- A visa is needed for traveling to China.Made in China image by Guido Cognoli from Fotolia.com
Travel to China for the first time is an experience. The country is filled with historical sites. The Great Wall and terra cotta warriors are among the sites whose images will remain with you long after the trip is over. You will need a visa in order to travel to China and it is advisable to apply early. - In order to obtain your visa, you will need a valid passport with 6 months remaining before expiration. You will need a copy of the passport information page and a blank page. A 2-inch by 2-inch picture is required and must be attached to the passport. You will need a completed visa application form that can be obtained by calling 202-495-2266. You may not mail this in. Rather, you can visit the Embassy or Consulate-General's office in your state, send someone in your place, or apply at a travel agency. You may pay by charge, money order or cashier's check. Allow 4 business days for the transaction to be completed although express mail is available.
- As of 2008, if you want to stay in China for more than 30 days, you need to apply for a Z work visa. Tourist visas also now require new documentation. You will need a copy of your hotel booking from the day you arrive until the day you leave. You need a copy of your return flight ticket. It's a good idea to bring along a letter from your employer verifying the dates of your vacation. You should have a bank statement showing that you have available a minimum of $3,000 or cash equivalent of $700. This is to guarantee that you will not run out of finances while visiting China. Be sure to carry your passport with you at all times.
- A business visa or Visa F is required if you are planning to stay in China for 6 months for the purpose of doing business or as a representative of an overseas organization. This would include a lecture, study, training or even involvement with a business venture. In some cases, if the businessman must travel in and out of China for longer than the 6 month approved travel, he may apply for a special 1 year visa.
To obtain the F visa, you need an invitational letter from an agency in China or a letter from your employer telling the purpose of the visa. In addition, you need a visa notification form by a governmental office in China or an official letter from a host country indicating the purpose of the visit. The rules for the rest of the procedure are the same as for the tourist visa.
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