Chinese visas

Frequently Asked Questions

We have tried to answer some of the most commonly asked questions, however,
if we have not answered all of your questions, please do not hesitates to contact us :

Q	Who requires a visa to visit China ?
A	A visa is required by ALL travellers to China or via China (in transit) to an onward destination.

Q	Do I need a visa to visit Hong Kong and Macao ?
A	No, if you are travelling as a tourist or on a business trip a visa is not required for a British passport holder. Please note, that no entry will be permitted to Mainland China through any route without a visa.

Q	Do I need anything additional papers to visit Tibet ?
A	YES, a Tibet Permit. For this a full itinerary will be required and a valid Chinese Visa.

Q	How long before I travel should I apply for my visa?
A	You can not apply before 3 month before your departure date - We suggest applying a month before you depart

Q	How long does it take to obtain a visa from the Chinese embassy
A	It normally takes 5 working days to process

Q	Can I obtain a visa for immediate travel ?
A	Yes, but the same day flight tickets are required.

Q	What type of passport do I need ?
A	You need to have a FULL passport with at least TWO totally blank consecutive pages. For a Single or Double entry visa, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months; For a Multiple entry visa, your passport must be valid for at least 9 Months

Q	Can I also apply for a visa for an 'accompanying person' using the same passport?
A	Yes, but a photograph of the accompanying person,( usually a child) using the same passport, should be affixed to the form. The full visa fee will apply for each person

Q	How long is a visa valid for ?
A	Tourist visa : A single or double entry tourist visa is usually valid for entry within 3 month from the date of issue and is valid for a trip up to 30 days The Multiple Entry Business visa is available for the following 3 periods : half a year one year All valid from the date of issue

Q	If I do not travel can I obtain refund of the cost of the visa?
A	No

Q	If my application is declined by the Embassy, can I obtain refund of the cost of the visa?
A	No.

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