit.
