Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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£90 for UK citizens
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US$140 for US citizens
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US$60 for all other nationals
A standard 30-day single-entry visa can be issued from most Chinese embassies abroad in
three to five working days. Express visas cost twice the usual fee. In some countries (eg
the UK and the US), the visa service has been outsourced from the Chinese embassy to a
Chinese Visa Application Service Centre, which levies an extra administration fee. In the
case of the UK, a single-entry visa costs £30, but the standard administration charge
levied by the centre is a further £35.25, making visa applications expensive.
A standard 30-day visa is activated on the date you enter China, and must be used with-
in three months of the date of issue. Sixty-day and 90-day travel visas are harder to get,
but are still given. To stay longer, you can extend your visa in China at least once, some-
times twice.
Visa applications require a completed application form (available at the embassy or
downloaded from its website) and at least one photo (51mm x 51mm). You normally pay
when you collect your visa. A visa mailed to you takes up to three weeks. In the US and
Canada, mailed applications have to go via a visa agent, at extra cost. In the US, many
which offers prompt service. It takes 10 to 14 days.
Hong Kong is a good place to pick up a China visa. China Travel Service (CTS) can
obtain one for you, or you can apply directly to the
Visa Office of the People's Republic
of China
( 3413 2300; 26 Harbour Rd, 7th fl, Lower Block, China Resources Centre, Wan Chai; 9am-noon
& 2-5pm Mon-Fri)
. Visas processed here in one/two/three days cost HK$400/300/150.
Double-entry visas are HK$220, while six-month/one-year multiple-entry visas are
HK$400/600 (plus HK$150/250 for express/urgent service). American and UK passport
holders pay considerably more for their visas. You need two photos.
Note that political events can suddenly make visas more difficult to get or renew.
When asked about your itinerary on the application form, list standard tourist destina-
tions; if you are considering going to Tibet or western Xīnjiāng, just leave it off the form.
The list you give isn't binding. Those working in media or journalism may want to pro-
fess a different occupation; otherwise, a visa may be refused or may be of a shorter length
than requested. There are eight visa categories (for most travellers, an L visa will be is-
sued):
TYPE
ENGLISH NAME
CHINESE NAME
C
flight attendant
chéngwù
