How long does it take to apply for a visa?

It usually takes about a month to apply for a visa and passport. It generally takes about ten working days for Chinese citizens to apply for an ordinary passport for overseas travel. For urgent matters, it takes about five working days to process a passport. Applicants can collect their passports in advance as much as possible through online appointment application, express delivery, etc. Only with a passport can you apply for a visa to go abroad. The normal time limit for visa processing is 15 working days.

The tourist visa application process is as follows:

1. First, go to the entry-exit reception hall of the Public Security Bureau where your household registration is located to apply for a passport. Go to the police station where you are registered to obtain a certificate of no criminal record. Anyone who wants to go abroad needs to do this because it is difficult to go through the procedures for going abroad if you have a criminal record;

2. Then go to a travel agency to inquire about information about going abroad, because there are many visas for going abroad, and you need to know specifically what kind of visa you want. .

3. Go to the embassy or consulate of the country you want to enter in China or the designated visa agency to collect the travel application form and prepare the corresponding materials. The consulate will usually issue the visa within 10 working days.

Legal basis: Article 9 of the "Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China"

Chinese citizens shall apply for a passport or other travel documents in accordance with the law when entering or exiting the country. Chinese citizens traveling to other countries or regions also need to obtain a visa or other entry permit from the country of destination. However, this does not apply unless the Chinese government has signed a mutual visa exemption agreement with the governments of other countries or if the Ministry of Public Security or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides otherwise. Chinese citizens who enter or exit the country as seafarers or work on foreign ships must apply for a seafarer's certificate in accordance with the law.