China Travel Requirements - China Visa and Passport

Travel requirements for visiting China are straightforward and relatively inexpensive. But keep in mind that - particularly in these days of SARS, HIV, and other diseases, along with the shadow of terrorist activity - the Chinese authorities are very strict about adherence to the rules.

Passports are required for everyone, as they are for travel to most countries, and a China visa is required.

Passports have to be valid for at least six months from the date of entry (for single entry) and at least nine months for multiple entries within six months. That means, for example, if your passport is due to expire in June and you plan on visiting in April, you'll need to renew it prior to applying for a visa. 'Multiple entries' means you plan on visiting more than once within six months.

In order to obtain a visa, you'll need to fill out and submit an official visa application for China. Fees vary over time, but at this time (2006) the single-entry visa processing fee is $50 U.S., with double-entry at $75 and multiple-entry $100 for a six-month visa, $150 for a 12-24 month visa. Check here for the latest fees.

Applications can be submitted to the Visa Section of the Chinese Embassy in Washington or the nearest Consulate General in any of the following locations.

Be sure to plan ahead - visa processing takes time. Applicants submitting visa applications by mail should allow at least 30 days. Applications submitted in person can often be obtained within a few working days, but expect to wait in line and deal with the usual bureaucratic procedures.

Don't submit too far in advance, though. Visas are only valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, so your travel should be completed well before your visa expires. The authorities do not look kindly on those with invalid papers, nor are they sympathetic to individual circumstances.

Tourists will need a completed application form, and one passport-sized photograph. Fees are payable only in cash or by money order. Remember to include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with the fee and application.

Be on the safe side and go for registered or recorded delivery. But don't require the receiving party to sign anything acknowledging receipt. That could slow down or halt processing.

In addition to a valid China visa and passport, travelers will need to ensure they have a number of other items arranged, with proof.