China
Washington DC Embassy

VERY IMPORTANT:
The Chinese Visa Application cannot be edited by hand and must be redone if there are errors, omissions, mistakes, etc. 

Prior to sending your documents to us, you must first email a copy of your draft application for it to be reviewed.

1. Note your 6-digit order number on the subject line or within the email.  After a quick review you will be contacted with next steps. 
2. Email the following documents to Chinasupport@passportvisasexpress.com

• Visa Application—draft for review
• Passport ID page
• Driver's License or recent Utility bill
• Most Recent Chinese Visa—if applicable
• Compensation Visa Statement - if applicable

• Have ready a digital scan of your passport photo (2x2 inches).
• Any questions that do not apply, please tick "Not Applicable".
• Print both the visa application and the confirmation document, single-sided on separate pieces of paper.
• Sign both the visa application and the confirmation document with black/blue ink pen only.
• We highly recommend you download our China Visa Application Instructions to assist you in completing the visa application.

You must send your physical passport – a copy is not acceptable.

• Passport must have more than 6 months validity remaining to apply for a visa. Visa will not be issued with less than 6 months validity.
• Must contain at least 2 blank "Visa" pages – “Amendment” pages are not accepted for visa issuance.

One (1) physical passport photo must be provided. It can be a standard 2x2 inch U.S. passport size photo, however, it must meet the following specifications:

• Taken within the last 6 months. If the photo is older than 6 months it will not be accepted.
• Printed on glossy photo paper, taken on a white background.  Clothing cannot match the background (avoid wearing white-colored clothing).
• Head size within the following measurements:
  • Height 28mm-33mm
  • Width 15mm-22mm
• Neutral facial expression – eyes open, mouth closed, looking directly at camera.
• Hair cannot cover eyebrows, eyes, or ears.
• Jewelry, earrings, glasses must be removed.
• Please do not staple or tape your photo to the application – we will attach it for you.

Applicants must submit proof of residence/address. Provide a copy of the front of your current U.S. driver’s license.

You may also send a copy of a utility bill (gas, water or electric) provided it shows your name and address. For minor's (age 18 or under) proof of residence/address must be provided by both parents.

Fill, sign and date the Where You Stay form.

If you have an expired Chinese visa, you must provide one of the following:

• A copy of your previous Chinese visa(s) and a copy of the bio-data page (page with photo and signature) from the passport the visa was issued in.
• If you no longer have record of your previous visa (or passport it was issued in), a signed letter of explanation must be provided detailing why you are unable to provide it. Previous China Visa Missing (Sample Letter).  In some cases, processing time may be extended to investigate the previous visa data if record is not provided.

• You are applying for a new visa type
• Your name, nationality, sex, or date of birth changed on your new passport
• Your old passport with valid visa is severely damaged
• Your visa expires before your upcoming trip to China

• Complete the China New Visa Agreement.
• Submit the current/previous passport containing the valid China visa

If you hold an expired 10-year Chinese visa that was suspended for use from March 28, 2020 thru March 14, 2023 due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for a 3-year Compensation Visa.

To qualify, ALL criteria below must be met:

• Your visa was issued before March 28, 2020
• The passport with visa is still in your possession
• Your visa must be expired
• Your visa must not have been previously cancelled by Chinese authority
• You are applying for the same visa type

1. Opt-in to receive a 3-year Compensation Visa for gratis/free (consular expedite fees apply)
2. Waive compensation and continue your request for a new 10-year visa

A signed letter with details of your employment.
Employment Details - Sample Letter for Embassy

If you are retired, provide details from your previous employment.
If you are not employed, provide details regarding what you do (ie. homemaker, just out of college, etc.)
 
Please note: in some cases the processing time may be extended by 8 to 10 business days and/or a personal appearance may be requested for those in the following fields:

Applicant under the age of 18 must submit the following:

• Copy of child's birth certificate.
• Copy of child's adoption papers (if any).
• Copy of both parents' passport data page (photo page).
• Copy of both parents' Driver's License/State ID.
• If a parent is non-U.S., provide a copy of current U.S. status (visa/green card).
• Both parents must sign the 'Confirmation of Online Application'.
• Both parents must sign section 9.1A of the application.
• One parent must sign section 9.2E on behalf of the minor.
• If one or both parents are Chinese citizen, the child's original birth certificate must be submitted.

If one parent has full custody of the applicant, that parent must provide the above information as well as one of the following:

• Copy of legal document showing proof of full custody of the minor OR;
• Death certificate of deceased parent.

IMPORTANT: 
If one or both parents are Chinese citizen without a 10-year valid U.S. permanent resident card, or permanent residency was obtained after the child was born, we cannot assist you. In this case, the parents and the applicant must apply with the embassy/consulate directly for a Chinese Travel Document, even if the minor holds a U.S. passport.

If you hold dual citizenship, you must provide a copy of your other passport.

In some cases, the original passport may be requested.

• Name must be typed in Chinese characters on Section 1.1D of the visa application.
• Copy of your last Chinese visa and passport it was issued in, if applicable.
• If this is your first time applying for a Chinese visa, provide the last Chinese passport you were issued and a copy of your U.S. naturalization certificate.
• Copy of proof of name change if your name has changed.

• Name must be typed in Chinese characters on Section 1.1D of the visa application.
• Copy of your previous Chinese visa, if applicable.
• Copy of your last Hong Kong SAR or Taiwan (ROC) passport data page - if you are no longer in possession of your last passport, a copy of your birth certificate must be provided.
• Copy of proof of name change if your name has changed.