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China and Tibet Visa
All international travelers to the People's Republic of China must carry two documents: a passport from their home country as well as a Chinese visa. A passport is a form of identification that is recognized in nearly all countries, declaring the owner's country of citizenship. A visa is a travel document issued by the destination country, which grants permission for the visitor to enter and stay in that country for a limited period of time. Please be aware of the fact that any violations of the People's Republic of China visa regulations are taken very seriously: authorities impose a fine of up to RMB 5000 (approx. Euro 500, USD 650) if aliens overstay the period of validity of their visas.
Furthermore you will need an entry permit (TTB permit or Tibet visa) if you want to travel to Tibet. If you want to travel outside of Lhasa, you will also need a PSB Permit (or Alien's Travel Permit). For all our trips through Tibet, we will organize these documents for you. You need to apply at least 7 days before your arrival date in Tibet. To issue TTB permits and/or PSB permits you will need to supply us with the following documents:
E-version (scan) of each participant's passport showing his/her full name, gender, date of birth, passport number and nationality as well as of your valid China visa. You can also send us a copy by fax to the following number: 0086 (0)10 58570190.
Chinese Visa Categories
Chinese (L) Type Visas are issued to aliens who come to China for traveling or visiting family members/friends. The validity of a single entry or double entry (L) visa is normally 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue. This means the holder of a Chinese L type visa shall enter China no later than 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue. The duration of stay of an (L) visa is 30 days, meaning the holder of the visa may stay in China for up to 30 days from the date of entry. The Chinese visa officer may extend the duration of stay if the applicant requests and needs a stay in China for more than 30 days.
(F) Type Chinese Visa: for doing business in China
Chinese (F) Type Visas are issued to aliens who are invited to China for a business-related visit, an investigation, a lecture, to do business, scientific-technological and culture exchanges, short-term advanced studies or internship for a period of no more than six months. The validity of a single entry or double entry (F) visa is 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue. This means the holder of the visa shall enter China no later than 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue. The duration of stay of a (F) visa is 30 days, meaning the holder of the visa may stay in China for up to 30 days from the date of entry. The Chinese visa officer may extend the duration of stay if the applicant requests and needs a stay in China for more than 30 days.
(Z) Type Chinese Visa: for employment in China
Chinese (Z) Type Visas are issued to aliens who come to China for a post or employment, and his/her accompanying family members. The validity of a single entry (Z) visa is three months from the date of issue. This means the holder of the visa shall enter China no later than three months from the date of issue. The holder of a (Z) visa shall go through residential formalities in the local public security department within thirty days of entry into China.
(X) Type Chinese Visa: for study or internships for a period of more than six months
Chinese (X) Type Visas are issued to aliens who come to China for studying or internships for a period of more than six months. The validity of a single entry (X) visa is three months from the date of issue. This means the holder of the visa shall enter China no later than three months from the date of issue. The holder of a (X) visa must go through residential formalities in the local public security department within thirty days of entry into China.
(G) Type Chinese Visa: for transit through China
(C) Type Chinese Visa: for crew members on international aviation, navigation and land transportation missions and family members accompanying them
(J) Type Chinese Visa: for foreign journalists
J Visa is subdivided into J-1 Visa and J-2 Visa:
J-1 Visa is issued to a foreign resident correspondent in China.
J-2 Visa is issued to a foreign correspondent on temporary short term news report mission in China.
(D) Type Chinese Visa: for applicants who are to reside permanently in China
Any person suffering from mental disorder, leprosy, AIDS, venereal diseases, contagious tuberculosis or other such infectious diseases will not be permitted to enter China.
Instructions on how to apply for a Chinese Visa and required documents:
Applicants are required to lodge their applications to the Chinese Embassy or Chinese Consulate in the country where they normally and legally reside for Chinese visa.
All applicants are required to submit the following documents:
1. A valid original passport. There must be spare blank visa pages in the passport. Pages for endorsements or amendments can not be used as a visa page. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months.
2. One completed Chinese visa application form signed by the applicant. Children's application form can be signed by their parents or guardians.
3. One recent passport photograph affixed to the visa application form. Life photos, copied photos and digital photos printed on ordinary paper are not acceptable.
Embassies
Embassy of the P.R. of China in the United States of America
Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Canada
Australian Embassy in Beijing P.R. of China
Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Australia
New Zealand Embassy ChinaEmbassy of the People's Republic of China in New Zealand
Embassy of the the People's Republic of China in the United Kingdom of Britain and Northern Ireland
Embassy of the People's Republic of China in IrelandDo you have a question? Use our online support system! Simply click on the "live chat" icon, fill in the required fields and choose an available operator.
Hiddenchina.net GmbH makes no warranty that information contained on this page is complete, accurate or up-to-date and takes no responsibility for the results of reliance on any information on this page. Please contact the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information.