Since January 2024, China has revised its visa application process to boost tourist numbers. As I plan my trip to China, I find myself navigating the visa application process for the first time as a US citizen. Now, I want to share some tips with you!

1. Find your nearest consulate!

I was excited when I found out that we had a Chinese consulate right here in Texas! Until I realized the Houston option was grayed out on the form. It turns out the Houston office has been closed since 2020. So, I had to apply to the Washington, D.C. consulate instead. Since Chinese consulates handles visa applications by region, applicants cannot apply to just any consulate. If you find that the nearest consulate is far, consider applying via a visa agency.

Click here to find the US-China consulate in your region.

2. Consider using a visa agency.

Flying all the way to D.C. from Texas was not a lucrative option. Especially when you take into account the consulates' limited hours (9:00 - 14:00, Monday to Friday). So, at the recommendation of my trip organizer, I used a visa agency. It's important to select an agency that has an office in the same city as the Chinese consulate you must apply to. For instance, if you are in Seattle, you might look for a visa agency located in in Los Angeles.

The way this works is that you send the visa application documents to the visa agency, and they will walk into the Chinese consulate and apply for the visa ON YOUR BEHALF. Once it is approved, they will mail the documents back to you. A good agency will apply for the visa the same day the documents are received and ship them back the same day the visa is approved.

If you are in Texas, I highly recommend Oasis China Visa; their process is efficient, hassle-free, and within 6 days I received my 10-year visa! Here is the breakdown of what I paid:

Services & Fees:

• Chinese Embassy Visa Application: $140

• Oasis China Visa Services Fee: $235

• (Optional) Expedited Processing: $230

  Total: $605

The Expedited Processing is entirely optional, but it reduces the waiting time down from 2 weeks to approximately 1 week. This option is perfect if you are on a time crunch like me! When I submitted my application, I only had less than 2 weeks until I was to leave for China. I received my visa six days later, that's four days before my flight!

Otherwise, the total is only $375 for one application. And still cheaper than paying for accommodations and roundtrip tickets to D.C.

3. Fill out the COVA form to the best of your ability.

Another reason why going through a visa agency is efficient because the best ones will review your application WITHOUT payment. They will tell you what corrections need to be made to ensure a successful process. They will also review it again after sending your documents to them and before they submit them to the embassy.

Sidenote: Although the COVA form is filled out online, the Chinese consulate does NOT accept digital applications nor mailed applications. Therefore, after printing out the application, you can either walk into the office in person to submit your application or…. you guessed it. Hire a visa agency.

Click here to check out the COVA form.

4. No, you don't need an invitation letter.

Unless you're visiting China with an official tour group, visiting family, or traveling for business, an invitation or sponsor letter is no longer required for the L-Visa. If you select the individual option, but attach an invitation letter, the consulate WILL return your application because they require more information about the organization/individuals that are hosting you.

You also do not need proof of round-trip flights, itinerary, nor accommodations. Therefore, if you are uncertain about your return date or your complete itinerary, you can decide on these details after submitting your visa application.

Click here to read more about the latest Tourist (L)-visa requirements.

5. You DO have to mail in your physical passport book.

You will also need a photocopy of your ID as proof of residency in the state that is being applied from. On approval of your visa, the consulate officer will add a green-colored sticker to your passport that takes up an entire page. Make sure you have at least 2 blank pages within your passport that has the word "VISA" printed on it.

7. Make sure to start as early as possible.

I know this is a given, but it is very easy to underestimate how quickly time passes. Be sure to account for corrections and shipping (if applying via a visa agency). Leave at least a buffer of one week!

感谢谢你看这个博客喔～

Thank you for reading~

艾乐