Getting a Chinses Visa

Do I need a visa for China?
Americans or Canadians traveling to Mainland China, whether for business or pleasure, require a visa, which should be obtained in advance. You are exempt from this requirement if you travel and stay only in Hong Kong or Macao for less than 30 days. However, if you travel beyond Hong Kong, even for a few hours, you will need a China visa. As a matter of fact, visas are required for visitors from most foreign countries to Mainland China. For attending summer camp, you will need a tourist visa.

What type of visa do I need?
Most people need only to apply for a single-entry. Single-entry China visas are usually valid for 3 months after the issuing date, and will permit you to stay in China for up to 90 days. This visa will allow you to travel as a tourist or conduct general business activities.
When to apply for visa?
You can apply anytime as long as it's within 90 days from entry date. The best time to apply for your visa is 30 days before your departure. The visa is normally good for entry within 90 days of issuance.
How long can I stay in China for each entry? Can I extend my stay in China while I am there?
With regular tourist or business visa, you can normally stay 30 - 90 days for each entry. If you need to stay longer while you are in China, please contact with the visa office of the local Public Security Bureau to file for an extension. Do not overstay.

I am going to mainland China first, then to Hong Kong (or Macao) and back to mainland China again. Will single entry visa suffice?
No! You need to apply for a double entry visa in this case. Because, Hong Kong and Macao are Special Administrative Region. Once you go there from mainland China, you are considered to exit China already. Therefore you need another visa to go back in.

What is the difference between a tourist visa and a business visa?
Visas are issued to permit entry into a country for a specific purpose: to allow travel for leisure, or to conduct business activities. In general, "tourist" visas are issued specifically for the purpose of travel for pleasure, while a "business" visa generally permits a traveler to engage in normal business-related activities. You need a letter of invitation to apply for business visa. However, there is no distinctive line between tourist visa and business visa. In another word, tourist visa will not prevent you from conducting business in China.
Do I need a visa for Hong Kong or Macao?
No, if you are holding US, Canadian or British passport. You do not need a visa if traveling only to Hong Kong or Macao, for up to 30 days stay. Any entry into Mainland China, however, requires a visa.

How to obtain a China visa?
The Chinese Embassy and Consulates do not accept mail-in applications. Applicants for visas are requested to appear at the Consulate in person, or apply through an authorized visa agency. Visit Chinese embassy website: http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/. If needed, GoldenDream summer camp will provide an invitation letter to help you get visa.