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VISA APPLICATION

1. Basic Concept

Visas are issued by relevant agencies under the authorization of a government in accordance with national laws and regulations. They are permits for foreign applicants to enter, exit or transit through the country.

According to international laws and international practices, any sovereign country has the right to decide whether to allow foreigners to enter or exit its country (borders) or not, and whether to issue visas or revoke those that have bee issued.

The Chinese visa authorities determine the visa type, number of entries, validity date and period of stay according to laws and relevant regulations. They shall have the right to refuse visa applications or revoke issued visas.

2. Issuing Authorities

Embassies and consulates of the People’s Republic of China or other institutions entrusted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are in charge of issuing entry visas to foreigners outside the country.

Foreigners who meet the relevant provisions regulated in Article 20 of The Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China can, at the ports that conduct port visa business under the approval of the State Council, apply for port visas at authorities entrusted by Ministry of Public Security.

3. Visa Types

Chinese visas include diplomatic, courtesy, service or ordinary visas. Ordinary visas are separated into the following categories:

4. Hong Kong and Macao Visas

4.1 Hong Kong Special Administration Region (HKSAR) Visa

4.1.1 HKSAR renders visa exemption to citizens of some countries and regions. (for details please visit http://www.immd.gov.hk/sc/services/hk-visas/visit-transit/visit-visa-entry-permit.html#part2 ).

4.1.2 Foreigners who do not qualify for visa-free entry must apply for a visa before visiting Hong Kong.

4.2 Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR)Visa

4.2.1 MSAR renders visa exemption to citizens of some countries and regions.

4.2.2 Except for a few specific countries, foreigners who do not qualify for visa-free entry can in principle apply for arrival visas in Macao’s ports of entry.

Foreigners who apply to visit Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, and Macao SAR shall apply for separate visas to visit Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao.

5. Validity Date

The validity date of entrance time range on the visa (“enter before”) refers to the valid time range for the holder of the visa to enter the country. Unless indicated by the issuing authority, the visa shall become valid from the day of issuing and expires at midnight Beijing time on the last day of its validity date. If all entries have not yet been used, the visa holder can enter before (and including) the last day of the validity date.

6. Entries

The entries of the visa refer to the amount of times of the visa holder can enter the country within the validity date. A visa becomes invalid when all entries have been used or entries are available but the validity date has passed, in which case new visa must be applied for if the holder wishes to visit China. Those who come to China with an invalid visa shall be rejected upon entry.

7. Duration of Each Stay

The “duration of each stay” refers to the permitted period of stay for the visa holder’s each entry starting from the day of entry.

8. Residence Procedure

Foreigners who hold a visa types D, J1, Q1, S1, or X1 shall apply for a residence certificate from entry and exit management institutions of public security organization above county level offices within 30 days of entry.

Foreigners who hold a diplomatic, courtesy, service or ordinary W visa shall apply for a residence certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or local department of foreign affairs entrusted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.