How long does it take to get a visa to China? If you submitted a visa application today, how long will it take to get a response from the Chinese authorities? This is a question many people ask, and it is a very pertinent inquiry if you want to keep to your schedule. This page contains information about the Chinese visa application process.
Do You Need A Visa To Enter China?
Most nationals require a China tourist visa to enter China unless they are citizens of offshore territories like Macau and Hong Kong. Before you can travel to China, it is imperative that you apply and obtain a visa first.
Over the last two decades, the number of Chinese visa applications has increased as many travels to the People’s Republic to conduct business or any other engagement. The growth of the Chinese economy in the last half a century has catapulted China to the top of the economic chain. Today, China has become a multi trillion dollar economy and is a top business destination in the globe.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Visa To China?
The first step is to submit a completed visa application form alongside the required documents. After submitting the form and documents, it will take between 3-5 working days for the visa to be processed. In special cases, the process could take longer because of a huge backlog of unprocessed applications.
Types Of Chinese Visas
You should also know that the type of Chinese visa you apply for will determine the processing time. For instance, if you apply for a tourist or business visa, you are likely to get it sooner than a work or study visa. Here are the common visas foreign nationals apply for.
Tourist Visa: This visa is for those who wish to visit China to spend their holidays and visit tourist sites around the country.
Business Visa: Business visas are for those coming to business meetings to meet their suppliers. China is a top destination for business because it is home to the largest concentration of producers of consumer and industrial goods.
Work Visa: Those who a Chinese enterprise or organization has employed will have to secure a work visa before they can enter China to work
Study Visa: Foreign students admitted into Chinese universities, colleges, and training institutes can travel to China to study.
Family Visa: This visa is for foreigners whose families are Chinese residents or citizens.
Kindly note that there are other types of Chinese visas but the ones mentioned above are the most common ones. If you want a different visa for China, kindly visit VisaHQ page to select it.
The Best Time To Submit A China Visa Form?
The best time to submit the visa application form is at least one month before your planned day of departure so you need to keep the China visa processing time in mind. For short-term tourist and business visas express service, you can submit them at least 1 week in advance of your trip. Applicants are advised to use only valid documents and provide accurate information to avoid application rejections or delays. In the event that your application is rejected, the processing fee you paid will not be refunded to you.
How To Apply For a China Visa?
You will have to apply to the Chinese embassy in your country for long term visas like work or student visas. However, applicants for tourist and business visas don’t have to visit the embassy in person since they can fill out and submit a visa application form online. Do the following
Log onto VisaHQ
Select the visa you want
Select your country of citizenship and China as the destination country
Fill all fields with accurate information
Attach all necessary documents
Submit the form and wait for approval after paying the visa fee
If your application is successful, the Chinese authorities will mail the visa to your registered email, which you must print and bring along with you. The Chinese embassy will provide you with a link to track the application process for normal visas. If it is ready to will be notified and invited to come for your passport and visa.
Those who may end up staying longer when they are already in China can apply for a visa extension or renewal at the nearest Public Security Bureau at least 7 days before their current visa expires. It takes at least 6 working days to renew or extend a visa.
China Visa Requirements
These are the documents you must submit
A duly completed application form
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
Cover Letter for invited visitors
Bank statement for 6 months with sufficient funds
Copy of flight and hotel reservation
Travel Insurance
Credit or debit card to pay the visa application fee
To apply for an online China visa now that you know how long it take to get a visa to China, you can apply for it via VisaHQ.