Q: Does Lotus Travel accept visa applications from all 50 states?
A: Yes. We accept applications from all 50 states. Non-citizens with a permanent residence card (Green card) can also apply through us.
Q: Does the Chinese Consulate accept applications by mail?
A: No. All applications must be submitted either in person or via a visa service courier.
Q: When should China travelers apply for visas?
A: As the most updated Chinese visa application policy, you should apply for a Chinese tourist visa no earlier than three months (90 days) before your intended date of entry.
Q: What documents are required for adult applicants?
A: A signed and completed application form, one 2″x2″ standard passport photo with a clear and light background and the original American passport. Former Chinese citizens need to also submit their original Chinese passports unless there is proof of a previously issued visa.
Q: What documents are required for applicants who are 18 and under?
A: Children who are American born need to submit a copy of the birth certificate in addition to the application form, passport photo and the original American passport. For Chinese born children, a copy of the Chinese birth certificate and the original Chinese passport are also required.
Q: Should children sign their own applications?
A: Parents are recommended to sign for their kids if your children are young. Please sign your name first and your child’s name behind or up and over your name.
Q: How can non-American citizens apply for visas?
A: The applicant needs to submit a signed and completed application form, the original birth country passport and a copy of the permanent residence card.
Q: Do I need to fill in position and duty at Item 3.3E and 3.3E on the page 4?
A: Yes, you must fill them completed.
Q: Do I need to fill in country at Item 5 on page 4.?
A: Yes, you need to fill in USA behind the state name and zip code.
Q: I travelled to China a long time ago. How do I fill in Item 7.2 on the page 7.?
A: You should check “Yes”, and find out your old US passport with the Chinese visa before you complete the other information. You also need to include a hard copy of the old US passport, and a hard copy of the previous Chinese visa in the new visa application file to the Chinese consulate. You have to write a statement to the Chinese consulate to explain when and where you lost your old US passport if you can’t find it.
Q: How long does the visa application process take?
A: Please allow 7–14 business days for regular processing after the passport package is delivered to the Chinese visa officers.
Applicants must include a self-addressed return envelope so that passports with the visa stamp can be returned via a secure mailing service.
Q: How long can the traveler stay in China?
A: A Chinese tourist visa may be issued with a maximum stay of up to 30 days. The actual duration granted is at the discretion of the Chinese Consulate.
Q: What is the Americans’ National ID?
A: The identity number is printed on all of your national identification documents, such as your ID-card, passport, residents permit etc. It is usually either next to or below your name or your birth date. Look for a number with 11 digits containing your birthday in a year-month-date or date-month-year format. On bottom of your passport, there are lot of digits. Starting from the 1st digit behind USA, end on the 11th digit. This is your National ID.
Q: How to fill up last name?
A: On your passport biological page, your Surname is your last name.
Q: How to fill up first name and middle name?
A: On your passport biological page, if there are several names as your “Given Names” like “Davis Joseph”, you need to fill up “Davis” as the first name, and “Joseph” as the middle name.
Q: Do I need to fill up my Chinese name?
A: Any applicant born in China, including adopted child need to fill up the Chinese name in Chinese characters.
Q: How do I fill in Section 1.7C – Issuing country/region of the passport/travel document?
A: Please refer to the biographical page of your passport. If it lists “United States Department of State,” enter “United States Department of State” in Section 1.7C.
Q: Do I need to fill up email address for my child’s application?
A: Yes, any applicant’s application including your children’s application should be filled in the email address.
Q: Has my adopted Chinese child ever held any other nationality?
A: It should be YES, then more information required including Chinese name, former Chinese ID number, and number of the last Chinese passport
Q: Where can I find the Chinese’ National ID for my adopted child?
A: It could be found in the Adoption Registration Certificate or Notarized Birth Certificate. But there might be no Chinese National ID on some earlier version Adoption Registration Certificate or Notarized Birth Certificate, then you can check the box of “Not Applicable”, and explain “The child was adopted without Chinese National ID”.
Q: Should I apply for a group visa or independent tourist visa?
A: Independent tourist visa.
Q: Number of entries, Single, double or multiple?
A: Multiple.
Q: Maximum duration?
A: 30 days.
Q: Validity of visa in months?
A: 120 months.
Q: Who is the inviting person?
A: Guangdong China Youth Travel Service Co. Ltd
Q: Who is the sponsor?
A: None
Q: I assume the passport is “ordinary” so is that what I check?
A: On top of your passport page, If “P” is your passport Type, then your passport is ordinary.
Q: Can I submit the visa application form after I finish filling it out?
A: No. Before submitting the application online, you must email us the registration email address and password you used to create the application account. We need to review the form and make any necessary corrections to avoid delays or rejection. Please submit the application only after we confirm it is ready.