Travel Requirements for China

(Photo: China image by Madiha from Fotolia.com )

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Visiting China is an experience of a lifetime. From isolated mountain tops to bustling cities, there is an abundant diversity of places to see. Planning for your trip is important not only to organize your itinerary, but also to ensure that you have the required travel documentation to enter the country, such as a valid passport and visa.

Passport

For U.S. citizens, a valid passport is required to travel to China. The passport must be valid for at least six months and have one blank page for the visa. If you do not have a passport or need to renew your passport, visit the U.S. Department of State website for details.

Visa

A visa is required for U.S. citizens entering China. According to the U.S. Department of State, A U.S. citizen arriving without a valid passport and the appropriate Chinese visa will not be permitted to enter China and will be subject to a fine and immediate deportation at the traveler s expense. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of your visit. There various types of visas including business, tourist, student, among others. You must also choose the number of entries you will make into the country: single entry, double entry or multiple entry. Select the appropriate visa for your travel purpose.

A Tourist Visa (L Visa) allows U.S. citizens the choice of single entry (valid for three to six months), double entry (valid for six months) or multiple entry (valid for six or 12 months). To apply for a tourist visa, submit your passport, visa application (downloadable from the embassy website and a recent 2 x 2 inch photo in color or black and white. It is recommended to apply for your visa one month before your departure. Standard processing time is four days, with express and rush service available. Cash payments are no longer accepted.

Visas may be obtained from the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. or one of the five Consulate-General offices in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York or San Francisco. Check the Embassy website to learn which office has jurisdiction over your state of residence. Visa applications must be delivered in person--mailed applications are not accepted. If you or someone you trust cannot deliver your application, travel/visa agents may do so for you. The embassy website lists several agents.

Other Information

In most cases, no specific vaccinations are required for entry into China. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting routine and preventable disease vaccinations, and malaria prophylaxis if needed, four to six weeks before departure. Visit the CDC website for more information.

Special permits are needed for visiting Tibet and other areas typically not open to foreigners. According to the U.S. Department of State, Permits are required to visit Tibet as well as many remote areas not normally open to foreigners. A travel permit for Tibet can be obtained through local travel agents. Permits cost approximately renminbi (RMB) 100, are single entry and valid for at most three months. Most areas in Tibet are not open for foreigners except Lhasa City and part of Shan Nan. Foreigners can be fined up to RMB 500, taken into custody and deported for visiting restricted areas.

Make sure to also have proof of your round-trip ticket or onward travel information and hotel reservations or lodging information.