Travelers to China from the US need to abide some very strict rules. There are different rules which apply to business travelers, than those which apply to tourists, but there are some things which apply to everyone. The requirements for a visa to China, whether for pleasure or business, are as follows.

Before you can get a visa for China, you need a valid US passport which is more than six months away from its expiry date and has two or more blank visa pages. If you can't fulfill both of these requirements, your China visa will be refused.

In addition, you need to supply a photo which fits passport regulations. That is, either black and white or color, two inches by two inches, and with a white background. Most professional photographers will be aware of passport photo regulations. It's best to have your photo professionally done, as photos from home passport software are often rejected.

Next, you need to complete a visa application form. The form you use is specific to the type of China visa you are applying for, so be sure that you have the correct type. Be sure also that you fill in all the required information, and write legibly. Don't leave blank spaces, as these, as well as anything which can't be read, will result in refusal of your application. You must sign the form in ink.

You need to supply proof that you intend to travel to China within three months, with your China visa application. A dated airline ticket or itinerary copy should be sufficient for this. You also need to show that you have somewhere to stay, in the form of confirmation of your accommodation reservations.

There are, of course, fees for making an application for a visa to China. Your application will not even be considered unless these fees have been paid in full. Payment is accepted in the form of checks, credit card payments or money orders made to the People's Republic of China. The fee will be higher if your application has to be expedited.

There are strict regulations which apply to the issuing of visas to China. Whichever type of visa you need, you must fill out the correct paperwork and send it with the appropriate fees. If you make any mistakes in the application process, your application will be denied. You should submit all your paperwork for the China visa three months before you intend to travel, to allow sufficient processing time, otherwise your trip could be delayed or even canceled completely.

Seomul Evans is a senior search engine ranking expert specializing in organic search engine optimization and copywriter for Oasis a processor of China Tourist Visas

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