Prepared to go

Immunization, Passport, Visa

CDC Traveler's Health   Immunization is not required for traveling to China. It is for your own protection. Check CDC's health information for travelers to east Asia for further information. Note immunization takes time to develop protection. Get your immunization boosters at least two weeks before your travel date.

Passport  You need a valid passport from your home country to travel to China. Your passport will also be your ID if you shop with a credit card. Make sure you have a valid passport with a up-to-date and clear photo.

Visa   An entry visa issued by Chinese government is required for visiting China. If you have heard that you can get a visa after you have arrived China, that program may have been suspended. Make sure you have all the documents you need before your travel to avoid being turned back. You can apply for a visa in person at a Chinese consulate near you. You can also entrust someone else or a travel/visa agent to apply a visa for you. Check the embassy's web site for more information. The regular processing time is 4 working days. For express service, additional fees will be charged.

Click here to find a Chinese embassy in your country.

Click here for travel agents who can help you obtain a visa.

Reservation

Reservation  It is recommended for most travelers to join China tour groups. It will be very time consuming if you want to arrange every leg of your travel by yourself. Select a travel agent that you can trust.

Virtual China Tour

Take a virtual tour, learn China history, geography, language, people, literature, arts, philosophy, religion, and martial Arts.