China, with its rich culture and diverse landscapes, attracts many tourists and business partners every year. However, to visit this exciting country, Russian citizens generally require a visa. In this article, we'll look at what's important to know about China's visa requirements in 2023.
1. Do I need a visa to China 2023?
Most Russian tourists require a visa to visit China. However, there are exceptions:
Macau: You can visit Macau for up to 30 days without a visa.
Hong Kong: Hong Kong allows a stay of up to 14 days without a visa.
Other destinations: There are specific conditions for some destinations, for example, Hainan allows up to 30 days of visiting as part of an organized tour group, and Shanghai provides exceptions for cruise ship passengers.
However, in most cases, you will need to apply for a visa to visit China. To do this, you will need to contact the China visa center located in Moscow.
2. Cost and visa application process:
The cost of a China visa may vary depending on the type of visa and the processing time. For example, standard processing usually costs 29,000 rubles, but urgent processing for upcoming dates can cost 12,000 rubles.
You can apply for a visa yourself by making an appointment at a visa center, or use the services of an agency to help you with the process. By contacting the agency, your documents will be submitted out of turn and your visa will be ready within 14 days.
If you prefer to submit documents in person, the cost of the agency service will be 12,000 rubles.
3. Required documents:
To apply for a China visa, you will need the following documents:
Civil passport with copies of pages containing personal data and registration.
A valid foreign passport of a new (biometric) or old type with two blank pages for pasting a visa and free space for printing entry and exit stamps.
Completed visa application form.
Confirmation of your trip, such as tickets, hotel check-in or invitation from relatives living in China.
Bank account statement with data on account movements for the last 6 months. Account funds must be at least $3,000 at the time of application.
Medical insurance valid throughout China.
A photo for a visa that meets the standards (35x45 mm, color photo, white background, etc.).
A document confirming official employment, such as a certificate from work or study, with the signatures of the manager and seals.
Copies of pages of a foreign passport with stamps about visiting China, if available.
4. Types of visas:
There are several types of visas in China, including tourist visas, business visas, work visas, student visas and transit visas. Each type of visa has its own unique requirements and package of documents.
5. Rules for entry into China for Russians in 2023:
At the time of writing, tourist travel to China is permitted. However, it is worth keeping the following in mind:
Hong Kong allows a stay of up to 14 days without a visa.
Macau allows a stay of up to 30 days without a visa.
Hainan allows visits of up to 30 days as part of an organized tour group.
Transit with a stay of up to 6 days is allowed in several cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, and others.
Transit stays of up to 72 hours are permitted in some other cities.
All other types of travel to China, including tourism and business, require a visa.
Conclusion:
Visa rules and requirements are subject to change, so it is important to check with official sources for the latest information before planning a trip to China. Prepare in advance, collect the necessary documents and follow the rules to ensure that your trip to China in 2023 is smooth and hassle-free.
