If a business trip to China is on your calendar, getting a Chinese visa should be your top priority. Here’s what you need to know before you apply.
China Business Visa M Requirements
Most business travelers to China will need to apply for an “M” visa. However, you may need to apply for a different category depending on the type of work you do and the details of your trip, so do consult with the appropriate Chinese consulate or with a visa specialist. The following items will be needed for your business visa to China.
Visa Submission Appointment
Prior to submitting your visa request, yourself or your inviting organization in China must obtain a submission appointment on your behalf.
China Visa eApplication
One China Visa Application, completed online and printed single sided. Applications printed double sided will not be accepted by the Chinese consulate.
- Handwritten applications are not accepted.
- Do not list Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, or Tibet on the application.
- If you list travel to Afghanistan and Turkey on the application, additional travel information will need to be provided.
- Sign the application with an original pen-to-paper signature in Section 9.1A at the end of the application.
- Applicants under age 18 must sign their own application if they are capable of doing so along with both parents.
Official P/U Letter
The relevant Chinese Foreign Affairs Office (FAO) in order to allow the invitee to apply for a visa in their respective country outside of China. This must be arranged by the applicant’s Chinese sponsor and is required for all M-type (business) visa requests until further notice.
China – Travel Details Form, 2020
One completed and signed Travel Details Form. This form requires an original, pen-to-paper signature from the applicant.
China – Health Declaration Form, 2020
One completed and signed Health Declaration Form. This form requires an original, pen-to-paper signature from the applicant.
Current Valid Passport
Your original valid signed passport:
- Must have at least two blank visa pages side by side and more than six months before expiry.
- Ensure the name and signatures on the passport match the application(s) you are completing.
Copy of ID or Utility Bill
Copy of a current valid driver’s license or state ID, or water or electric bill showing your name and street address (P.O. boxes are not accepted). The address needs to exactly match the address shown in the visa application.
One Passport-Style Photo
One passport-style photograph taken within the last 6 months, on photo paper and with a plain white background.
- Your head must measure between 1 1/8″ to 1 1/4″ (28mm to 33mm) from top of head to bottom of chin.
- You must look straight forward with a neutral expression. Do not wear jewelry, glasses, hats, or white shirts.
- Do not staple or glue the photo.
- To ensure you have a high-quality, acceptable image
Copy of previous visa
A photocopy of your most recent Chinese visa, if any. If you do not have a copy of your previous Chinese visa (e.g., your passport was lost or stolen), please state the reason why in Section 2.9 of the Visa Application Form.
US Business Letter
An original business letter from your US company.
- This letter must explain the purpose of the trip and provide a financial guarantee, and specify the dates of travel and the visa duration that is requested.
- The letter should include the contact information for the organization to be visited.
- It must be on letterhead and have an original signature of a representative of the US company other than the applicant.
Letter of Invitation
A letter from the organization to be visited in China, including all of the following: applicant’s name, passport number, gender, nationality and birth date; purpose and dates of visit; places to be visited; a financial guarantee for all travel costs; full contact information of inviter; duration of the requested visa; seal and signature of company representative. Faxes and scans are accepted.
Proof of Travel
A copy of the confirmed/purchased flight itinerary or e-Ticket, showing your entry to and departure from mainland China.
- If your international flight itinerary shows flights into or out of Hong Kong, provide additional documentation showing your travel into and out of mainland China, such as an additional flight itinerary.
Visa Order Form
- Order Visa Service – If you need help with your business visa to China, give us a call. We can help!
Multiple Entry Visas – Note
Citizens of USA and Canada are typically issued multiple entry visas valid for 10 years. In some circumstances, the consulate may issue a shorter duration visa at their own discretion.
Note: Prior Travel to Turkey
If you have previously traveled to Turkey and have Turkish visas or entry stamps in your passport, you must also submit a letter explaining your travel.
- List the dates of entry and exit for your visit(s) to Turkey.
- State the reason for your travel to Turkey, such as tourism or business meetings.
- The letter must bear the applicant’s original signature.
- Accompany your letter with any available copies of flight itineraries or eTickets from your trip(s) to Turkey.
Please note that processing delays are possible if you have previously traveled to Turkey.
Note: Prior or Dual Nationality
Travelers who have ever held a different nationality must submit a notarized letter confirming their current nationality and stating whether or not they currently hold more than one nationality.
Travelers who hold dual nationality are required to submit their applications in person at the Consulate General of China in Los Angeles.
Note: Clients Married Without Children
If you reside in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles and are married and have no children, please write and sign a brief statement addressed to the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China verifying this information.
If you are married and do have children, you must list at least one child’s information on your visa application form to avoid requiring the above signed statement.
Unless you use an expediting service, you must apply in person at the appropriate embassy or consulate for your home address. There is an embassy in Washington, DC and there are consulates in New York, NY; Chicago, IL; San Francisco, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Houston, TX. This map will show you where to apply.
Planning a trip to China? Contact us today!
Tags: China, Chinese business visa, Chinese visas
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