Do you reside in Northern California in the city of San Francisco and have plans to travel to China? China is one of the most visited countries and this is because it has a lot to offer. People go there for tourism as well as to meet family and friends or for work related purposes. However, to visit China you must have a Chinese visa.
As you dive deeper into this article, you will know more about the process of acquiring the Chinese visa and what are the different types of visas!
Different Types of Chinese Visa for San Francisco Residents
Tourist Visa
Tourist visa is a multiple entry visa valid for 10 years and it is a visit visa which allows individuals to explore China and it's beautiful traditions and culture.
Business Visa
The business visa is a single entry visa valid for 90 days and is used by individuals who want to come to China for a business trip. Certain documents may be required for business visa such as business invitation from the company that invited you with their company letterhead addressed to the China Consulate.
Crew Visa
Crew visa is a multiple entry visa valid for 5 years but allowing a maximum stay of 10 days per visit. This visa is for crew members who have to use international transport for cross-border travel.
To attain this visa you must provide the crew ID and business support letter.
Group E-Visa
Group E-Visa is a single entry visa valid for 30 days. This can be utilized by those travelling in a group of 2 or more and choosing to enter China through the shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao airport.
Journalist Visa
Journalist visa is also a single entry visa valid for 30 days but you can stay for maximum period of 15 days. This is for reporters who want to document any event in China.
An additional requirement is the visa notification letter.
Non-Business Visit Visa
This is a double entry visa allowing a stay of 30 days and valid for 180 days.
You can use this visa to enter China for non-profit events, university, seminar, etc.
Official Visa
This is a diplomatic visa which has a validity of 90 days.
To attain this visa you must provide supporting documents such as the PU letter, personal invitation, state department letter and any state identification document.
Private Visa
Private visa is a type of visit visa which you can apply for if you have been invited by your family or friends. You must provide details of your host, itinerary, invitation letter from your host, etc. It is a single entry visa with a validity of 90 days.
Talent Visa
The talent visa is valid for 10 years and allows multiple entry with a stay of 180 days permitted per entry.
This visa is only for those individuals who have any skill or talent to offer demanded by the Chinese government.
For this visa you must provide a foreign expert certificate which has been provided by the Chinese government.
Work Visa
For employment purposes in China, you must get the work visa. The business visa cannot be used for employment.
The work visa is a single entry visa valid for 90 days.
Student Visa
Student visa is provided on the basis of program you are enrolled in and it is valid for a year. You must acquire this visa for any educational purposes.
Visa Processing Time
For most types of visas, the processing time is between 3 to 4 weeks. However, if you choose for urgent service, you might receive the visa in 2 weeks.
What are the Required Documents for Chinese Visa?
The required documents for China visa include filling in the visa application form accurately.
Applicants must also provide their valid passports and passport picture. You must also provide previous travel visa.
You must provide your travel itinerary too describing what your travel plan are. You can submit proof of flight tickets and hotel accommodation.
Moreover, other supporting documents may be needed depending on the type of visa you have chosen.
How to Acquire the China Visa?
Scheduling an appointment and going to the Chinese embassy is one way to get the China visa. You can also visit the Chinese Consulate General for further concerns.
However, you can also apply online through visa services such as VisaHQ. Through VisaHQ you can conveniently avail the Chinese visa service. You need to choose your destination as China and home location as Colorado. Once you click on check requirements, you will be shown all the details of the different types of visas. Once you have decided which one you want to apply for, you can fill the application form online, gather the documents and mail them, pay the visa fees online and wait for the processing time to finish to get the visa in your hands.