Start Your China Visa Application Now
- Fast. CIBT specializes in securing China visas and can help you secure a China visa.
- Easy. CIBT is the easiest way to get a visa. We process China visas at the China Embassy every day for residents of all 50 states.
China Visa FAQs
When is the best time to apply for my China visa?
The best time to apply for your China visa is 1-2 months before your travel date.
Do I have to send you my passport to get a China visa? Is it safe to send a passport?
Yes. You will need to send your actual passport, not a copy of it. The China visa is stamped on your passport and will become one of your passport pages. Visa request cannot be processed without your original passport. Because of the importance of your passport, we strongly suggest that you send your application in a secure way, using a traceable courier such as FedEx, UPS, Express Mail or Certified Mail.
What other local cities does CIBT provide China visas?
CIBT provide China visas in 50 states. See the list of cities where you can get a China visa.
Visa Application Form
You must provide a typed answer for each question on the visa application form. If a question is not applicable you must enter "NONE." Any handwritten answers will result in the automatic rejection of your application by the consulate.
Sample of the Business Travel Requirements for a China Visa for US Citizens
Passport
You must provide your actual signed passport, including one copy of the personal information page of your passport. Your passport must:
- Be valid for six months beyond the length of your requested visa (for example, if you are requesting a 12 month visa your passport must be valid for 18 months )
- Have at least one blank visa page (amendments and endorsement pages cannot be used to fulfill this requirement)
- Not be frayed, torn, separating, or altered in any other way
If your passport does not meet these requirements, please contact CIBT at for further details.
Photographs
You must provide one color, passport-type photograph. The photograph must:
- Be printed on photo paper
- Be two inches by two inches
- Have a white background
- Have been taken within the last six months
Business Introduction Letter
A letter of introduction from your US-based company is required. Your completed introduction letter must:
- Be printed on your company’s official letterhead
- Display your full name, nationality, and job title
- Display your company’s US address
- Specify the exact purpose of your trip
- Specify the number of entries requested and the length of each stay
- Include your specific entry and exit dates
- Include the validity of your requested visa
- Be signed by your supervisor or your company’s Human Resources department
CIBT Order Form
You must provide one completed CIBT Order Form. The form must:
- Include a valid email address and payment information
- Include your signature in blue or black ink
Photocopy of All Application Materials
You must provide photocopies of all items that you submit to CIBT. Your photocopies must be provided along with the original version of each document. If you prefer that CIBT make photocopies for you, additional fees will be applied to your order. We recommend that you retain a copy of all items that you submit for your own records. Any documents that are specifically addressed to the consulate will not be returned to you.
Visa Application Form
You must provide one completed visa application form. The application form must:
- Be typed (no handwritten forms will be accepted)
- Be printed single-sided
- Include answers for all fields
- Display your full name as it appears in your passport
- Be signed
Chinese Born Citizens
If you were born in China, you must write your name in Chinese characters for question 1.3 on the visa application form. If you have been previously issued a China visa in your current or expired passport you must submit a copy of that visa. If you have never been issued a China visa you must submit your original Chinese passport or birth certificate showing your name in Chinese characters.
Hong Kong or Macau Travel
Visiting Hong Kong or Macau is considered leaving China. You must obtain a multiple entry visa if you leave Mainland China to visit Hong Kong and Macao with the intention to re-enter the mainland before finally departing from China.
Multiple Entry Visa Applicants
If you are applying for a multiple entry visa, you must provide copies of previous China visas in your current or old passport and a copy of the personal information page of the passport/s containing the previous visas.
Visa Validity
The Chinese consulate, at their discretion, may provide a visa with longer validity that you have requested. We will only notify you if you receive less than the requested validity.
Same Day Visas
If you need a SAME DAY China visa, you must contact CIBT at for more details.
Expedited Processing
The Chinese Embassy requires you to submit a travel itinerary if you choose to expedite your visa. Your itinerary must show proof of direct departure to mainland China within 3 business days if you choose “One Day” or "2-3" day processing on your China visa application.
Cruise Travelers
You must provide a typed answer for each question on the visa application form. If a question is not applicable you must enter "NONE." Any handwritten answers will result in the automatic rejection of your application by the consulate.
Sample of the Tourist Travel Requirements for a China Visa for US Citizens
Passport
You must provide your actual signed passport, including one copy of the personal information page of your passport. Your passport must:
- Be valid for six months beyond the length of your requested visa (for example, if you are requesting a 12 month visa your passport must be valid for 18 months )
- Have at least one blank visa page (amendments and endorsement pages cannot be used to fulfill this requirement)
- Not be frayed, torn, separating, or altered in any other way
If your passport does not meet these requirements, please contact CIBT at for further details.
Photographs
You must provide one color, passport-type photograph. The photograph must:
- Be printed on photo paper
- Be two inches by two inches
- Have a white background
- Have been taken within the last six months
CIBT Order Form
You must provide one completed CIBT Order Form. The form must:
- Include a valid email address and payment information
- Include your signature in blue or black ink
Photocopy of All Application Materials
You must provide photocopies of all items that you submit to CIBT. Your photocopies must be provided along with the original version of each document. If you prefer that CIBT make photocopies for you, additional fees will be applied to your order. We recommend that you retain a copy of all items that you submit for your own records. Any documents that are specifically addressed to the consulate will not be returned to you.
Visa Application Form
You must provide one completed visa application form. The application form must:
- Be typed (no handwritten forms will be accepted)
- Include answers for all fields
- Be printed single-sided
- Display your full name as it appears in your passport
- Be signed
Chinese Born Citizens
If you were born in China, you must write your name in Chinese characters for question 1.3 on the visa application form. If you have been previously issued a China visa in your current or expired passport you must submit a copy of that visa. If you have never been issued a China visa you must submit your original Chinese passport or birth certificate showing your name in Chinese characters.
Hong Kong or Macau Travel
Visiting Hong Kong or Macau is considered leaving China. You must obtain a multiple entry visa if you leave Mainland China to visit Hong Kong and Macao with the intention to re-enter the mainland before finally departing from China.
Visa Validity
The Chinese consulate, at their discretion, may provide a visa with longer validity that you have requested. We will only notify you if you receive less than the requested validity.
Same Day Visas
If you need a SAME DAY China visa, you must contact CIBT at for more details.
Expedited Processing
The Chinese Embassy requires you to submit a travel itinerary if you choose to expedite your visa. Your itinerary must show proof of direct departure to mainland China within 3 business days if you choose “One Day” or "2-3" day processing on your China visa application.
Children Under 18 Years Old
All minors traveling to China must provide a copy of their birth certificate along with a copy of each parent's U.S. passport. If the parents are not U.S. citizens, they must provide a copy of their U.S. Status.

