Planning a trip to China? Understanding the visa requirements and photo specifications is crucial for a successful application. This comprehensive guide covers everything U.S. citizens need to know about obtaining a Chinese visa.
Visa Photo Specifications for Chinese Visa
Applicants must submit a recent color passport-style photo that meets strict requirements. The table below summarizes the official photo specifications for a China visa application:
| Photo Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size (Printed Photo) | 33 mm × 48 mm (approximately 1.3 × 1.9 inches). Head width in photo must be 15–22 mm, and head height 28–33 mm. |
| Size (Digital Photo) | JPEG format, between 354×472 pixels and ~420×560 pixels; file size 40–120 KB. (The digital photo is uploaded via the online application form.) |
| Background Color | Solid white or near-white background. No patterns, shadows, or borders. |
| Head Position | Centered and facing forward. Entire face and ears must be visible. No tilt beyond 20° to left/right or 25° up/down. |
| Facial Expression | Neutral expression with eyes open and mouth closed (no smiling or frowning). |
| Attire & Accessories | No headgear or hats (unless worn for religious reasons, and facial features remain fully visible). Eyeglasses are allowed only if they are not thick-framed, tinted, and cause no glare; eyes must be clearly visible. No sunglasses or obscuring accessories. |
| Photo Quality | High-resolution and in focus, with natural skin tones (not over or under-exposed). No red-eye effect, no heavy shadows or glare on face. Must be printed on glossy photo paper (not matte or plain paper), with no creases, stains, or damage. |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months, reflecting the applicant's current appearance. |
Important: The photo must clearly identify the applicant. The face should be fully visible and not obscured by hair or accessories. Any photo that fails to meet these standards may result in the visa application being declined.
It is recommended to have a neutral, natural appearance in the photo (no heavy makeup or uniforms) to ensure it meets the criteria. If the online visa form photo upload is successful, an extra printed photo may not be needed; otherwise, you must submit one physical photo with your application. Always bring a compliant photo to avoid delays.
General Visa Application Requirements (U.S. Citizens)
When applying for a Chinese visa, U.S. citizens need to prepare the following general documents and meet these requirements:
Required Documents
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Passport: A valid U.S. passport with at least 6 months remaining validity and at least one blank visa page. (Passport will be left at the consulate during processing.) A photocopy of the passport's information page is usually required as well.
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China Visa Application Form: Applicants must complete the China Online Visa Application (COVA) form electronically and then print the full form and confirmation page. The printed form must be signed (the applicant signs the confirmation page and section 9 of the form). This form captures personal details, travel plans, and must be filled truthfully.
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Photo: One recent passport-style photo as per the specifications above. If you successfully uploaded a digital photo via the COVA system that meets requirements, a separate paper photo may not be required; otherwise, attach one physical photo to the form. It's safest to bring a compliant photo in case the upload wasn't accepted.
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Previous Chinese Visas: If you have held Chinese visas before, include a photocopy of the most recent Chinese visa (or residence permit) and/or the old passport containing it. If your old Chinese visa is still valid in an expired passport, you should submit that old passport as well for reference.
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Proof of U.S. Residence: Proof of your current U.S. residency within the consular jurisdiction where you apply is required. This is typically a copy of a state driver's license or a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your name and address. (This ensures you are applying at the correct Chinese Embassy/Consulate that serves your state.)
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Legal Status (if not a U.S. citizen): Non-U.S. citizens applying in the U.S. must show valid U.S. immigration status (e.g. a copy of Green Card, valid U.S. visa, I-94, or other proof of lawful stay).
Additional Documents for Certain Applicants
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If the applicant formerly held Chinese citizenship, additional documents may be required. For example, first-time visa applicants who were Chinese nationals should provide their previous Chinese passport (original) and a copy of its bio page, plus their naturalization certificate.
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If the applicant has changed their name since a previous Chinese visa, bring the legal name change document.
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Minors under 18 of Chinese descent may need a birth certificate and parents' documents to show citizenship status at birth.
Visa Fee
A visa application fee is paid upon visa issuance. For U.S. citizens, the fee is typically $140 per visa (covering single or multiple entries, up to 10-year validity). (Note: In mid-2023 China increased this fee to $185, but it has been temporarily reduced back to $140 through at least 2024-2025 as a reciprocity measure.) This fee is usually paid at pick-up (credit card, money order, or cashier's check are accepted at most locations – personal checks and cash are often not accepted). Expedited service, if available, costs extra (around $25–$35 more).
Additional Requirements by Visa Type
In addition to the general documents above, applicants must prepare supporting documents specific to the type of visa they are seeking. Key examples include:
Tourist Visa (L)
Purpose: Tourism in China.
Good news for tourists: Effective January 1, 2024, the Chinese Embassy/Consulates in the U.S. no longer require tour itineraries, round-trip flight tickets, hotel bookings, nor invitation letters for standard tourist visa applications. Previously, such proof of travel or an invitation was expected, but this requirement has been simplified to encourage travel.
Now, a tourist (L) visa application for a U.S. citizen generally only needs the basic documents (passport, form, photo, etc.) listed above. (However, consular officers can request additional information case-by-case, so it's wise to have a tentative itinerary or any invite letter available if asked.) Tourist visas for U.S. citizens are typically issued for multiple entries and long validity (up to 10 years) by default.
Business Visa (M)
Purpose: Business activities, trade, meetings.
An official invitation letter from a business partner or host company in China is required for an M visa. The invitation should be on company letterhead (with address, phone) and usually include details like the invitee's name, visit purpose, dates of visit, and the inviting entity's contact and official stamp or signature.
For non-commercial visits or cultural exchanges (F visa), a similar invitation letter from the relevant Chinese organization or individual is required. Ensure the invitation is detailed and addressed properly, as this is a critical document for business visa approval.
Student Visa (X)
Purpose: Long-term study in China.
There are two types: X1 for study programs over 180 days, and X2 for studies or exchanges shorter than 180 days.
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For X1 visas: You must provide the original JW201 or JW202 form (Visa Application Form for Study in China, issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education) and the official Admission Notice/acceptance letter from the Chinese school or university.
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For X2 (short-term study): Only the school's Admission Notice (original) is required. These documents prove you have been admitted to a program in China. (Student visa applicants might also be asked to show financial support documents in some cases, though this is not always listed explicitly.)
Work Visa (Z)
Purpose: Employment in China.
Z visa applicants must secure a "Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit" or an actual Foreigner's Work Permit issued by Chinese authorities. This letter or permit is obtained by your employer in China and is mandatory to apply for the work visa. Without it, a Z visa will not be issued. (Additional paperwork like a company invitation or medical exam record might be required in some instances for work visas.)
(Other visa categories like Q (family visit), S (private affairs/family of foreigner), J (journalist), etc., have their own specific requirements – for example, invitation letters and proof of relationship for family visas – but tourist, business, and student are the most common for general travelers.) Each visa application is evaluated individually, so additional supporting documents may be requested by the consulate if needed. Always refer to the official visa instructions for your visa type before submission.
Where and How to Submit a China Visa Application (U.S.)
Submission in Person
U.S. citizens must submit their visa applications in person (or through an authorized representative or visa agent) at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate that serves their region – you cannot apply entirely by mail or online.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Consulates-General in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago handle visa services for different states. You are required to apply at the correct location based on your state of residence (each consular office has a defined jurisdiction).
For example, the Consulate in San Francisco handles residents of Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Alaska, while Texas residents (since the Houston consulate's closure) fall under the Embassy in D.C. It's important to verify which Chinese consular office has authority over your state before applying. Proof of address (as noted above) will be checked to ensure you are at the right office.
No Appointment Needed (Walk-ins)
As of late 2023, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the U.S. have implemented walk-in visa application services, so no online appointment is required in advance. Applicants can simply complete the online COVA form, then take the printed form and documents to the visa section of the corresponding Embassy/Consulate during its business hours.
(Office hours are typically weekday mornings; e.g. many visa offices are open from around 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Mon–Fri, but check the specific consulate's website for exact times and holidays.) This policy change means you do not need to use the old AVAS scheduling system for an appointment – you can show up on a first-come, first-served basis.
Application Process
In summary, the application process for U.S. citizens is: fill out the visa form online (COVA) and upload your photo, print and sign the form, gather the required documents, then go to the Chinese visa office (Embassy/Consulate) for your region to submit the application.
When submitting, you will hand in your passport, forms, photo (if needed), and supporting documents to the visa officer. Fingerprints will be collected at the counter for most applicants ages 14–70 (this biometric requirement is part of the visa process introduced in recent years). After submission, you'll receive a pick-up slip. Processing times are usually around 4 working days for regular service, though each consulate may offer express service for an extra fee (often 2–3 day processing).
Note: The Chinese visa authorities do not accept mailed-in applications from individuals. If you cannot go in person, you may entrust a visa agency or someone you trust to submit and retrieve the application on your behalf – there are many private visa services in the U.S. that handle China visa drop-off and pick-up for a fee. Just ensure the agent has all your original documents (passport, signed form, etc.) because an original passport must be submitted. All U.S. applicants, whether applying directly or via an agent, must physically submit documents at an Embassy/Consulate; there is currently no option to get a Chinese visa fully online or on arrival for regular tourism/business purposes.
Summary
In summary, U.S. citizens should apply through official Chinese visa offices (Embassy or Consulate in charge of their state) and prepare all required documents including a properly taken visa photo, a completed online application form, and any supporting letters. Paying attention to the official photo specifications and documentation requirements will ensure a smoother application process.
Always refer to the latest guidelines from the Chinese Embassy or the China Visa Application Service Center for up-to-date instructions, as policies can change.
Sources
All information compiled from official and authoritative sources. Last updated 2024-06-15.