Chinese Embassy Visa Section

Category: Visa and passport office in Washington, District of Columbia

Address: 2201 Wisconsin Ave NW Bliss Gallery, Washington, DC 20007, USA

Phone: +12023371956

Opening hours

Sunday: Closed

Monday: 9:30AM–2:30PM

Tuesday: 9:30AM–2:30PM

Wednesday: 9:30AM–2:30PM

Thursday: 9:30AM–2:30PM

Friday: 9:30AM–2:30PM

Saturday: Closed

Reviews

Zongjun Li

Oct 2, 2022

At present, it is all done remotely. The Chinese consulate APP is more convenient, but the camera function is not very stable. The visa office responded quickly to emails, and I got my passport two weeks after submitting the documents✌️

Malakh

Aug 9, 2022

terrible experience

MTA-Marita Leung

Apr 22, 2022

I am a mother from Hong Kong, I helped my son to apply for the new passport in HKG and HKG immigration department sent his new passport to Washington DC China's Embassy this month. I called so many time to check if the passport has been arrived but nobody answered at the first beginning. When I saw people's review, I was so worries if my son could make it in DC. I emailed to them with clear headline and I got their answer within 2 hours , they confirmed that they have received HKG parcel and will inform my son to pick it up within a week. No charge. I thank you so much for their quick response. People complained China Embassy of their poor services but I don't agree of their saying. Most reason is COVID-19 pandemic, they are short of manpower in the Embassy Office I believed. Suggest sending email with clear headline, and wait. They will reply to you shortly.

Wu Fun

Feb 12, 2022

The work efficiency is low, the passport is reissued, and the application has not been completed for 3 months.

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Questions & Answers

We are planning to visit the VISA office in Washington DC tomorrow morning for VISAs to China - will be tourists 08 October to 20 October. Do we need an appointment? Do we need anything besides passport and drivers license? Are VISA photos 2"x2"?

Laurie Buchanan | Nov 7, 2018
Blair Gormley | Nov 7, 2018

You are going to have to fill out paperwork which you can download from website. It is not easy and will take you several trips to sort out. Also you need invitation letter from person who invited you as well as address where your staying and of hotel good as you wont require invitation letter

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I am a US citizen planning to visit Shanghai, Wuhan & Beijing this fall - total 10 days. Can I bring my completed application, photo, and US Passport to the visa office in DC & receive the visa there? Do I need an appointment? How long will it take?

Gary Anderson | Nov 7, 2019
Travis Dennis | Nov 7, 2019

If you have all the proper documents you can submit the application and come back in 4 days to pick it up. You can get it in 3 days for an extra $25. Plan to be there 45 minutes to an hour and a half just to submit the application. No appointment required. Not even sure if they take them.

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Hi, As my husband is working, can I come and apply for tourist visa for him and me without him coming in person?. Thanks. Vasanthi Jeevan

Vasanthi Jeevan | Nov 7, 2019
Travis Dennis | Nov 7, 2019

Yes. There is a section for him to sign and another section for you to sign saying you are submitting the application on his behalf. Just make sure you have all the proper documentation.

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My wife would like to renew her passport. Where can we obtain an online renewal application form? We did not see it on your website. thank you

Floyd Hilburn Jr. | Nov 6, 2020
Edgar Lopez | Nov 6, 2020

When you go to the website go to then"How to apply" tab ok China-embassy.org website

We are flying into Shanghai on 2/12 to pick up a cruise that embarks 2/14 from Shanghai cruise port. The cruise visits Hong Kong but no other Chinease city. Do we need a visa and, if so, do we get it from the Chinease embassy in Washington DC

Janet Bolduc | Nov 6, 2020
Jeanette | Nov 6, 2020

I found this link that specifies that the previous 72 hours allowed Visa free for people in transit in Shanghai has been extended to 144 hrs. https://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/visa/free-72hour/ If you have a U.S. passport, you may go to Hong Kong without a visa. You only need a Visa if you're traveling to mainland China, but you'll only be in transit. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/022415/5-countries-where-us-citizens-need-visas.asp

Hey there, I am a US Citizen. I am travelling to Pakistan via AirChina. The stay in Beijing is 24 hours long. Do I need a visa to get out of the airport just for less than a day? what else do I need?

Sundas Abbasi | Nov 7, 2019
Jeanette | Nov 6, 2020

No visa needed! You can travel visa free in Beijing for 144 hrs. When you fly in, rather than going through the regular customs lines, you'll go to a designated counter

Do i need to be there in person in order to apply for a visa? Or can i just send my application through mail and my payments through mail? Thanks.

Madina Gazieva | Nov 7, 2019
Stephen Voetsch | Nov 7, 2019

They do not take online or mail visa applications. Apply either in person or have an agency do it for you. Suggest an agency unless you are close since you have to make a return trip to pick up your passport with the visa stamp. You pay an agency to do it for you or pay the Chinese Visa section when you pick up your visa. You do not have to apply in person but if you do not have all the required documents you will end up running around wasting $ and time. A visa service, such as Oasis, knows the ins and outs and will handle all the paper and leg work for a small fee.

Can relatives go inside passport renewal waiting are with person applying for passport renewal?

Robert Rorrer | Nov 7, 2019
Morgan Jones | Nov 7, 2019

Yes. It's an open waiting area.

I am USA passport holder on Celebrity Millenium ship, arriving Shanghai port (Baoshan) 26 October 2019 from Seoul, ROK. I plan to transit immediately from Baoshan to Shanghai Airport (PVG) for a confirmed flight to the USA. Do I need a visa?

Frank Fox | Nov 7, 2019
abdul abdul | Nov 7, 2019

No visa required

Where do you park?

Jane Adkins | Nov 7, 2019
Charles Cocks | Nov 7, 2019

There is paid parking behind the building.

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How many photo should I submit for visa application

Zhen-Ya Gao | Nov 7, 2019
Charles Cocks | Nov 7, 2019

One and make sure it meets their criteria.

Is it necessary to bring another photo besides the one photo on the visa application form

Zhen-Ya Gao | Nov 7, 2019
Stephen Voetsch | Nov 7, 2019

They only need one.

I’m getting a new US passport. I have a China visa in my expiring passport. Can I still use that visa if I bring it along with my new passport?

James Gass | Nov 7, 2019
Travis Dennis | Nov 7, 2019

long is the Chinese visa is still valid you can bring that with it attached to an expired passport along with a valid passport and you will still be fine

Hello! I am a Korean Passport holder who resides in Maryland, U.S.A. How long does it take to get a single visit- Chinese VISA? I have an airplane ticket to Washington to Shanhai (Depature: July 6) and I will stay there one week. Thanks

Hyonmi So | Nov 7, 2019
Charles Cocks | Nov 7, 2019

If you have everything and it is all correct it only takes a few days. If not it might be longer. If you can afford it, you might be better off going through one of the services that will do it for you and can make sure you have everything you need. I noticed they seem to be able to get things done. They can be located on the web.

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Do I need to bring a copy of my social security card as along with a photo copy of my passport profile page and drivers license?

Sarah Cartwright | Nov 7, 2019
Vincent Tran | Nov 7, 2019

No, just a copy of pp photo page, and bring the rest with you in case they need to see them.

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I have a Peruvian passport and I want to travel to South Korea but my flight stops in China. Do I need a visa in China to take my transfer?

Manuel Padilla | Nov 7, 2019
DeMeka Gaddy | Nov 7, 2019

Foreigners who have confirmed tickets and seats on international flights and who transit directly through China and stay for no longer than 24 hours within the airport limits, do not have to apply for a transit visa.

Iam african I live in US I was granted a China tourism visa , they ask me to bring an invitation letter from a agency in China, I don’t know why coz I had all documents they ask on they website for tourist visa , what iam do to get a visa?

Lolo Feuilleton | Nov 7, 2019
Nusrat Jamal | Nov 7, 2019

I just got 10 yr Visa, after making four trips. They kept asking things way beyond common sense dictates. I fulfilled all their requirements. Just follow their instructions.

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I have some friends will come from china . we like travel to west caribbean by Cruise does they need visa for Bahama lands, Honduras ? departure from Fort Lauderdale, FL 2.CocoCay 3.Cozumel 4.CostaMaya 5. CoxenHole they have US ,EVU

Cai Chen | Nov 7, 2019
Blair Gormley | Nov 7, 2019

No they should not but ask cruise about that

If you bring your visa application and documents in person to the visa office, is it possible for them to mail the visa to you if you cannot go back to pick it up?

Carlie and Randy | Nov 7, 2019
max zhang | Nov 7, 2019

You can authorize someone else to pickup. There is also a third party company in the same building can do the mail.

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Hello, I am a college student graduating this May. I would like to know what visa should I have if I want to work in China as a summer intern for 3 month. I’m a US citizen. Thank you very much for any clue!

Lei Wu | Nov 7, 2019
FunFen WhiteWong | Nov 7, 2019

Good morning, Mr. Wu. I have worked and lived in Asia, and I think you might want to consult with the company you will intern with. Usually, the companies who offer you the international opportunity can help you with visa issues. That's your best bet as to obtaining visa and paying it.

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I am a US citizen going on a cruise departing from Singapore, sailing to Hongkong then Shanghai (48 hour stay), then to Yokohama. Do I need a visa for the 48 hour stay in Shanghai? Thank you.

helen Calabrese | Nov 7, 2019
Jeff Tong | Nov 7, 2019

No, you've up to 144 hrs. Transit without visa (TWOV). https://www.travelchinaguide.com/tour/visa/free-transit-144-hours.htm

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Can I use the Chinese passport and the US green card to enter Hong Kong (without transit through Hong Kong airport)? If not, what kind of procedures are needed?

Edmond W | Nov 7, 2019
Blair Gormley | Nov 7, 2019

Can't answer because I dont know chinese

Is this address for the Visa office (as opposed to the actual separate embassy location) the right location to go when renewing a chinese passport? Thank you!

Amy Safadi | Nov 7, 2019
FunFen WhiteWong | Nov 7, 2019

Hi, Amy, how are you? To answer your question, generally speaking, the visa office is seperate from the main embassy entrance; however, for certain reasons, we do require appointments and/or interview to discuss exceptional circumstances. If your visa fall into general category, then you just have to follow the general public procedures. Make sure to check with the office before your visit. Thanks!

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Good day, I am located in Bermuda (a small island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean) and we don't have a Chinese Consulate. We are in need of a Chinese Visa... If we fly to Washington DC would your office be able to assist with a Tourist Visa?

Chris Medeiros | Nov 7, 2019
Blair Gormley | Nov 7, 2019

Yes they can assist you but it took me several trips to sort out my tourist visa but it's good for ten years

I've emailed in the past about the Father Time role and it being ready for China. Its still ready.

Charles Ross | Nov 7, 2019
Blair Gormley | Nov 7, 2019

Call them and try to speak to someone

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I am a US citizen. How many days can I get a visa to China to visit my father. How much is the stand process fee? How much is the express process fee and process days?

Grace Zhao | Nov 7, 2019
Blair Gormley | Nov 7, 2019

It depends as the shortests it 3 months and the longest is 10 years and cost is about 280 per passport but I did it almost a year ago and dont remember exact price and go sooner than later as it takes them a week or two to process. Make sure to take form, passport and passport photograph and you will need a letter from your father inviting u to the country though my suggestion put a hotel down near where he lives to save trouble

Do I need an appointment to come to the Embassy if I have the following; correctly filled out paperwork, work permit (Chinese and English), invitation letter from the company that hired me, passport, and the rest of the necessary materials?

Corey Francis | Nov 7, 2019
Vincent Tran | Nov 7, 2019

No.

When will they reopen after the New Year holiday? The 2nd or 3rd??

Rachel Hart | Nov 7, 2019
FunFen WhiteWong | Nov 7, 2019

We were informed on the 2nd unless otherwise noted. Please make sure to check with the office directly before your scheduled visit.

Is the office open on New Year’s Eve? (I’ve looked online but only found holiday hours from 4+ years ago; I tried calling, too, and was simply forwarded to an automated answering machine

Wu Feng | Nov 7, 2019
Blair Gormley | Nov 7, 2019

Maybe I'm not sure but I know major holidays they are closed but should be open I would guess

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If I’m flying from the USA and have a 5 hour layover in Qingdao before my flight to Seoul, South Korea - do I need a Visa?

kevin lambert | Nov 7, 2019
Vincent Tran | Nov 7, 2019

No, unless you're planning to go out.

Which days the Chinese Consulate is close from 25 December 2018 until January 8,2019? thanks

ahmed said | Nov 7, 2019
Blair Gormley | Nov 7, 2019

I'm not sure check the website which should have closure days or call the main number and they should have hours and which days they are closed

Work permit requires TEFL certificate authenticated by Chinese Embassy for teaching positions. How do I know which company's certificate is acceptable to Chinese Embassy?

Judy Bass | Nov 7, 2019
Blair Gormley | Nov 7, 2019

Good question try googling it or checking visa website or asking each company you are considering

Friday. is your visa office open?

Ming Chen | Nov 7, 2019
Marcelo Ramos Sr. | Nov 7, 2019

The Counselors office will be closed this week and will reopen on Monday at 9:30am.

Where can I get a visa photo?

Marian Hamilton | Nov 7, 2019
Marcelo Ramos Sr. | Nov 7, 2019

Your best bet is CVS or Walgreens

where is the address for Chinese passport renewal in DC

Zhong Wang | Nov 7, 2019
Blair Gormley | Nov 7, 2019

The same as Chinese visa office it's in Georgetown and you can get address from website

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My Chinese passport will be expired on April 2019, please kindly advise if I need to make an appointment for renewing it. If it needs, then how do I make the appointment. Thank you.

Tianlu Jin | Nov 7, 2018
Pam Hu | Nov 7, 2018

Yes you do need an appointment. Google passport renewal in Chinese and it'll take you to the link where you can fill out online forms and schedule an appointment.

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I am being invited to a wedding in Shenzhen China in early November, is the DC office the only location to obtain a Visa I am in NJ,

Lisa Pilovsky | Nov 7, 2018
Blair Gormley | Nov 7, 2018

Check with local consulate as that would be a drive and it took several trips to get visa

I live in Pennsylvania, about a 2 hour drive DC. Can I use the DC office and get a visa done in one day?

Thomas Verney | Nov 7, 2018
Blair Gormley | Nov 7, 2018

Not usually unless you have everything in order. Most people have to make two or more trips but you might get lucky

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How much money does it cost for a Visa?

MaryAnn Sharp | Nov 7, 2018
Blair Gormley | Nov 7, 2018

The cost is on the website and I forgot how much each is as it's for individual

Is there a particular time that we can pick up the visa on the date given ?

Linda Butler | Nov 7, 2018
Blair Gormley | Nov 7, 2018

Anytime during open hours but I suggest getting there early to get in and out

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What documents do I need to get a work visa to china?

Rosa Coronel | Nov 7, 2018
Pam Hu | Nov 7, 2018

Bring as many items as you can think of, since sometimes they may require additional information.

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US citizen. Applying for Z visa to work in China. I live in TN. My college degree is from FL. Once my signature is notarized, I'm to send to the Secretary of State for further authentication. Which state TN or FL?

Stacey Fernandez | Nov 7, 2018
Blair Gormley | Nov 7, 2018

You should send to TN as that is the state you reside in and work I imagine

What are the hours for visa pick-up? The receptionist gave us 2 windows of time and we can't remember what they are.

roseann mahanes | Nov 7, 2018
Doug Hill | Nov 7, 2018

Look on the receipt they gave you, but I believe they close during lunch time...

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For a job, I need the a non-criminal record authenticate done by the Chinese Embassy. How do I get this done? Please help asap, the Visa office does not seem to answer the phone.

Kelly Learned | Nov 7, 2018
Blair Gormley | Nov 7, 2018

Weird usually the local police department runs your record check why do they want Chinese visa office to do; if you're a Chinese national ok but if US citizen then you should go to your local police department

if you lost the ticket with the information on picking up your Visa, what do you do?

Beverly Jerome | Nov 7, 2018
Blair Gormley | Nov 7, 2018

Good question call and ask or go in and tell security you lost your ticket though it could delay you getting passport with visa back

Who will tell us the certain information about if I can renew my passport? What guard are you referring to? We have to drive a long way to get. We don't want to make a wasted trip. Leeli

Family Account | Nov 7, 2018
Blair Gormley | Nov 7, 2018

If you get 10 year visa they will tell you to keep old expired passport and use new passport with visa unless you get shorter visa, which is what they told me as I was given 10 year visa and my passport expires in 5 years

Can you renew a chinese passport that is still more than one year from expiration? Do you need an aappoitment at the embassy/consulate to renew your passport? Leeli

Family Account | Nov 7, 2018
FunFen WhiteWong | Nov 7, 2018

If you speak Chinese, you are more than welcome to contact me.

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Their picture requirements are somewhat precise. Do they have a place on site where pictures can be taken?

Thomas Huffman | Nov 7, 2018
donald smith | Nov 7, 2018

regular passport size photos are rejected. the size requirement is VERY specific. Either cut your extra passport to the required size or use the facility above the visa office.

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Is it normal business on Friday? Someone told me you can only pick up visas on Friday.

Michelene Teston | Nov 7, 2018
wasay syed | Nov 7, 2018

Same on all weekdays, except holidays..they will give you a date for pickup on the slip..

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Can one person represent 4 people applying for visa?

Adriana Sarocky | Nov 7, 2018
Blair Gormley | Nov 7, 2018

Yes as long as you have all the paperwork filled out and all four passports present you should. I saw individuals doing visas for large groups. Though you should tell them you are doing group and they might send you to group line instead of individuals

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How early may we apply for a visa?We leave the USA on a cruiseo/18/18 and will arrive in China 9/23/18.

Barbara j. Pascoe | Nov 7, 2018
FunFen WhiteWong | Nov 7, 2018

Its strongly advised to apply the visa to China at least a month and half in advance. The application process can take up to two months. With your trip scheduled in September, you shall start the application as soon as possible, just to be safe.

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do they answer phone calls?

Constantine Stavropoulos | Nov 7, 2018
wasay syed | Nov 7, 2018

They do...i called them few weeks back...but they are limited to responses..and rude ..

Can one person bring two visa applications to the consulate to apply for a tourist trip?

Shelley Temchin | Nov 7, 2018
Charles Brooks | Nov 7, 2018

Yes, so long as each application has all the parts filled out to the embassys' requirements

We need to have pictures taken for the Visa application. Can the Visa pictures be the same size as used for a regular USA passport?

Ruth Edwards | Nov 7, 2018
Tony Kilic | Nov 7, 2018

No . There is a special way they request. Check their website

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Hello I am Italian with an Italian Passport but i live and I am also Usa Citizen. do I need the visa for a 10 days vacation in Harbin China ? Thank you,

MAX BORTOLETTO | Nov 7, 2018
Tony Kilic | Nov 7, 2018

For a U.S. passport , you have to get a visa for sure

I have a 22hr layover in China before heading back to the US. Do I need to apply for a tourist visa?

Sarika King | Nov 7, 2018
Stacey Fernandez | Nov 7, 2018

Beijing allows you up to 6 days layover as long as you hold an onward ticket out of China

What day of the week is the least busy?

Marian Phillips | Nov 7, 2017
Sergio McRae | Nov 7, 2018

Monday/Tuesdays have been good to me

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