| CHINA VISA FAQs |
1. Do I need Visa to visit China? |
| Yes. You need a visa to enter China. ChinaVisaAgency.co.uk can provide you with all the documents required to help you with the visa application process. A UK Passport holder is exempt from this requirement if travelling and staying only in Hong Kong and/or Macao for less than 30 days. |
2. What is the difference between a Chinese tourist and business visa? |
| Chinese visas are issued according to the purpose of the trip; either tourism or business. In general, "tourist"tourist"tourist" visas are issued specifically for the purpose of travel for pleasure, while a "tourist"business"tourist" visa generally permits a traveller to engage in normal business-related activities (sales meetings, visiting a factory, negotiating agreements, etc). |
3. How long does it take to obtain a Chinese visa? |
| The answer varies depending upon the service you choose. The consulate fee included in your application indicates to the Consulate the level of expediency you are requesting. We offer 3 levels:
• Same Day - The day we receive your application, we submit your application to the consulate and we receive your passport back with the visa that same day. Shipping time via Royal Mail Priority Overnight means you'll get your visa next morning. Same-Day delivery is available on a limited basis if required. • Express Service - The day we receive your application, we submit your application to the consulate and we receive your passport back the next afternoon. Shipping time via Royal Mail Priority Overnight means you'll get your visa on the 3rd business day from when we received your application (i.e. we get your package Monday morning; you'll get the visa back in your hands on Wednesday). • Regular Service - The day we receive your application, we submit your application to the consulate and we receive your passport back five business days later. Shipping time via Royal Mail Priority Overnight means you'll get your visa on the 6th business day from when we received your application (i.e. we get your package Monday morning; you'll get the visa back in your hands the following Monday). |
4. How long is a China visa valid for? |
| A Single and Double entry China visa is good for 90 days from the date issued. Within 90 days you can enter China (please note the time difference between China and the U.K.). From the date of your entry, you can stay in China for 30 days (the duration period is written on the visa sticker attached to your passport). A multiple entry China Business Visa is good for 6 months from the date issued. Within 180 days (please note the time difference between China and the U.K.) you can enter China. And from the date of your entry, you can stay in China for 30 days (the duration period is written in the visa label). There are variations available for a Business Class Visa - please ring for further information tel 0113 2430832. |
| 5. I am going to mainland China, then to Hong Kong and back to mainland China for one night. Does this mean I must have a double-entry visa? |
Yes. |
6. What health condition do I need to observe to travel to China? |
There are no preconditions laid down. However if you have a medical condition, it is good practice to share your travel plans with your doctor say 6 - 8 weeks before your planned departure. |
| 7. Do I need immunizations to enter China? |
| No immunizations are required for entry into China, although you might check with your doctor for recommendations. The Chinese government requires travellers arriving from countries where yellow fever is present to present proof of yellow fever vaccination. If you will be travelling to a country where yellow fever is present before arriving in China, this requirement must be taken into consideration. |
| 8. Do I need to bring my medical record? |
Yes, it is necessary, particularly for those with a history of coronary or pulmonary diseases. The presence of your medical records would make it possible for rapid effective treatment to be given as you may become disoriented / unconscious should an emergency occur. A complete medical record includes your blood type, immunization record, allergies, medications you are currently taking (both prescription and non-prescription), your doctor's name, address, phone number, emergency contact name and phone number, and your insurance company's name, address and phone number. |
| 9. I travel to China frequently. How do I obtain a multiple entry visa? |
| Multiple entry visas are granted for business purpose only. You'll need to ask your business partners in China to contact the local government office to issue an invitation. The invitation has to be issued by the Foreign Ministry of Affairs and should be sufficient for the embassy or consulate to issue the visa. However; issuance of a multiple entry visa is at the discretion of the consulate and having a invitation from the Foreign Ministry does not guarantee issuance of the multiple entry visa. |
| 10. Can I extend My Visa? |
Yes, if you want to stay in China beyond what your current visa allow need to apply for an extension to your visa with appropriate reasons. The extension application should be made at the municipal public security bureau 7 days before the visa expires. Multiple visas cannot be extended. If you wish to apply for extension or alteration of visas or certificates need to provided the relevant documents: • A valid passport and visa as well as the documents regarding accommodation registration • An fully completed application form for extension or alternation • Documents and papers supporting reasons for extension or alternation The duration of visa extension: • Business Visa (F): the total extensions add up to no more than 1 year and each extension should be less than 3 months Tourist Visa (L): The L visa held by visitors could be extended once with the duration no more than 1 month; L visa held by family visitors could be extended three times with each duration under 3 months |
| 11. Is it safe to travel in China? |
| Yes. China is still one of the safer travel destinations in the world. Although petty crime, such as pick pocketing and purse snatching is on the increase, especially in major cities, serious crime against foreigners is rare. And also, the Chinese government guarantees the safety of the foreign tourists. |
| 12. What is the best way to visit China? Join a pre-packaged tour or make a self-help traveling? |
| Most visitors to China prefer touring with a pre-booked package, since it is the simplest, the most efficient and the most comfortable way of traveling. Other visitors favour self-help travel because it is more flexible and is easier to customise. Self-help travelers have to arrange accommodation, meals, sightseeing, and transportation for themselves and many problems may arise due to cultural and language barrier. |
| 13. When is the best time to visit China? |
| In general, April, May, early June, September, October and early November are the best time to visit China. |
| 14. May I take Chinese currency to China for my convenience? Is it illegal to import or export Chinese currency? |
| General you need not take Chinese currency to China since you can easily exchange you ¡ê into Chinese Rmb in hotels and banks. However if you would like to have local currency upon your arrival in China, it is okay that you may take a volume of Chinese currency less than 6,000 Rmb without declaration at the customs. You are required to declare your import of Chinese currency exceeding 6,000 Rmb. |
| 15. What lawful rights and interests and obligations are foreigners entitled to in China? |
The General Principles of Constitution of PRC indicate definitely that "the People's Republic of China protects the lawful rights and interests of foreigners within Chinese territory, and while on Chinese territory foreigners must abide by the law of the People's Republic of China."
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| 16. How do foreigners go about protecting their rights and interests? |
| The People's Republic of China protects the lawful rights and interests of foreigners within Chinese territory. If your legal rights and interests are infringed or something unpleasant happens to you, you may complain to related organs.
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