| Foreign visitors can obtain visas from Chinese embassies and consulates in their own countries with valid passports, usually within a day or two. However, it is more convenient for travellers and tourists booked through local Chinese travel agencies to get group or individual visa. The visa might be extended for a month at the Foreign Section of the Beijing Public Security Bureau. Make sure your visa does not expire, or you could be fined. Business people going to China theoratically needs to apply for Business Visa. To apply for this type of visa, one needs to present to the Chinese Embassy a formal invitation letter from company's counterpart in China. However, if it is not a lengthy stay, one might find it much easier to acquire a regular Travel Visa. As of January 1, 1985, foreign tourists can directly apply for a visa in the following nine ports: Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Fuzhou, Xiamen (Amoy), Guilin, Kunming and Xi'an. Two copies of the application form should be completed and submitted with two passport-size photographs along with a visa processing fee. Travellers should make sure to carry their passports around while in China as passports are needed to check into hotels, book air or train tickets, exchange money or establish the holder's identity. Loss of a passport should immediately reported to the Holder's embassy or consulate, and the Foreigners Section of the Beijing Public Security Bureau (Tel: 65255486) |