Every American must have a visa to travel into mainland China. This does not include Hong Kong, where a visa is not required for stays up to 90 days. Visa application forms for China can be downloaded at the Chinese Embassy website. There are several things you must know before sending in these visa applications.

You should obtain your Chinese visa before leaving on your trip. You must have a valid passport with enough blank pages for the visa, entry stamps and exit stamps. Make sure your passport has not expired, and that it will be valid at least 6 months after you complete your trip to China. If your passport is not up-to-date, your visa will be denied. If you were born in China but are applying for a Chinese visa with a new U.S. passport, you must include your last Chinese passport or old U.S. passport with your old Chinese visa.

Download visa application forms for China at the Chinese Embassy website. A Chinese visa can be for 3, 6 or 12 months, and can cover single, double or multiple entries into the country. Fill out the China visa application completely and don’t forget to sign the application form. Submit one passport-sized photo with your application, along with a copy of your round-trip airline ticket and proof of hotel reservations. If you are staying with family or friends, you must include a letter from them with their names and addresses.

The regular processing time for a Chinese visa is 4 days after the application is received. For an additional cost, express service speeds it up to 2 or 3 days, and rush service speeds it up to 1 day. Payment for the visa can be made in cash or with a money order, check or credit card. The application should be mailed via registered mail or a courier service that keeps a record of shipment. Fees vary depending on the type of visa requested and how fast you want your application processed. Check the Chinese Embassy website for the latest rates.

If you are applying for a work visa, you must attach a copy of an Alien Employment License or Foreign Experts Work Permit. If you are applying for a business visa, attach an original visa notification issued by an authorized Chinese unit. It is not always possible to get a visa notification. In such a case, the Consulate of China says to apply for a tourist visa. According to the consulate, you are allowed to conduct business in China with a tourist visa.

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