You cannot apply for a Chinese visa online or by mail--you must visit an office of the Chinese Consulate in person. In the United States, the PRC has offices in most major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Houston, and San Francisco. You will need to fill out a paper application and submit one 2"x2" photo of yourself. You must also bring your passport, which needs two blank pages and must not expire within six months of your planned travel.

The price of the visa depends on two factors: how soon it will expire, and and how quickly you need it. Depending on these factors, your visa will cost from $50 to $170. Different kinds of visa are granted for different types of travelers. Tourists, journalists, and businessmen all receive different visas, and you must be very careful to apply for the right visa or it may not be approved.

Chinese Visas Must Be Obtained In Advance

The most important thing to know about getting a visa to visit the PRC is that you must have your visa before you arrive in China. Many exchange programs promise to procure a visa upon arrival, but this is not always as easy as it sounds. Travelers arriving in China without a visa can be immediately deported and face heavy fines.

It is recommended that you apply for your visa about two months before your departure for China, although a rush visa can be issued in an emergency. Also, while the Chinese consulates do not accept visa applications via mail or the Internet, you do not need to apply for your visa in person. It is acceptable to send a friend, or to hire a passport expediter to get it for you.