How to Apply for a Visa to China: Do's and Don'ts

Update – September 22, 2011: This post has now been reposted with images intact at this permalink on our new website.

DON'T try to express your interest in China by doing an impression of Kung Fu Panda while singing "Kung Fu Fighting."

What's cute in a cartoon will get you creamed in a consulate.

DO allow China International Travel CA to save those of you who live in the San Francisco consulate's jurisdiction a lot of time and trouble for a modest service fee: $10 if you're joining one of our tours; $20 for everyone else. We've helped many, many clients with their visas, and we can ensure that everything will go smoothly. We'll be glad to answer any questions you have about the application, submit and pick up everything for you, and make sure your freshly stamped passport gets back to you safe and sound with its "new visa smell" intact. All of our contact info can be found here.

DON'T talk loudly while waiting in line about how much you like Sharon Stone. She's not exactly popular over there.

Insulting the victims of a natural disaster: not Sharon's best career move.

DO make sure you go to the right consulate, depending on where you live. Consulates can only issue visas to people living in their jurisdiction.

DON'T stage a "laugh mob" in the consulate lobby in a misguided attempt to create good vibes and brighten everyone's day.

Laughter may be the best medicine, but an overdose might kill your chances of getting a visa.

DO check the links on our Booking page to make sure you have updated information from the consulate website about everything you need to apply.

DON'T try to give yourself "Chinese cred" by rocking a Fu Manchu look. To someone from China, it doesn't project the coolness you might think it does.

"Yellow peril" stereotypes are not the way to make a good impression at the Chinese consulate.

DO apply for a twelve-month multiple-entry visa, since it costs the same as a single-entry visa for U.S. citizens anyway. You never know—if you take one of our tours, you might find yourself traveling to China again very soon.

Although you can request same-day service if you're in a desperate situation (but check with your local consulate to be sure), DON'T wait until the day before your trip to apply for your visa. You never know when your application might be held up for some unforeseeable reason.

DO make sure your passport has six months of validity remaining and at least one blank visa page when you apply.

DON'T look scary...or try too hard not to look scary. Just play it cool and natural, man. Or if that's too difficult, just let the professionals at CIT handle it for you.

Who is less likely to be granted a visa: a victim of demonic possession, or Stuart Smalley?