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Changes to China's visa policy effect travelers

Big changes arrive in China’s visa policies, for both tourists and business travelers, effective August 1, 2012. If this is your first time traveling to China, it may be daunting to know that there are many visa types, depending on if you’re a tourist, student, professional, or businessperson. We have each visa type listed here. However, those familiar with current policies should know there are new requirements set by the Embassy of China:
If you are a tourist, you are required to provide one of these:
1.     A copy of your round-trip airplane ticket and hotel reservation;
2.     A copy of your itinerary that includes your name and information;
3.     An invitation letter from a Chinese institution, business entity, or individual (if the latter, you must include a copy of this individual’s ID).
If you travel on business, you are now required to provide a letter of invitation issued by the local Chinese government, institution, or business entity, or by an  authorized Chinese agency.   
Good news for business travelers who require a shorter stay in China: the employment Z-visa is now valid for a minimum for 3 months (90 days) rather than 6 months (180 days). This permits travelers arriving on business F-visas to apply for Z-visas should they need a few more weeks in China, rather than have to leave the country in order to renew. Prior to this, typical F-visa holders could stay only 1 month per entry into China, and were required to depart in order to return for another month. 
For more details on business travel to China under these new requirements, please see here [[link https://www.passportvisasexpress.com/visa_services/china/china_san_francisco_consulate/business_visa]].
This comes with stricter policies on illegal overstays of visas, entries, and employment, however. The Chinese government intends to enforce a new law called the Exit-Entry Administration, effective July 1, 2013. This law includes penalties given to travelers who

1. who enter China without the correct visa;
2. stay without a valid visa;
3. enter and stay illegally without valid ID;
4. work illegally.

In turn, employers in China will be penalized for
1.     offering work to those without a valid work permit;
2.     using falsified documents for applications or falsified data in invitation letters.
Please note that penalties range from detention for up to 15 days, deportation, or fines for $350–$3,200.
Knowledge is power, especially when traveling! Keep up to date with Passport Visas Express. Our experts are well versed with the Embassy of China’s new policies. Allow us to work with you to accommodate any of your traveling needs, whether for pleasure or work.
  

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