1. [Chinese Online Visa Online Application] How to Submit an Application on the Online Platform?

The Consulate General officially launched the Chinese Online Visa Online Application system on September 30, 2025. Please submit your visa application through the website (complete the application form online and upload the required documents). Once the application is approved, you will need to submit certain physical documents to the VISA OFFICE of the Consulate, where the Consulate will conduct a final review and decide issue the visa or not. You may then return to the Consulate to collect your passport.

The entire visa application process will be guided step by step on the Chinese Online Visa Online Application system website, including uploading additional documents when requested, submitting physical materials at the Consulate, and returning to collect your visa. Please closely monitor the status of your application online to avoid delays that may affect your travel plans.

2. [No visa renewal] I have a valid visa, but my travel plan has been changed, can I renew my visa?

Once a visa is approved and issued, it cannot be changed. Visas cannot be renewed and visa fees are not refundable.

If your purpose to China is changed, you may apply for a new visa, and your previous visa will be canceled without refund.

If you are currently in China, you should contact relevant Immigration authorities in China.

3. [A new passport] I have got a new passport but my valid visa is in my previous passport. Can I use the two passports to enter China?

If your personal data such as your name, sex, date of birth, nationality in your new passport remain the same as your previous passport and the purpose of your next tour to China remains the same as permitted in your previous visa, you may use the two passports together to enter China. You need not apply for a new visa with the new passport.

If any information mentioned above is changed, you must apply and pay for a new visa with your new passport and your previous visa will be cancelled without refund.

4. [Visa and entry] If I have a valid China visa, are you sure I can enter China without any issue?

Not necessarily. A visa does not mean you can surely be permitted to enter China. Chinese immigration authorities will make the final decision to let you in or not in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations.

5. [Who decides] Why the entries, category, validity and duration of stay of my visa are different from what I applied for?

Consuls make the decision of whether to issue a visa and the category, validity entries permitted and duration of each stay of a visa. The decision of a visa by consuls are final decision.

6. [Visa details] How to read details on my visa?

1)   "Enter Before" (Validity) means the date before which it can be used to enter China. If a visa has unused entries left, the bearer can enter China before 24:00 (Beijing Time) of the expiration date.

2) "Entries" refers to the number of entries permitted to enter Mainland China during the validity of a visa.

A visa becomes invalid if there are no entries left, or if there are entries left but the visa validity expires. If a visa becomes invalid, a new visa should be applied for your next trip. Traveling with an invalid visa to China will result in refusal of entry.

Please be noticed that if you come out from the Mainland to the Hong Kong SAR, and then back to the Mainland, you should apply for a 2-entry visa for both the first and second entry.

3)"Duration of Each Stay" refers to the maximum number of days permitted to stay in China each time, which is calculated from the next day of your entry.

A foreign citizen who overstays the duration of each stay, without going through extension formalities is subject to fines and other penalties for violation of the laws and regulations of China. If you will to stay in China longer than the duration of stay permitted on the visa, approval must be obtained from local immigration authorities above the county level before the duration of stay expires. Approval of an extension of stay may or may not be granted. Visas cannot be renewed by Chinese Embassies and Consulates overseas.

D, Q1, J1, S1, X1 and Z visa holders must apply for a residence permit at the immigration authorities within 30 days after your entry.

Members of foreign diplomatic or consular missions in China must apply for a residence permit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or local foreign affairs offices within 30 days after your entry.

7. [Where and how] Where to apply for a visa? Must I appear in person to apply for or collect my visa?

Visa applications are required to be submitted to Chinese Embassy or relevant Chinese Consulate General in accordance with their consular jurisdictions based on your State of residence. Otherwise, your application may be denied.

After the online review is approved, you need submit your passport and other required physical documents to the Consulate. If you are unable to do so in person, you may entrust another individual or an agency to submit the materials on your behalf. However, please note that the Consulate reserves the right to require the applicant to appear in person for an interview if deemed necessary.

8.[No mail service] Can I mail my physical materials to the Consulate or is there any mail back service?

No. We do not offer mail-in and mail back service for all visa applicants.

You or someone else or a visa agent is available submit the physical materials, pay and pick up the visa for you.

9. [Rush service] Do you offer rush service?

Yes but it should be approved by consuls and extra rush service fee should also be paid. In some specific conditions, rush service may not be approved.

10. [Pickup slip lost] If I lost my pickup slip, how can I do?

Passport with your visa can be collected by anyone with the original pickup slip. It's at your risk if you lost your pickup slip. For the safety of your passport and visa, applicant must appear in person to pick up and present a photo ID with your name, date of birth.

11. [Invitation letter] Are there any specific requirements for invitation letter?

Invitation letter may be in form of fax, copy. Original letter should be presented if demanded by consuls or marked on our website. It should be signed by the invitee or comes with the seal of the inviting company or unit in China. All the details of Invitation letters should be truthful.

12. [Privacy] Can I check detailed information of visas of other people?

No.

13. [Passport lost] I lost my passport along with my visa in China, how should I do?

※ Report to local police office,

※ Apply for a new passport from US embassy or Consulate General in China,

※ Apply for a new resident permit or exit documents from local immigration authorities.

14. [Apply for visa while in China] I'm currently in China, but my visa is becoming invalid soon. Can I mail my passport to my friend in U.S. and apply for a new visa from Chinese Embassy or Consulate General?

No. Visa applicant should not be located in mainland China while the application is submitted to a Chinese Embassy or Consulate General.

You may apply for visa renewal from local Public Security Bureau. Otherwise, you should exit from China and then apply for a new visa.

15. [Visit the inland and Hong Kong] After my visit to Hong Kong SAR, I plan to visit Guangzhou . What visas should I apply for?

You should apply for a visa to visit mainland China.