Visas
All foreign nationals entering China must have a valid Chinese visa. China has announced 10 year visas will be honored. CFSE 2023 Exhibitors will be able to obtain bar-coded Letters of Invitation from the Ministry of Agriculture beginning in August. These Letters of Invitation can be used to obtain a single-entry business visa from Chinese Embassies and Consulates.
China also announced that beginning on March 15, 2023 it will honor all visas granted before March 2020. This includes 10-year tourist visas and multiple entry visas.
Types of Visa
Depending on your country of origin, there are usually 2 types of visas available to those visiting China:
Tourist Visa
Tourist visas are much faster and easier to obtain than business visas and do not require a Letter of Invitation to apply. If possible, we highly recommend applying for a tourist visa.
- Appropriate for those entering China for simple business purposes or tourism
- Allows both single & multiple entries / exits from China
- Can last up to 10 years (available in USA & Canada)
- Does not require a Letter of Invitation to apply (for more information on LOI’s, please click here)
- Available from many travel or visa agents (many offer online services)
- Available from the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General in many countries
BUSINESS VISA
Tourist visas are much faster and easier to obtain than business visas and do not require Letters of Invitation to apply. If possible, we highly recommend applying for a tourist visa.
- Appropriate for those entering China for simple business purposes or tourism
- Allows both single & multiple entries / exits from China
- Can last up to 10 years (available in USA & Canada)
- Does not require Letters of Invitation to apply (for more information on LOI’s, please click here)
- Available from many travel or visa agents (many offer online services)
- Available from the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General in many countries
BUSINESS VISA
Business visas are more time-consuming and difficult to obtain than tourist visas and often require Letters of Invitation to apply. If possible, we highly recommend applying for a tourist visa instead of a business visa.
- More paperwork to apply
- More lengthy application process in most countries
- Often requires Letters of Invitation to apply (for more information on LOI’s, please click here)
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
1. A photocopy of your valid passport information page (must have at least six (6) months remaining before expiration and at least one (1) blank visa page
2. A completed Visa Application form (must attach a recent 2 inch x 2 inch photo of yourself (both black & white or color photos are acceptable)
3. A copy of your hotel registration showing check-in and check-out dates for your stay in China
4. A copy of your airline travel itinerary
BUSINESS VISA ONLY
5. A Visa Notification form from an authorized Chinese company OR Letters of Invitation from a client or business partner. Sea Fare Expositions is happy to provide Letters of Invitation from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture to our exhibitors at no charge (for more information on LOI’s, please click here).
How to Apply
Once you have gathered all required documents, submit your completed application and supporting documents to the Visa Office of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General which holds consular jurisdiction over the country, state or province where you reside. If you are not able to visit the office personally you can often entrust a third party (usually a travel or visa agent) to submit your application to the appropriate authority on your behalf.
- Appointments are not required at most Visa Offices
- Mailed applications are not accepted and will be denied
- Payment must be made by money order, cashier’s check, Visa or MasterCard (No personal or company checks will be accepted)
- Visas typically take 2-3 weeks to process
- Express service is available in most jurisdictions for an additional fee – Please contact your local Visa Office for more information