Is visiting China high up on your bucket list? More and more American tourists are flocking to China to see the wonders the beautiful country has to offer. If you are a US citizen, you may be wondering, do US citizens need a visa for China? Well, the answer is yes; all American citizens need a visa for China. The most commonly issued visa for American tourists is a 10 year China visa.

Because all US citizens need a visa for China, before any trip can even begin, all US tourists entering the country must obtain a 10 year China visa, following all of the China visa requirements.

With so many incredible sites to see, food to eat, and people to meet, sometimes tourists forgo learning about China’s strict and occasionally unusual laws. While taking a photo, or reading a book may seem ordinary and innocent to a tourist coming from the US, doing it at the wrong time or place, or reading inappropriate material could result in jail time. Keep reading to find out what not to do in China to avoid ending up in a Chinese jail.

Entering and exiting China – What not to bring:

First, entering China without a valid 10 year China visa is illegal, and any persons entering the country without all of the China visa requirements will be turned away. Be aware at all times of what you have in your luggage. Above all, keep your baggage on you at all times to avoid it being tampered with. The following items are not allowed in China and being caught with any of these items may lead to serious consequences.

• Recreational drugs: They may be legal where you come from, but China has a zero tolerance, and there are particularly harsh penalties for drug importation, including jail time.
• Wildlife: Hopefully, you won’t be bringing any live critters back with you, but if you are found with a species of Chinese wildlife in your possession, the punishments are stiff.
• Inappropriate reading material: Any books, magazines, or newspapers deemed less than favorable toward China or their government, may be confiscated. While you won’t end up in a cell for bringing an anti-government book on board your flight, it will most likely be thrown out. In extreme cases, the official can decide to turn you back from entering the country.
• Ancient artifacts: While it’s quite unlikely you will get your hands on a genuine ancient relic if in any case you do, it’s punishable by law. China has strict laws prohibiting the exportation of antiques.

What not to do on your trip to China:

If you are coming from the states, there are some cultural differences, laws, and general rules which need to be abided by. Some seemingly innocent things that China has banned could result in jail time for unknowing tourists. Follow these guidelines to avoid ending up in a Chinese jail. Always remember, Chinese culture is quite different from what we are used to in the states, so while something may seem harmless to you, to a Chinese person it could be offensive. All US citizens need a visa for China, so, if an incident occurs and you’re are being questioned or detained for any reason, always keep all proper documentation readily available.

Gambling:

Under Chinese law, gambling is officially illegal. However, a number of different organizations participate in the act, like unofficial lotteries, and clandestine casinos. This is particularly risky for a US citizen to dabble in, with the language barrier and strict Chinese laws, anyone caught gambling may face serious jail time. Always keep a copy of your passport, 10 year China visa on your person at all times, and keep China visa requirements documents easily accessible.  

Enter restricted military areas:

While it could be an innocent mistake stumbling upon military establishments, without warning, you may run into an angry military officer. Sometimes military areas can pop up unexpectedly, without any warning signs in English, often not even warning signs in Chinese. If this does happen, simply let the army official know it was a mistake and try to be as polite as possible. Hopefully, they will be able to find someone to assist in English. You may be asked to show multiple forms of ID, such as your passport, driver’s license, and proof of your 10 year china visa.

Another rule to abide by here is do not under any circumstances point your camera at a military establishment in China. Instead, walk past as if you didn’t notice or see a thing. Taking photos could result in harsh repercussions. Walking past a military establishment can be explained as an innocent mistake, especially for unknowing guests, but taking pictures of a military area is a direct violation of Chinese law, and is commonly reinforced.

10 surprising things banned in China:

While what’s on this list may not qualify for jail time, it’s interesting what the Chinese government deems unfit, did you ever think a TV show would be banned in the US, or how about your favorite social media platform? You won’t find any of the following items on the list below during your next trip to China.

1. Facebook
2. “The Big Bang Theory”
3. Snapchat
4. Movies about time travel
5. Twitter
6. Siblings (In 2016, a law passed only allowing two children per family)
7. Pinterest
8. Foreign Films
9. E-Books
10. Casinos

So, are you ready to fly yet? All US citizens need a visa for China, do you have your 10 year China visa prepared to go? Did you fill out all of the China visa requirements? Remember, China is an incredible country with so much to offer. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, right? Well, in China always be sure to respect their strong culture, follow their rules, as odd as they may seem, and show your appreciation for their country. Most US tourists don’t run into trouble as long as they abide by the country’s laws and regulations. Whether you’re traveling around town, hiking, sightseeing, or eating at a restaurant, having your 10 year China visa, passport, ID, and China visa requirement papers on you is always recommended.

What to do if you run into trouble?

Always remain calm when talking to any government officials and offer your remorse. Feel safe saying it was an honest mistake, and you did not know any better. Of course, educating yourself on all the ins and outs of Chinese law is always the smarter idea. So, before your trip grab a book or two on Chinese culture, their rules, and social norms to make your trip to China go as smoothly as possible. The amazing country has so much to offer, and by taking the necessary precautions, all US citizens traveling to China should not run into any trouble.

Bonus tips for your trip to China:

• Bring a copy of your passport, and another form of ID
• Bring a copy of your 10 year China visa
• Take copies of all China visa requirement documents with you
• Don’t let your 10 year China visa expire, if you need additional time or another 10 year China visa, you must leave the country to obtain a new one, by applying and filling out the China visa requirement forms
• Always be polite and ask for assistance in English if you run into any issues with a Chinese government official

How to obtain a 10 year China visa:

All US citizens need a visa for China, and while the process may seem daunting, it’s actually quite routine and easy. Several visa expediting services can grant your 10 year China visa within a couple of weeks. If you are going with an online service, sites like chinavisadepartment.com make the process a breeze. Upon entering the website, you will be asked to choose which type of visa you require, all US citizens need a visa for China, and all tourists require a 10 year China visa. Following the quick guidelines on the site, you will be asked to fill out all China visa requirement forms and submit for approval. If for any reason, you are missing any of the China visa requirement forms, your 10 year China visa will be declined. Note that all tourists traveling to China without holding a 10 year China visa will be declined entry to the country.

When will I receive my 10 year China visa?

On average, once you fill out all of the China visa requirement forms, pay the 10 year China visa charge, and any other fees which may occur, your 10 year China visa should arrive within a couple of weeks. If for any reason not all of the forms were sent, or you are denied a visa, you may try again. However, each time you request a 10 year China visa, the process starts from scratch. Check out our FAQ for more info on obtaining a China visa.

Is China your next destination? If so, you’re in for a treat. China is the oldest living civilization that still exists today and holds the record for the largest population. Home to some of the greatest wonders of the world, it’s no wonder China has people buzzing. With their rich history and a plethora of natives in the country, age-old customs and traditions are still practiced today. However, before you can begin your journey, getting a visa for China must be number one on your list. Some China visa requirement documents will need to be presented before a China visa can be issued, but don’t stress, the process is not as daunting as it sounds. Well, getting a visa for China was the easy part. Now, it’s time to start researching some unique facts about China that may surprise you. There are some major cultural differences between China and the United States. Educating yourself before your flight could save you some embarrassment while on your trip. Keep reading to find out may be a cultural norm for some, and a shock to others.

Top 10 Cultural Differences Between China and the United States

1. Dating – In China, marriage is not encouraged until the mid to late twenties. Not only that but dating is also discouraged for teenagers and young adults. American culture is much more relaxed in this regard, and dating is seen as a regular part of early adulthood and adolescent life. Some say Americans could potentially learn a thing or two about dating from the Chinese.

2. Confrontation – The Chinese people try to avoid confrontation at all costs in an effort to save face. In their culture, shouting causes both parties to lose face and can lead to permanent damage to any relationship. Americans, on the other hand, are more likely to be direct and literal, and sometimes view the way the Chinese solve problems confusing and frustrating. In business, Chinese colleagues will never go out of their way to prove a point, as it could embarrass their co-worker, but to Americans, the final outcome is more important than saving face for the other person.

3. Respect – Some might say Americans lack in this field and put more emphasis on themselves than on others. The opposite goes in Chinese culture, it is expected that respect is given to those all around, and their needs are met at each encounter. This goes for all aspects of their lives, whether it be with someone in a store, a bus driver, their family members or a boss. Everyone should be treated with the utmost honor, even more so if the person is an elder.

4. Treatment of senior citizens – In China, elders are held in great respect, both in business and in personal lives. It’s not uncommon in China to find families with several generations all under the same roof. Most of the time, children are expected to care for their elderly parents, and there are even laws requiring children to visit their parents regularly. The same respect goes in the workplace, you won’t find anyone ageist to older people in the business world in China; instead, they are celebrated and honored.

5. Time management – For most Americans, if a report is due on a Thursday, it means by the end of the day, the report should be on the boss’s desk. In China, that report can show up a few days later and no one would bat an eyelash. The same goes for meetings if a meeting is meant to commence at 4 pm, most Americans would be sure to be there at least a couple minutes before, however, the Chinese are notorious for having time as more of a suggestion than an absolute. This can prove to be quite difficult for any Americans traveling to China for a business meeting.

6. Personal space – With China being the most densely populated country in the world, it’s not a shock personal space is limited. Most Chinese are used to cramped transportation, massive crowds, and small living spaces. In China, it’s not considered rude or offensive to be physically close to a stranger, as it would be in the states. Some cities contain over 10 million residents, so the Chinese are quite used to living in close quarters with one another.

7. Honoring the dead – The Chinese are notorious in their respect and recognition for those in their family who have passed. Once a year, family members visit the gravesites for each of their ancestors to pay their respects. This contrasts American culture, mostly because the majority of Americans don’t know where their ancestors have been buried, due to immigration in the early years of the country. Since China’s culture is so much older, and immigration is uncommon, family members can trace their ancestors back for generations.

8. Tipping – Tipping is not customary in China in restaurants and other service industries. The Chinese take pride in being able to provide and take care of themselves, and while Americans see tipping as a nice gesture, it can be offensive to a Chinese person. For example, a waiter who received a tip in a restaurant may feel the diner left them extra money because they thought they were poor, even though it could have been an innocent mistake to an American guest.

9. Staring – While on your trip to China, you may expect to receive a few double takes or stares. In some parts of the country, visitors are still uncommon, and it creates curiosity for the residents. Don’t be shocked if they even take a photo without your permission, or ask to take a picture with you.

10. Gifts may be refused – If you try to give a Chinese person a present, it’s common they will refuse it up to three times. This is in an effort to show humbleness and gratuity to the gift giver.

There you have it! Are you excited for this once in a lifetime trip yet? After filling the China visa requirement paperwork is out of the way of getting a visa for China is a breeze. Within a few weeks, you can be experiencing all the wonders this exceptional country has to offer. Think of all the food you will taste, the sights you will see, and the places you’ll go! Check out our list below for a few extra bonus tips and tricks before your big trip.

Bonus Tips:

• Getting a visa for China should be your top priority
• Bring a copy of your valid passport/ID
• Bring a copy of your China visa
• Bring copies of all China visa requirement documents
• Follow the cultural protocol
• Use a translating app
• Educate yourself on uncommon Chinese customs and traditions

What are the China visa requirements?

The process of getting a China visa is easy, but to ensure your China visa is granted, make sure you have all of the following:

1. Passport
2. Passport Photo
3. Drivers License
4. Proof of Travel
5. Hotel Confirmations

Getting a visa for China:

In order to obtain your China visa, a few China visa requirements must be filled out. If your passport is expiring within 6 months from the time your China visa is requested, you may need to renew your current passport before your China visa can be granted. Getting a visa for China doesn’t have to be a hassle, a number of top rated visa expediting services, like chinavisadepartment.com, are here to guide you throughout the entire China visa process. The goal of these expediting services is to make getting a China visa quick, painless, and hassle-free. After filling out all of the China visa requirements online, you may be asked to send in copies of photos, proof of travel, and accommodation receipts. If you have already received a China visa in the past, you will be asked to provide the original previous China visa. If you are traveling to China for business, additional China visa requirement documents may need to be provided in order to grant a China visa.

When will I get my China visa?

The whole process of getting a visa for China from start to finish is around 8-10 business days. However, if you are in need of your China visa sooner, priority services are available and getting a visa for China can be accomplished in as little as 3 business days, granted all of your China visa requirement documents are in order. The same goes for a business China visa, if all China visa requirements are met, the process can be completed in 2-3 business days.

You’ve got your passport, the boss has approved your vacation days, and you’re ready to make some memories somewhere (hopefully) overseas. But where do you go? There are many places to visit in this zany world of ours. You could go to Pig Beach in the Bahamas and wade in the shallows with friendly pigs. While swimming with swine sounds fine and well, what about the great achievements of man? You may be familiar with the 7 ancient wonders of the world (one may even make an appearance on this list, hint hint). However, most of those no longer exist. Lucky for us travelers, a campaign that first began in 2000 and ended in 2007 decided on 7 New Wonders of the world. Today we’ll be guiding you through these 7 New Wonders as well as going into detail regarding what you’ll need if you’d like to make a trip to any of these countries

Great Wall of China (China)

A photograph of The Great Wall of China, probably taken by someone who got their China visa expedited

The Great Wall of China is well known the world over for its gargantuan size. While it isn’t visible from space like some popular rumors might have you believe, it is long coming in at an estimated 5,500 miles. To better visualize how long 5,500 miles is, the distance you’d have to travel to get from the east to the west coast of the USA is between 2,800-3,500 miles. Forget backpacking through the US, we’re backpacking down the Great Wall.

Jokes aside, the Great Wall of China is quite the impressive feat of human engineering. Originally created to keep out the Mongolian invaders from the north, the wall has outlived many Chinese emperors and dynasties. The wall was even at a time funded by a state-run lotto similar to the ones we have today. One of the ends of the wall, known as The Old Dragon’s Head, meets the Bohai Sea. Why the Mongol invaders didn’t just swim around this part of the wall, the world will never know.

In order to go to China to see this massive wall of a wall you’ll need a passport and a China Visa. More specifically a China tourist visa. I have to specify simply because there is a wide variety of visas that one can apply for when traveling to China. Visas can be tough to acquire, but the application process for a Chinese visa is rather straightforward if you’ve got an expert lending you a hand. In order to obtain a China Visa for tourist purposes you’ll actually need to first book your entire trip in China. While it may seem scary to book travel to a place you technically don’t have permission to enter yet, but– well– you don’t really have a choice. After booking, you’re free to apply. We recommend trying to book as far out as possible to mitigate any potential problems you may face while applying for your visa. The application typically takes 8-10 business days to process, after which you’ll receive your visa. If you’d like us to personally assist you with your Chinese Visa application that’s great! Just visit us at chinavisadepartment.com for more info. And remember, if you don’t have a passport yet, you’ll need one in order to get a visa (and to get on the plane) and you can go to thepassportoffice.com and get your passport in as soon as two business days.

Christ the Redeemer Statue (Rio de Janeiro)

The famous Christ The Redeemer statue set against the gorgeous Rio de Janeiro skies
Sitting above the scenic beaches of Rio de Janeiro is the image of Christ. This statute has become synonymous with Brazil and has become a beacon for the Christian faith throughout the world. Completed in 1931 by French artist Paul Landowski and Brazilian engineer Heitor de Silva Costa, this gargantuan effigy of Christ stands at over 125 ft tall when the height of the pedestal it sits on is factored in. Clearly visible from most of Rio, you don’t need to make the trek up the Corcovado Mountain to see this wonder of the world.

Like China, you’ll need a visa to visit Brazil to get a glimpse of this masterpiece. Also like China, we can help you with your Brazilian visa. You won’t need to book any hotels to apply for a Brazilian visa, but you will need to go ahead and book a flight. The part that’ll take the most time is getting a photocopy of your ID notarized along with a copy of your most recent bank statement. In case you were wondering, Brazil wants the bank statement to make sure you have money to spend when you arrive.

Machu Picchu (Peru)

Come for the ancient Incan ruins at Machu Picchu, stay because of the llamas
Keeping the theme of things that go on top of mountains going we’ve got Machu Picchu. Originally constructed in the 15th century, the structure was known to exist by locals but went undiscovered by foreign explorers until 1911 when American historian Hiram Bingham discovered the ruins and brought this knowledge back to the states with him.

The structure is sometimes referred to as “the lost city of the Incas” which is actually incorrect, the site actually functioned as a private estate for Incan Ruler Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui. While the estate was passed down Pachacuti’s lineage, the site was inhabited for only 80 years before being abandoned due to the ongoing conflict with the Spanish invaders. In addition to being a neat piece of history, you might find a friendly llama willing to take a picture with you, or it could just spit at you. Who knows!

Unlike our previous two entries onto this list, you won’t need a visa to visit Peru, so perhaps you should make this your first stop on your travels along with this next entry

Chichen Itza (Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico)

While this isn’t the only pyramid on our list (this is called foreshadowing, kiddos), it’s certainly the most intact pyramid here. Built by the Mayans sometime between 600 and 1200 AD, the structure serves as a reminder that triangles are every ancient civilization’s favorite shape. Unlike our previous entry, Chichen Itza was a city and probably the largest of it’s kind back in the heyday of the Mayan Civilization.

Chichen Itza (Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico)

Not unlike our previous entry, these ancient ruins were lost and then rediscovered. Pictured above is a photo of the ruins being consumed by nature. Being located in Mexico means that flights from the USA will be vastly more inexpensive than flights to any of the other countries listed here today. You also won’t need a visa to enter Mexico which makes travel to the country pretty easy for us here in the USA. Not to mention that if you live in the southern United States, it’s totally possible for you to drive there

The Roman Colosseum (Rome) – No visa

Here to complete the holy triangle of countries with wonders that don’t require a visa is the Roman Colosseum in… drum roll please… Rome, Italy! Colosseums were one of the Roman Empires selling points, they built throughout the empire to provide entertainment to their citizens. Who could protest the often cruel nature of the Roman Republic/Empire (depending on the century) when you’ve got a deathmatch to catch on your way back from the forum? No one, that’s who.

On display here, one can see the meticulous use of arches by the Romans. While we take the arch for granted nowadays, the Romans were among the first to pioneer the usage of this structurally sound method of construction. The structure is large enough to fit 50,000 people in it, which would’ve made for quite the gathering some 2,000 years ago. The colosseum is even so large that the arena basin was sometimes filled with water so that ship battles could be waged within the colosseum walls. The only thing better than going to Italy to see the Colosseum is the fact that you’ve just paid for a flight to Italy– And hey, looks like you’ll get to see the rest of Rome! What a steal.

Taj Mahal (Agra, India)

The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum originally built in 17th century India by the then ruler of the Mughal Empire, Shah Jahan. The structure was built in honor of Shah Jahan’s favorite wife, Mumtaz Muhal, her body as well as the body of Shah Jahan are both entombed within the Taj Mahal. A popular theory suggest that there was supposed to be a similar building opposite to the Taj Mahal which mirrored it’s ivory white with stark blacks. This black duplicate of the Taj Mahal would have served as Shah Jahan’s personal tomb. This theory has gone largely unproven and survives today mostly as a tale told to enhance the ambience of seeing the lone Taj Mahal.

Like with China or Brazil, you’ll need a visa to go to India. If you aren’t staying for more than 4 months you can actually apply for an Indian E-Visa, which is doable completely online. It’s important to note this must be done prior to your arrival in India. If you plan on making more than one trip or if you’ve plan to spend more than 4 months in India on any given stay you’ll have to apply for a normal Indian visa. This application process may be daunting like the others, but it’s doable. If you’d like help with your application process, we can actually help with that! Visit Visaservicedepartment.com and start your application today.

Petra (Jordan)

The Petra, capital of an ancient Nabataean civilization in Jordan
Located in Jordan and once the capital of the ancient Nabataean civilization, the Petra is a dazzling city carved into sandstone hills. The Nabataean people were a nomadic group of traders who prized Petra for its central location relative to the trade routes of their ancient time. Originally built around 312 BC, the city went on to be conquered by the Roman Empire and was eventually completely abandoned in 800 AD. That didn’t stop people from attempting to plunder the city… Even when there’s nothing to plunder. Solid stone urns can be found at Petra, covered in bullet holes from desert bandits and thieves who may have believed that these stone urns actually contained treasure of some kind.

While you can’t loot and plunder this once great city, you can visit it and take excellent selfies with it’s hillside facade. You’ll need a visa to enter Jordan, but unlike some of the other locations on this list, you can apply for the visa when you arrive in Jordan. You just need to make sure that your passport has pages available for the visa once you arrive.

HONORABLE MENTION – THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZA

The pyramids of Giza, set against the gorgeous Egyptian dusk
While not officially one of the 7 New Wonders of the World, the Pyramids of Giza gets an honorable mention because… Well… They’re THE pyramids. When most people think of Egypt, the pyramids are the first thing that comes to their mind. And rightfully so, these monuments have stood for thousands of years, echoing the accomplishments of a civilization long fallen into our modern era. This ancient wonder gets bonus points for being the only remaining ancient wonder of the world– surprising considering that the pyramids are about two thousand years older than the other six ancient wonders of the world.

Awe-inspiring tetrahedrons aside, you’ll need an Egyptian visa to actually go see the pyramids. Like the other visas mentioned on this list, we can help get your Egyptian visa sorted. These visas typically take around 8-10 business days to process and require that you have a roundtrip flight itinerary that shows you entering and exiting Egypt. The process is nowhere near as complicated as some of the other visas on this list, so don’t stress too much over this one.

That’s it! 7 Wonders and an honorable mention that probably should be somewhere on the actual list– My own personal opinions aside, what do you think about the list? Give it a share and let people know what you think

Explore The Asian Ethnicity With A China Visa From USA

Amidst the struggles of day to day life to earn a livable wage, an average American life is undoubtedly a rat race that can wear an individual very thin. If a person’s life is comprised of balancing all of their activities such as eating well, living comfortably, buying clothing, insurance, saving money, buying a house, fitness and participating in sports, education, travel, and entertainment, that is what we can call a healthy life. Lifestyle experts believe that none of these elements should be absent for a healthy life, nor should the ratio be weighted too heavily too much toward any one activity. However, it is alright for one area or another to take precedence depending on that area’s significance to the individual’s life at the time. After all, we only live once so we should be sure to experience life to the fullest! Although money is a key factor to a happy life, annual income is not the only thing necessary to achieve maximum happiness.