Expert: Mike Dodds - 1/7/2009

Question
What's the procedure for an American to get a visa for business travel to China?

Answer
Hi Jo,

The procedure is pretty straight forward.  If you have a company you are dealing with over in China, including wishing to visit, have them send you a letter of invitation.  It is just a short letter giving their company details and outlining who you are why you are coming and flight information.

Once you get that letter you go to the nearest Chinese embassy and fill out and submit a Business Visa form. Pay the money for the Visa and come pick it up in a few  days.  They have expiated next day service (assumes you dropped off in the morning), but the service is not necessarily a sure thing, as it is not guaranteed.

I don't give you costs or times because these things change depending on the country and the political relationship.  Do a Google search to find the local embassy.  They probably have the Visa form, F is the business Visa, online for you to download.  You'll need two photos to submit with the Visa and a copy of your tickets or your itinerary.

http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/hzqz/

If they don't have what you want, call the embassy, they'll be glad to help you.

If you are just going to conduct some meetings or factory reviews, then you could just go on a tourist visa.  Same procedure as above, but no letter required from the factory.  I would suggest you get the Business Visa if possible.

Business visas come in a couple types, single entry, double entry and multiple entry.  The single and double entry cost the same, so get the double (you must request it) to leave yourself some options while you are in China.  The multiple entry cost about two times the single, but if you plan to return more than once during the next 6 months it's worth the money.

Hong Kong used to be able to issue visas same day.  If you are from a country that does not require visas to visit Hong Kong, like the USA or Great Britain, then you could just fly into HK get your Visa and enter China the following day.  Just another option if you are in a rush.

Good luck.
Mike...