Follow our step-by-step instructions
Send your application for processing
Your Visa is shipped back overnight
After placing your order you will be provided the mailing address of where to send your application documents for processing.
Which Visa Do You Need?
There are several different types of Visas required to travel to China.
We also offer visas for Non-US Citizens under the More Visas Types tab.
Most popular include a
Tourist Visa,
Business Visa, and
Crew C Visa.
Please click compare visas to make sure you're applying for the correct type of visa.
Tourist Visa Requirements
You are viewing
Tourist Visa to China application requirements for the
San Francisco Consulate. If you need to find which consulate or embassy is correct for your state of residence,
click here.
Click each item for details
VERY IMPORTANT:
The Chinese Visa Application cannot be edited by hand and must be redone if there are errors, omissions, mistakes, etc.
Prior to sending your documents to us, you must first email a copy of your draft application for it to be reviewed.
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Note your order number on the subject line or within the email. After a quick review you will be contacted with next steps.
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Email the following documents to Chinasupport@passportvisasexpress.com
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Visa Application—draft for review
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Passport ID page
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Driver's License or recent Utility bill
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Most Recent Chinese Visa—if applicable
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Have ready a digital scan of your passport photo (2x2 inches).
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Any questions that do not apply, please tick "Not Applicable".
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Print both the visa application and the confirmation document, single-sided on separate pieces of paper.
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Sign both the visa application and the confirmation document with black/blue ink pen only.
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We highly recommend you download our China Visa Application Instructions to assist you in completing the visa application.
Ready to apply? Select "
North America" and then "
San Francisco" once you open
China Visa Application Form
You must send your passport – a copy is not acceptable.
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In order to qualify for a 10-year visa, your passport must be valid for at least 12 months from the date of application.
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Must contain at least 2 blank "Visa" pages – “Amendment” pages are not accepted for visa issuance.
One (1) physical passport photo must be provided. It can be a standard 2x2 inch U.S. passport size photo, however, it must meet the following specifications:
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Taken within the last 6 months. If the photo is older than 6 months it will not be accepted.
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Printed on glossy photo paper, taken on a white background. Clothing cannot match the background (avoid wearing white-colored clothing).
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Head size within the following measurements:
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Height 28mm-33mm
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Width 15mm-22mm
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Neutral facial expression – eyes open, mouth closed, looking directly at camera.
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Hair cannot cover eyebrows, eyes, or ears.
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Jewelry, earrings, glasses must be removed.
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Please do not staple or tape your photo to the application – we will attach it for you.
China Photo Sample
Applicants must submit proof of residence/address. Provide a copy of the front of your current U.S. driver’s license.
You may also send a copy of a utility bill (gas, water or electric) provided it shows your name and address. For minor's (age 18 or under) proof of residence/address must be provided by both parents.
If you have an expired Chinese visa, you must provide one of the following:
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A copy of your previous Chinese visa(s) and a copy of the bio-data page (page with photo and signature) from the passport the visa was issued in.
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If you no longer have record of your previous visa (or passport it was issued in), a signed letter of explanation must be provided detailing why you are unable to provide it. Previous China Visa Missing (Sample Letter). In some cases, processing time may be extended to investigate the previous visa data if record is not provided.
If you have a
valid Chinese visa in a current/previous passport, you can only apply for a new visa if you fit one of the following situations:
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You are applying for a new visa type
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Your name, nationality, sex, or date of birth changed on your new passport
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Your old passport with valid visa is severely damaged
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Your visa expires before your upcoming trip to China
In these situations, the valid visa must be cancelled in order to receive a new one:
A signed letter stating your details of your employment is required of applicants working in the following fields, areas or occupations:
Self-Employed, Social Media Platforms, Religious Organizations, Non-Profit Organization, Journalism, Film/Photography Company, News Media, Government Employees, Laboratory/Research Facilities or NGOs.
Applicant under the age of 18 must submit the following:
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Copy of child's birth certificate.
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Copy of child's adoption papers (if any).
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Copy of both parents' passport data page (photo page).
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Copy of both parents' Driver's License/State ID.
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If a parent is non-U.S., provide a copy of current U.S. status (visa/green card).
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Both parents must sign the 'Confirmation of Online Application'.
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Both parents must sign section 9.1A of the application.
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One parent must sign section 9.2E on behalf of the minor.
If one parent has full custody of the applicant, that parent must provide the above information as well as one of the following:
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Copy of legal document showing proof of full custody of the minor OR;
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Death certificate of deceased parent.
IMPORTANT: If one or both parents are Chinese citizen(s) without a 10-year valid U.S. permanent resident card, or permanent residency was obtained after the child was born, we cannot assist you. In this case, the parents and the applicant must apply with the embassy/consulate directly for a Chinese Travel Document (not visa), even if the minor holds a U.S. passport.
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If one or both parents are Chinese citizen, the child's original birth certificate must be submitted.
If you hold dual citizenship, you must provide a copy of your other passport.
In some cases, the original passport may be requested.
If you have previously traveled to Turkey with your current passport, a signed statement letter detailing the trip is required.
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Address letter to (Embassy/Consulate General) of P.R. China
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In a brief paragraph, provide details of trip to Turkey. Include dates of travel, locations visited, and purpose of travel.
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Sign and date letter
If you were born in mainland China, you must provide the following:
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Name must be typed in Chinese characters on Section 1.1D of the visa application.
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Copy of your previous Chinese visa and passport it was issued in, if applicable.
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If you have never been granted a Chinese visa, provide the last Chinese passport you were issued and a copy of your U.S. naturalization certificate.
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Copy of proof of name change if your name has changed.
If you were born in mainland China and adopted by American parent(s), you must provide the following additional documents:
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Notarized Adoption Letter from Court and/or any additional documents from Chinese and American Courts related to the adoption.
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Your original Chinese Passport.
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A copy of your birth certificate.
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Applicants Under 18:
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A copy both parents' State ID/Driver's License.
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A copy both parents' U.S. Passport data page (page with photo and signature).
If you were born in Hong Kong or Taiwan, you must provide the following:
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Name must be typed in Chinese characters on Section 1.1D of the visa application.
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Copy of your previous Chinese visa, if applicable.
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Copy of your last Hong Kong SAR or Republic of China passport data page - if you are no longer in possession of your last passport, a copy of your birth certificate must be provided.
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Copy of proof of name change if your name has changed.
Please note that if the above cannot be provided, visa process may take months. In addition, the Consulate may request personal appearance.
Save Yourself Time and Hassle
Regular Service
Order online - complete your application at your own pace.
Our award-winning customer service team is here to assist. When complete, send us your application for processing.
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Preparation Service
Order online - add this upgrade during checkout.
We will assist you in completing your visa application during a convenient phone appointment.
You will receive a professionally prepared application after the call. Print, sign, and return for processing.
See fees
Personal Concierge
Order by phone - skip online checkout.
Your Concierge creates your order, completes your application, and sends it to you for signature. Simple!
Call our Concierge Line
(855) 370-4265 or
Book Phone Appointment. $200 additional fee.
See Benefits
About Our Expedited Visa Service:
We expedite your Chinese Visa with the San Francisco Consulate.
We verify your application for accuracy before submitting it for processing. When your Chinese Visa is ready, we ship it
back to you via FedEx Overnight Shipping. Our team gets your Chinese Tourist Visa quickly, keeps you informed every step of the way, and gets your Visa in your hand with plenty of time before your scheduled departure.
Our customers consistently rate our service as the best in the business!
See what our
customers are saying. Have any questions? Please contact us at any time for assistance.
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