Chinese Crew (C) Visa Application Requirements

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Chinese Crew (C ) visa is required for crew members utilizing means of international transportation including: aircraft, trains, ships, and motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities. C visa usually allow multiple entries up to 5 years for US passport holders only. The requirements for a Crew (C) visa are detailed below.

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Do not staple any of the documents together. The Consulate will reject all stapled applications. Paperclips may be used.

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1: Original Passport Plus a Photocopy of the Name Page

• Please include the original passport. The visa will be printed on your passport.
• It is recommended that passports have at least 6 months left before expiration.
• The passport should have at least 2 blank visa pages. Please keep in mind, this does not include the last 3 pages, as those are reserved by the US Department of State.
• If you have previously held a Chinese Visa, please provide a photocopy of previous Chinese visa.
• If previous Chinese visa is on an old passport, photocopy of old passport is required.
• If you have a VALID Chinese visa on an old passport and would like to apply for a new visa, you will need to submit both old and current original passports.
• Non-US passport holders must provide a photocopy of their proof of legal stay in the US. Green card, full copy off I-20 or long term US visa such as: L, H, F, TN. B1/B2 visa will not be eligible. Please do not send original unless the Chinese Consulate specifically request it.

Certain Non-US passport holders cannot apply for a visa through third parties or are blocked entry to China: we recommend to send an email inquiry or wait for Consulate announcements.

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2: Your Visa Application Form

Proceed to cova.mfa.gov.cn

Complete the application online, print it out, and sign it. Do not fill out this application by hand. Do not use digital signatures. All fields must be completed. If a section does not apply to you, type in “None” or “N/A.” Once the form is completed, do not click on continue. Click on Save and provide us with the application number and passport number.

Your application form must be reviewed by us before you submit online. You will not be able to make changes after submitting.

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3: One Recent Passport Photo

• The photo needs to contain your full face on a white background. The photo cannot be older than 6 months.
• Your local drugstore (such as Walgreens or CVS) are great places to get a passport photo taken.
• Please attach the photo to the application with a paperclip. Do not staple.

Please see: Chinese Visa Photo requirements

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4: Address Verification

• Photocopy of driver’s license or state ID
• If you do not have either of the above, you may submit a utility bill

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5: Formal Letter from US Employer

The letter must be on the cruise company letterhead and addressed to the Chinese Consulate.

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6: Photocopy of Employee ID

A clear photocopy of employee ID.

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7: Detailed Cruise Itinerary (Ocean Ship Crew Only)

A detailed day by day itinerary on cruise company letterhead with all ports of call in China circled.

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8: Where You Stay From

• Print and complete the Where You Stay Form: Click Here
• It must be completed and signed by hand. No digital signatures allowed.

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9: Payment

Basic Visa Package or Express Visa Package (Suspended)

You have the option to include your own prepaid label with your application or purchase from our website. Please see Shipping.

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Remarks:

• Please include a copy of order confirmation email with your application.
• If you need to ship back to an international address, please call or email us for quote.