Tourist & Business Visa Requirements
JUSTIN DOCUMENT SERVICE, INC.

China

Travel Notes

Citizenship: USA

Please note this visa requirements are for US citizens only. If you are not a US citizen please contact our office at (914) 592-2760.

US passport must be signed, valid for at least 6 months and with at least 2-3 blank visa pages not amendment pages in passport. If your passport does not meet the requirements, we can assist with obtaining new passport or passport renewal for a valid US passport.

Pre-Check Documents is mandatory for this country.  If you choose to not pre check your documents, and JIDS receives your documents with errors, you will be charged for a representative to assist you with corrections.
Concierge Service is available for this country

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Regarding Chinese VISA: ALLOW 30 days for CHINA VISA PROCESS 

As of January 25th, 2023, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in the US will adopt the following new requirements for Chinese visa application. CALL JIDS for us to go to the Consulate for you ,we need to make an appointment CALL JIDS FOR APPOINTMENT 914-592-2760

 Visa applications for tourism will be available March 15, 2023.

Regardless of vaccination status all travelers must hold a negative test. Accepted test is nucleic acid test issued
within 48 hours before departure.
There is no quarantine requirement at this time

CALL JIDS for any international travel.  EACH COUNTRY HAS NEW RULES OF TRAVEL , COVID RULES and many have Medical Certificate requirements.  You can no longer just assume the rules ,WE ARE HAPPY TO ASSIST.  CALL 914-592-2760

According to the relevant announcement, foreign nationals holding valid visas issued before 26 March 2020 (such as 10 years L, M, Q2, S2 category visa) are temporarily suspended entry into China. 

Due to the COVID-19 situation, the Visa Office of the Chinese Consulate General in New York is still temporarily closed to the public. Contact JIDS 914-592-2760 for an appointment for submission,

CONCIERGE SERVICE AVAILABLE for Preparation of this online application.

Precheck of documents is mandatory and there is a small fee for APPOINTMENT AND PRECHECKING OF ALL DOCUMENTS.

Once appointment is made from JIDS and submitted the  consulate will determine processing times.  JIDS FEES RANGE based upon nationality, and appointment scheduling. SEE OUR PRICING PAGE FOR JIDS FEES.CHECK EXPRESS ON YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION.

If you need assistance call us at 914-592-2760 for a CONCIERGE SERVICE.

Entry Requirements CHECKLIST will be emailed to you from JIDS

REQUIREMENTS CHANGE AND THE EMAIL WE SEND YOU WILL REFLECT ANY CHANGES AS WE BECOME AWARE OF THEM Our website is a guide however the checklist is most updated. The Consulate reserves the right to call you in for a personal interview or ask for additional documents once submitted. Travelers will be chosen at random and must go to the Consulate in their own jurisdiction for finger printing or interview if called at the discretion of the Consulate General of China.

CHECK YOUR PASSPORT

If you have previous trips before the submission to the Consulate of China:

You are ELLIGIBLE FOR A 2nd PASSPORT to FACILITATE TRAVEL VISAS , ask JIDS for instructions and an appointment for this service.

You will need to submit your

Valid Signed Passport* and a copy at time of submission to the Consulate.

Photocopy of the bio-page of the passport (If you are called for an interview or finger printing then you are required to bring the actual passport with you)

  • Applicant must submit their current signed passport.
  • Applicant must also include a copy of the information page of the passport.
  • Note: In order to obtain visas, passport must have at least two blank visa pages side by side. Pages in the passport marked “Amendment” pages are not valid for visas.
  • *Check passport validity to make sure it is valid for at least 1 year past the last day of stay from international destination.
  • JIDS can help you renew it if you need more validity. If you require passport services, please refer to our passport services section.

Previous Chinese nationals or US passport holders born in China must also show proof of old Chinese passport or birth certificate.

For applicants who have previously held Chinese visas WRITTEN STATEMENT

The Embassy requests copies of the old visas.

  • If the visa was in an old passport, please include either the old passport or clear color copies of the vital statistics page from the old passport. If applicant does not have the old passport, applicant may write a letter addressed to the Chinese Embassy explaining why they cannot provide copies of the old visas (such as old passport lost, stolen, damaged, etc).If the applicant was of Chinese nationality, this application is the first Chinese visa application after naturalization in a foreign country, please provide a photocopy of the bio-page of the Chinese passport. In addition, the last physical Chinese passport is needed for the visa application.

BORN IN CHINA OR FORMER PRC PASSPORT HOLDERS

If you are a former PRC passport holder or were born in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau:
You must write your name in Chinese characters for question 1.2 on the visa application form
You must present copies of any previously issued China visas in your current or expired passport, as well as the expired passport
If you have never been issued a China visa you must submit your original passport and birth certificate showing your name in Chinese characters
If you are a minor who was adopted from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau you must also include your original adoption papers and a copy
of them as well
If applicable, include a copy of your naturalization papers and U.S. birth certificate.
The Chinese Consulate may request an additional form for first time visa applicants.

For the visa application by a minor of Chinese origin born in the US, please follow the guidance.

 

Photo Requirement
  • Applicant must submit (1) color, passport style 2 x 2 photograph.
  • Be 48 mm tall by 33 mm wide exactly. 40-120 KB only (You get 3 chances to UPLOAD when doing application online, here are measurements http://http://newyork.china-consulate.gov.cn/eng/zjfw/visa/rhsq/201612/t20161212_5520213.htm
  • The photos must be recent within 6 months, and not the same photo as in the passport.> unless the passport was issued within 6 months
  • Proper attire is required for photos for a CHINA VISA.  Recently photos were denied for a tank top not being acceptable.
  • Face must be centered in the middle and displaying a neutral (non-smiling mouth closed) expression, eyes open, ears
    visible
    No background light or shadow over your face
    You may not wear eyeglasses, jewelry, or headwear except for religious purposes
Proof of Travel
  • Must submit a computer-generated itinerary from a travel agency or online travel site.E-confirmation from an airline or travel company showing departure from the U.S. and arrival/departure for Mainland China is acceptable with a valid record locator. Air ticket booking record (round  trip) and proof of a hotel reservation with the applicant’s name
  • If not flying into mainland China they must provide a letter stating means of transportation to the mainland or a connecting flight or it can be included in the business letter (flight information)
Letter of Invitation from China

Copy of Invitation from the company you are visiting or the Ministry. Company Seal must be on invitation with full details on letterhead of invitee.  This letter cannot be signed by applicant.

 

  • Personal information of applicant including full name, gender, date of birth, employer. position and passport number.
  • Be addressed to:
    Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in New York
    520 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036
    Tel: 212-244-9392

    Indicate the purpose of your visit
    Include the date of arrival and departure
    Include place to visit, specific names of cities required

  • Information concerning applicant’s visit to China: purpose of visit, date of arrival and departure, places to visit, relationship between applicant and inviter, and who will bear the cost of the applicant’s accommodations in China.
  • Information of invitee: name of unit, phone number, address, seal and signature of the legal representative.
  • Contents of M and F Visa Invitation Letter

    (1) Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.

    (2) Information about the invitee’s visit to China: reason for coming to China, date of arrival and departure, place of visit, relationship with the inviting unit or inviter, who will pay for the travel, etc.

    (3) Inviting party information: inviting party name, address, telephone number, official seal, legal representative or inviter’s signature, date, etc. (the information must be included in the text of the invitation letter)

If Business Cover Letter from the U.S. Company

Note: Self-employed must also submit a copy of a recent bank statement.

  • Applicant must submit a Business letter of support from a U.S. based company.
  • For business letter please note the following:
    • This letter must be on your company letterhead.
    • This letter must be sign by someone other than the applicant.
    • Passport Information
    • must be a signed document.

See example below:
Example of Business Letter

  • full name, gender, date of birth, employer. position and passport number.
  • Be addressed to:
    Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in New York
    520 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036
    Tel: 212-244-9392

    Indicate the purpose of your visit
    Include the date of arrival and departure
    Include place to visit, specific names of cities required

Visa Application (ONLINE with ID #) TRAVEL SHOULD BE AT LEAST 30 days from start of this process
  • VISA APPLICATION ONLINE ONLY The completed COVA application will be in PDF format, which requires Acrobat Reader to view.
  • New York Jurisdiction here
  • If some of these questions do not apply to you, please tick “Not Applicable” to proceed when doing this application.
  • Processing time is determined by the Consulate directly.  It is also decided if they call you in for finger printing or interview.
  • Answer all questions on your online application. Must be done on computer, no hand written applications accepted. CONCIERGE SERVICE IS AVAILABLE FROM JIDS for application assistance.
  • Printing and signing. After completing the COVA online form filling or in the case of JIDS assisting and emailing you the application, you must print out a full set of application forms, including the “Confirmation of Online Visa application” and “Visa Application Form of the People’s Republic of China” (depending on the individual filling situation, a total of 9 to 10 pages will be generated). All the pages of the forms must be printed to turn in, the signature and date on the Confirmation Page and the 8th page of Visa Application Form of the People’s Republic of China must be handwritten by the applicant him/herself. Visa applicant under the age of 18 is signed by their guardian, and meanwhile add a handwritten signature in the “For person filling in the application on the applicant’s behalf”.
  • Please note if any pages are missing upon submission, you will be charged to RESUBMIT again.  JIDS is not responsible for missing pages, when you do your own application.

Pre-check or Concierge Service is available to help you.  EXAMPLE OF QUESTIONS ON APPLICATION THIS IS AN EXAMPLE ONLY

          HANDWRITTEN APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.  Application must be done online and printed on single sided paper.  Once application is submitted, actual photo must be attached to the application and it must be an original signature of applicant.

Note:  If you choose to not pre check your documents, and JIDS receives your documents with errors, you will be charged for a representative to assist you with corrections. $50.00

IMPORTANT NOTES:

If you have visited Turkey, Pakistan or Kazakhstan, (have stamps in your passport) CALL OFFICE for an additional form needed.

Anyone with CRIMINAL RECORD even DUI, DWI will need to make a personal appearance, contact JIDS to discuss. 

 

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS MANDATORY:

1/FULL VACINATION STATUS:

You must provide a photocopy of the front and back of your CDC COVID19 Vaccination Card showing full vaccination status.

2/ PROOF OF RESIDENCY:

You must provide a proof of your current address of residency. The document must either be a copy of the front and back of your driver’s license
or government ID, or a utility bill. The document must:
Display your name as it appears on your passport
Display the current residence address as provided on your visa application
Please note, if you do not have a drivers license and submit a utility bill the consulate requires electric, gas, or a water bill only they do not accept phone and cable bills.

The Consular District of the Chinese Consulate General in New York consists of 10 states: New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island. If you don’t reside in the above states, please check the map below:

http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/zmzlljs/t84229.htm

CALL JIDS if outside the NEW YORK jurisdictions. or CHECK HERE for MAP

3/WRITTEN PERSONAL STATEMENT:

You must provide a personal statement. The statement must include:
Explanation of special emergency situation requiring the visa and
must be signed with Original Signature of applicant.

4/WHERE YOU STAY FORM

Download here

5/TRAVEL TO HONG KONG OR MACAU
Visiting Hong Kong or Macau is considered leaving China and therefore you must obtain a multiple entry visa if you leave Mainland China to visit Hong Kong and
Macau with the intention to re-enter the mainland before finally departing from China.  Please highlight proof of entry and exit on your flight itinerary.

6/AFFIDAVIT -JIDS will be EMAILED TO YOU and it is on instructions.  This form is for any previous visits to PAKISTAN, TURKEY and KAZAKHSTAN.

 Travelers who have visited Turkey in the past must provide a signed copy of an affidavit giving the exact dates and purpose(s) of every trip make to Turkey, Kazakhstan and Pakistan. Dates must match all entry/exit stamps in the traveler’s passport and all trips mentioned on the visa application form.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS MANDATORY:

7/All travelers arriving from countries outside Hong Kong and Macau, must hold a negative test. Accepted test is nucleic acid test issued within 48 hours before departure.

  • All travelers arriving from Hong Kong and Macau, who have been in other countries outside Hong Kong and Macau within 7 days of arriving in mainland China must hold a negative test. Accepted test is PCR test issued no more than 48 hours before departure.
  • There is no quarantine requirement at this time

8/ PROOF OF RESIDENCY:

You must provide a proof of your current address of residency. The document must either be a copy of the front and back of your driver’s license
or government ID, or a utility bill. The document must:
Display your name as it appears on your passport
Display the current residence address as provided on your visa application
Please note, if you do not have a drivers license and submit a utility bill the consulate requires electric, gas, or a water bill only they do not accept phone and cable bills.

The Consular District of the Chinese Consulate General in New York consists of 10 states: New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island. If you don’t reside in the above states, please check the map below:

http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/zmzlljs/t84229.htm

CALL JIDS if outside the NEW YORK jurisdictions. 

9/WRITTEN PERSONAL STATEMENT:

You must provide a personal statement. The statement must include:
Explanation of special emergency situation requiring the visa and
must be signed with Original Signature of applicant.

10/WHERE YOU STAY FORM

Download here

11/TRAVEL TO HONG KONG OR MACAU
Visiting Hong Kong or Macau is considered leaving China and therefore you must obtain a multiple entry visa if you leave Mainland China to visit Hong Kong and
Macau with the intention to re-enter the mainland before finally departing from China.  Please highlight proof of entry and exit on your flight itinerary.

  • All travelers arriving from Hong Kong and Macau, who have been in other countries outside Hong Kong and Macau within 7 days of arriving in mainland China must hold a negative test. Accepted test is PCR test issued no more than 48 hours before departure.

12/AFFIDAVIT -ONLY REQUIRED if visited these countries. This form can be found on the emailed instructions from JIDS This form is for any previous visits to PAKISTAN, TURKEY and KAZAKHSTAN

Travelers who have visited Turkey in the past must provide a signed copy of an affidavit giving the exact dates and purpose(s) of every trip make to Turkey, Kazakhstan and Pakistan. Dates must match all entry/exit stamps in the traveler’s passport and all trips mentioned on the visa application form.

13/PREVIOUS CHINA VISA STATEMENT AND COPIES OF VISA -NEW VISAS can only be issued if you DO NOT HAVE THE ACTUAL PASSPORT THAT THE VISA WAS IN.  If you have the old passport with valid visa and your new passport we cannot apply for a new visa as of March 15,2023.  Please check with us first ,we were advised this could change.

If your previous passport with valid visa is LOST then :

  • 2nd WRITTEN STATEMENT if you have any previous VALID CHINA VISAS
    Must show COPY OF PREVIOUS VISA AS WELL AS
    WRITTEN STATEMENT addressed to Chinese Consulate and must include:
    REQUEST CANCELLATION OF PREVIOUS VISA. If it is lost then a copy of previous visa is replaced with this statement:
  • MUST INCLUDE in written statement HOW PASSPORT WAS LOST, WHAT DATE IT WAS LOST and What CITY VISA WAS APPLIED IN.
  • If applicant does not have the old passport, applicant may write a letter addressed to the Chinese Embassy explaining why they cannot provide copies of the old visas (such as old passport lost, stolen, damaged, etc).If the applicant was of Chinese nationality, this application is the first Chinese visa application after naturalization in a foreign country, please provide a photocopy of the bio-page of the Chinese passport. In addition, the last physical Chinese passport is needed for the visa application.
Register with the US Embassy in the countries you will visit.

Give yourself peace of mind!
Simply fill out this form STEP FORM and let JIDS do it for you $20.00.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency. Read more…

Justin Document Service – ORDER FORM & copies

Mandatory order form, which must be included with your original documents to JIDS.

A) ORDER FORM then PRINT to include with documents.
B) Copies of all documents included in your package to JIDS If copies are not included than a 10.00 copy fee will be applied.

Fees & Processing for a U.S. Citizen

AS OF January 2023 new procedures, validity of visa and processing times will apply and has not yet been established. CONSULATE DECIDES on VALIDITY and invitation is considered but not guaranteed. Some applications may require longer processing time that a pick-up date cannot be confirmed until notified by the Visa Office.

EntriesValidityProcessing TimeEmbassy Fee

Multiple

(Based upon validity of passport)

Not guaranteed

1 year issued if validity on passport is less than one year

At discretion of consulate,

SINGLE ENTRY May be granted

Fees based upon what is marked on application. minimum is express service on application.

If approved and visa is granted by the consulate ,the consulate will advise what date the visa will be ready.  Once they confirm date JIDS will notify you.  It may be possible within 5 business days from appointment if approved. Your travel plans must be flexible when you begin this process.  The appointment is granted first and the date is given for your appointment ,then the documents are  submitted.  Once submitted to Consulate then the processing time begins. MUST START CHINA VISA PROCESS at least 30 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF YOUR TRAVEL DATE.  Visa issuance is subject to approval from the consulate.

Express Service is $165.00

$140.00-165.00

$140.00-165.00

Fees & Processing for a Non -Citizen
EntriesValidityProcessing TimeEmbassy Fee
Single or Double entry only (Based upon nationality)3 month or
6 months (Based upon
validity of passport)
Fees and processing time based upon what is marked on application.
Express service on
application/Consulate decides processing time

$45.00-75.00

Varies according
to nationality

See PRICING PAGE for fees.

Please NOTE: Embassy fees may change without notice. JIDS does not assume any responsibility for changes. The above fees DO NOT include JIDS service fees, or return mail fees. Applicable fee paid in U.S. Post Office Money Order, only. If you wish to include your own money order DO NOT WRITE or STAMP any information on your money order. JIDS can obtain this money order for you. See our pricing sheet for fees associated with this.

If JIDS is paying government fees (consular or passport agency fees) on your behalf a 5.9% processing fee will be added.

NON US CITIZENS :

Additional requirements:

  • If you’re a United States Alien resident, a notarized copy of your Green Card/or ORIGINAL must be attached to your application. As well as photocopy.
  • If you’re a United States Visa holder, a copy of your U.S. Visa must be attached to your application.
  • Nationals of Sri Lanka, Ghana, Turkey,Argentina,Iran,Hong Kong and Pakistan should call office , additional documents required for these nationalities.

Accompanying MINORS:

  • Letter of consent signed by both parents or legal guardian(s).
  • Identification from both parents-copies acceptable
  • Copy of the minor’s birth certificate.
Return Shipping fees:
  •  Federal Express starting at $59.95 for priority Weekday Delivery based on zip code.Special Deliveries of Federal Express VARY (Ex. SATURDAY DELIVERY OR 8AM DELIVERY, call for rates)RESIDENT home deliveries are an additional $10.00 to have signature required. Verify SIGNATURE OR NO SIGNATURE must be selected.
  • You can include a printed air bill to avoid additional charges. Account numbers without air bill will be charged $5.00.
Health Requirements
  • No vaccines are required however the Consulate has advised us to call the airline for boarding requirements and COVID PRETESTING. Regardless of vaccination status all travelers must hold a negative test. Accepted test is nucleic acid test issued
    within 48 hours before departure.
    There is no quarantine requirement at this time
  • The standards of medical care in China are not equivalent to those in the United States. If you plan to travel outside of major Chinese cities, you should consider making special preparations.
  • Visit the Center for Disease Control: CDC.GOV for complete health requirements.
Scroll to Top