Do I need visa for China?
Americans traveling to China, whether for business or pleasure, require a visa. You are exempt from this requirement if you travel and stay ONLY in Hong Kong. However, if you travel beyond Hong Kong, even for a few hours, you will need a China visa, which should be obtained in advance. Listed below are what we need to process your visa application, as well as answers to frequently asked questions.
What type of visa do I need?
Single-entry China visas are usually valid for 3 months after the issuing date, and will permit you to stay in China for a maximum of 30 days. This visa will allow you to travel as a tourist or conduct general business activities. Most people need only to apply for a single-entry.
What do I Need for visa application?
Your passport (original, not a copy), which must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel, with at least one blank visa page (amendment pages and pages with bar codes are not acceptable for visa stamping).
One completed, signed Visa Application Form for each passport, with two passport-style photos (please contact China Travel Service to obtain a current visa application form).
What about the cost?
Visa processing fee: $ 50.00 for single entry, $ 60.00 for double entry, Applicable rush service fees: It takes approximately 7 working days to process a standard visa application. If rush service is required, please add the following fees (Note: all materials must be received in our office before noon):
$ 20.00 for three day service
$ 30.00 for next day service
$15.00 passport mailing fee: We will return your passport to you via FedEx standard overnight service (where available). You may waive this fee by supplying us with a FedEx air bill, your FedEx account number, or the account number of another trackable express courier service.
Payment for visa processing is accepted in the form of check or cash ONLY. Make all checks payable to: U.S. China Travel Service.
What do you mean passport-style photo?
The Chinese consulate requires a photo similar to the one in your passport. They will only accept photos which are head-only, full frontal, with a white background, approximately 1-1/2" by 2". You can obtain this type of photo anywhere that advertises "passport photo" service. Cut-outs from personal photographs are not acceptable.
How to get a invitation letter from your company for my visa application?
In order to apply a visa to our country, you need an invitation letter from an official travel company. we will give this letter to our clients when you signed up our tour by fax. Please send us the following information in order to give you the invitation letter.
Please E-mail us the following information,
1. The exact date of entering China:
2. How long will you stay in China?
3. Cities that you will be visiting:
4. Names as the same as on the passport;
5. Sex: male or female
6. Date of birth:(Example:SEP.6th, 1962)
7. Passport No:
8. Passport expire: (Example:2004-7-25)
9. Occupation;
10. Your Telephone and your fax number;
11. Your address.
Upon receiving your information, we will fax you your tour confirmation letter of our official stationery with our company seal, you may go to the nearest China Embassy or consular in your region with our letter, you will be able to get your visa. You may also ask for mailing service from our Embassy.
How to get Tibet Permits in Hong Kong?
The 2nd Floor of YixingMansion, No.118, Zhuangdun Road, Wangzi, Hong Kong
Contact number: 00852-29221028
Contact person: Danzeng
Working Time: 9:00-18:00 for the weekdays, 9:00-13:00 for Sat
Can I travel to Tibet independently?
According to the Chinese official regulation, you cannot travel to Tibet independently. You have to book a tour package to Tibet through a tour company. You need a special travel permit to enter Tibet in addition to a valid China visa. CITS GUILIN can arrange any tailored tour packages to Tibet for you. Please contact us for further details.
Do I need visa for visit to Hong Kong?
For US passport Holders, visa is not required if your stay is less than 90 days as a tourist. For other passport holders, please inquire with your nearest PRC embassies or consulate.
I am not a U. S. citizen. Can you still process my application?
We can process applications for anyone with a valid passport. However, the above charges apply only to standard service for U.S. passport holders; for citizens of other countries, or for special situations, please contact us for current fee information.
How to obtain Visa to China in Hong Kong?
Obtain by yourself in Visa Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The PRC.
Obtain Visa in Hong Kong
A. 1 recent passport photo.
B. Passport which needs to be valid at least more than 3 months.
C. Usually you can get the visa within one working day. Cost 100HK$ or more.
D. Fast process is available when paying 150HK$.
E. Please call them before going to their office. Their Address:
Visa Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The PRC
Address: 5th Floor, Lower Block, 26 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong. Tel: ++852-25851657 OR ++852-25851680 OR ++852-25851794
Note:
1) You need to go there during working day, Monday to Friday.
2) "Within One working day" means: Suppose you went to the visa office this morning with all required documents and submit your visa application, you will be able to get it tomorrow morning.
"Fast Process" enable you receive you visa during one day.
Obtain visa in CTS (H.K.)
Obtain visa in CTS (H.K.):
A. 1 recent passport photo
B. Passport, which needs to be valid at least more than 3 months and have a full empty page inside passport.
C. CTS (H.K.) obtain tourist visa type only. Not available for official or diplomatic type. Journalist or reporter...is not accepted.
D. Usually you can get the visa in three working days. Cost HK$160.
E. Fast process in half working day is available when paying more HK$380-HK$720. (Half-day visa is charge in HK$380 for Monday-Friday only, HK$720 for Saturday, Sunday & holidays)Guest apply in 09:00, then can be pick-up at 14:00 on same day.
F. CTS (H.K.) Kowloon branch office -
Address: 1/F, Alpha House, 27 Nathan Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon
Tel: 2315 7106 working hours: 09:00a.m.-17:00p.m. (Monday-Saturday),
09:00a.m.-12:30p.m./14:00-17:00p.m. (Sunday & public holidays)
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2. Please read a very good Travel Tips offered by CNTA.
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3. What is the luggage limit in China?
The luggage limit for the flights within China is 20 kilograms (44 pounds) per person.
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4. When is the best time to visit China?
Deciding when to visit China depends on which places you wish to visit, what type of weather you enjoy, and how much a bargain you want. Remember that China is a huge country with many different climates and types of terrain. Think of it in terms of United States, which China resembles in size and shape. Traveling along the Golden Route (Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin) is like visiting Philadelphia, Knoxville, and Southern Florida all in one trip. May, September and October are the peak tourist months at China's most popular destinations when the weather is most comfortable. Prices drop a bit in the shoulder season, which runs from late March through April and from June through August. The off-season arrives in late November, and continues through the winter when crowds are few and prices lower.
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5. What Currency should I bring?
The local currency in China is Yuan. Currently, One US dollar is about 8.2 Yuan. We recommend that you bring your major credit card, traveler's cheque and small amount of cash. Most hotels and shops in major cities accept major credit cards. You can change your traveler's cheque into local money. The exchange rate is a bit higher than using American cash. Personal checks are not accepted there. In Hong Kong, the local currency is HK Dollar. One US dollar is about 7.7 HK dollar. Please be noted the exchange rate fluctuates and information provided here is for your reference only.
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