Guidelines to Chinese Visa Application

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TravelChinaGuide provides the following information to help foreign travellers understand about obtaining visas and some of the rules for foreigners to stay in China. The information is accurate to the best of our knowledge. However, there is considerable complexity as there are several types; It can be applied for in your own country, within mainland, or in a third country; the rules vary according to your nationality, and the regulations can be changed at any time.

The information is relevant to holders of ordinary passports. If you hold a diplomatic or service passport, there are different rules and you will need to get advice from your employer.

Mostly, a visa is a permit granted before travelling to enter a country, usually for a fee. However, it is only an indication to immigration officials that you have satisfied certain conditions. On arrival, the immigration official has the power to approve or disallow your entrance. So, when you arrive you can be told that you may not enter. This can be for many reasons including a belief that there is something wrong with the passport or the visa, you do not have enough money, you plan to work when the type you hold does not allow this, or that you are in some other way undesirable . There is normally nothing you can do about it and you will not be permitted to enter. This poses problems for airlines and in turn for passengers see the heading Airline Rules

Sometimes, a visa can be issued at the border when you arrive. This is half way between being a true one and a no visa required situation. There are not many situations where this is available for entry to China.