All visitors to China must have a visa, which is available worldwide from Chinese embassies and consulates. It is also possible to obtain a visa through a visa travel agent who will go to the consulate for you. Single entry tourist visa, called L visas, must be used within three months of issue. They are usually valid for thirty days. You may also apply for a double entry or a multiple entry visa.
To apply for a visa, you must submit an application form to the embassy or consulate nearest your home. You can download the application from the embassy or consulate website in your country. You must also submit one passport-sized photograph and your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the planned date of entry into China, and have at least two blank pages. The process takes five days, unless you pay for expedited service.
If you lose your passport while in China, you must promptly report its loss to the Foreign Affairs Office of the Public Security Bureau. Then you must apply to the Embassy or Consulate of your country. The Public Security Bureau in Beijing is located at 2 Andingmen Dong Dajie, Dongcheng District. If you should wish to extend your Chinese visa, you may also obtain a one month extension on a tourist visa at the Public Security Bureau.
For up-to-date information on current visa regulations and application procedures, check the website of the Chinese embassy in your home country. A complete list of all embassies and consulates, including addresses and contact information, can be found at the Chinese foreign ministry's website: www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng. Click on the link Missions Overseas.
Also read Do Before You Go on the Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
