The two great powers, Russia and China, are bound not only by one border, but also by close partnership relations. Thanks to this and interesting historical heritage, residents of both states often make trips to their neighbors. Since all are accustomed to the fact that Russia and its closest countries have an agreement on a visa-free regime, not everyone knows whether Russians need a visa to enter China.
As soon as you planned a trip to the Middle Kingdom, you need to learn how to apply for a visa to China .
Documents for a visa to China
Registration of a national Chinese visa to visit this country is much easier than obtaining a Schengen visa, because the consulate will only need to provide:
- Passport . A mandatory condition is its validity period - six months after the end of the trip.
- Color photo . Its size should be 3 cm by 4 cm.
- Consular questionnaire . It can be filled out directly when applying for a visa.
- Confirmation of the purpose of the trip . The list of required documents depends on what type of visa you want to open.
- Travel tickets .
- Insurance policy . But it is necessary to take into account that the amount of medical insurance for a visa to China must be at least $ 15,000.
If minors have their own passports, they must provide the same package of documents as adults, and open a separate visa. In cases when they are inscribed in their parents' passports, they will only need a fresh photo, a birth certificate and a completed questionnaire.
But there are exceptions. For a trip to Hong Kong, Russians are not required to issue any entry documents if the period of stay is not more than 2 weeks. The island of Hainan can be reached by a simplified system. You will be issued a visa for 15 days right at the airport of Sanya. And to visit Tibet, you will also need a special permit, which is given only for groups of more than 5 people.
Types of visas to China for the purpose of travel:
- tourist;
- working;
- transit;
- business;
- educational;
- for medical treatment.
Types of visas to China on the frequency of travel:
- single entry;
- double entry;
- multiple.
Each of them, after submitting all the necessary documents, is done within a week. But, if you are not comfortable, how long it takes to get a visa to China, then you can get it before. To do this, you will have to pay in addition to the principal amount of the consular fee an additional fee for urgency.
Cost of visa in China
If you do this on your own, you will pay 1500 r for each single entry permit. Multiple costs the same 4500r. For an urgent visa to China will have to add 2100r (manufacturing for 1 day) or 900 r (from 3 to 5 days). With the cost of paying for the services of intermediaries, you will need an ordinary visa approximately 2 times more expensive, that is 3000r.
Where can I make a visa to China?
A separate visa for one tourist can be issued only in the representative offices of the People's Republic of China, located in major cities of Russia: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, as well as in tourist companies that organize tours around China.
It became very convenient to do group visas (from 5 people). They can be issued upon arrival at the airport of the following major cities: Urumqi, Beijing, Sanya. The cost of such a service will be from $ 100-180, depending on the type of visa.
If you fly through China, you will not need to issue a visa if you stay in the country for less than 24 hours. In this case, you can even go to the city, but its limits can not be left.
For residents of the regions of Russia, which are directly on the border of these countries, there is a simplified procedure for issuing documents at land checkpoints.