Tips for Travel to Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Brief Introduction of China
Chinese Visa Application
Maps
Health and Safety
Other Useful Information

* Although we've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any person resulting from information published on this site. We encourage you to verify any critical information with the relevant authorities before you travel. This includes information on visa requirements, health and safety, customs, and transportation.

Brief Introduction

US Department of State, China Background Notes

US Department of State, Taiwan Background Notes

US Customs & Border Protection-Know Before You Go-Traveler's Page

CIA World Fact Book, China

Visa Services Notice

Visa Fee and Procedure Changes

Visa fees for U.S. citizens wishing to travel to the Peoples' Republic of China has changed effective August 1, 2007. In addition to the fee changes, mail service is no longer available from any of the consulates or the embassy due to security concerns. Therefore, all applicants must either apply in person (travel to Chicago in the case of Minnesota residents) or appoint a representative or agent to go on their behalf. Full details of these changes can be found on the Embassy Web Site

The China Center has selected G3 Visas and Passports to process its visas. University faculty, staff and students may request the China Center process their visas through G3 Visas and Passports. The fee for the China Center's service is an additional $35 per application. You may also contact G3 directly through their web site at http://www.g3visas.com.

China Center's Designated Visa Agency

After researching a number of visa processing agencies the China Center has selected G3 Visas and Passports as the agency that will process all of its visa requests. For over the past five years G3 has provided visa, passport and document authentication services to individuals and groups throughout the U.S. In addition, their office in Chicago gives them immediate access to the Consulate General.

Full details of the pricing can be found on the G3 Visas and Passports web site http://www.g3visas.com. Select the "Visa Services " link, click on the link for U.S. Citizens, and choose "China" under the country list and then your requested visa type.

Please remember that all applicants will also be responsible for the payment of shipping for their visa applications. The costs of the various shipping methods can also be found on the G3 web site.

All G3 charges can be paid either by credit card or personal check.

China Center's Handling Fee

The China Center will process visas through G3 Visas and Passports on behalf of University faculty, staff and students. The fee for this service is $35 per application, which includes standard shipping charges.

Comprehensive Pricing for Visas

Prices for the most commonly processed visas are as follows:

			Embassy Fees
Type of Visa		Same Day	Next Business Day		5 Business Days	10 Business Days
Single Entry		$170.00	$160.00		$130.00	$130.00
Double Entry		$170.00	$160.00		$130.00	$130.00
Multiple Entry		$190.00	$180.00		$160.00	$150.00
			G3 Processing Fees
Type of Visa		Same Day	1 Business Day	4 Business Days		7 Business Days
Tourist (Type L)		$90.00	$75.00	$70.00		$55.00
Student (Type X)		$100.00	$80.00	$70.00		$55.00
Transit (Type G)		$100.00	$80.00	$70.00		$55.00
Business (Type F)		$110.00	$90.00	$75.00		$60.00
Official		$120.00	$95.00	$75.00		$60.00
Flight Crew (Type C)		$120.00	$95.00	$75.00		$60.00
Work/Residency (Type	Z	$120.00	$95.00	$75.00		$60.00
NOTE: For visa requests requiring "Same Day" or "Next Business Day" processing G3 Visas must have all paperwork no later than 8:30 AM.
China Center Processing Fee is $35. One day and Same day requests cannot be handled by the China Center.

Disclaimer

Please note that the China Center's selection of G3 Visas and Passports as its preferred visa processing agency is by no means an endorsement of G3's services. The China Center makes no guarantees of this agency's services. Any visa request will be processed at your own risk.