China Travel Guide

All foreign nationals require a visa to enter the People's Republic of China. Single-entry tourist visas must generally be used within three months of issue, are usually valid for thirty days from your date of entry into China and cost the local equivalent of around US$40. The authorities increase and decrease visa durations in order to control tourist traffic, and you're more likely to be given a visa for longer than thirty days outside the summer months. Visas are available worldwide from Chinese embassies and consulates and through specialist tour operators and visa agents, although if you are planning to enter China through Hong Kong, this is probably the best place of all to buy your visa. Hong Kong also issues visas of longer duration with relative ease.

To apply for a tourist visa you have to submit an application form, one or two passport-size photographs, your passport (which must be valid for at least another six months from your planned date of entry into China) and the fee, which cannot be paid by personal cheque. You may also be asked for a copy of any air tickets and hotel bookings. You are asked on the form to give some details of your trip, such as where you are going - but you don't have to stick to this. You'll also be asked your profession - be warned that if you put writer, journalist or any publishing-related profession, you'll be called in for an interview, questioned, and your visa may be refused. Don't worry about being economical with the truth - they never check up. If you apply in person, processing should take between three and five working days, but this varies from country to country - usually, if you are willing to pay a surcharge you can get your visa the next day.

A business visa is valid for three months and can be issued for multiple entries, though you'll need an official invitation from a government-recognized Chinese organization. Twelve-month work visas again require an invitation, plus a health certificate. Students intending to study for less than six months need an invitation from a college; those staying for longer also need to fill in an extra form available from embassies, and need a health certificate.