China Visa Requirements and Process

When you submit a visa application for visiting China, they decide the length of your Visa, but you can request different options, but they choose what they give you (if anything).  So, write in for 10-year visa, and hope for the best (as it costs the same as the shorter tourist visa).

They have an automatic passport photo booth at the visa application in downtown Chicago (so others probably have the same thing), that will give you passport photos for $10.  There was a line for it the entire time I was in the office, but it seemed to move pretty fast.  Also, they have a photocopier there if you forget to take a copy of your passport, and a computer so you can fill out the application.

I was 30th in line for visa submission when I came in, and I was out the door in under 45 minutes, so that’s not bad, and it seemed pretty busy (all the seats were taken and people were standing), so if it’s not that crowded, you’ll likely be seen faster.  The people working there seem quite efficient.
No food or drink is allowed in the room. CNN is on close-captioned TV. A few rows of plastic chairs and a handful of tables. Not much else, so bring a book or something to do.

Documentation

Make SURE you have all the info they want PRINTED. The document is pretty long and you have to bring supporting documents like proof of flight and hotel. There are separate instructions available online that help you through confusing questions online (e.g., am I a business person or a company employee?).  If you don’t have everything, they tell you to come back another day.  There is nowhere to print anything from your phone which would be very helpful, although there is the photocopier.
Woot! Got my visa – It takes up a full page in my passport, but it can be used with my next passport too (so long as both are current), so I have 10 years to go to China without paying again.

Also, you may want to check out: China travel: Helpful tips for Western tourists going to China (from a solo female traveler)