Planning a trip to China from San Antonio – Texas? If you live in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas or Puerto Rico once under the former Houston Chinese Consulate’s jurisdiction, you may be wondering: Where do I apply for a China visa now? Since the Houston Consulate closed in 2020, all applications are processed through other Chinese consulates in the United States.
Why You Can’t Apply Locally in Texas
The Chinese Consulate-General in Houston was closed in late July 2020. Since then, all consular services originally handled by the Houston Consulate—including China visa applications, Chinese passports, notarization, and authentication—have been taken over by the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., That means completing the process from Texas involves either traveling to Washington DC or using a trusted courier service like Visit China Visa Center to submit your documentation on your behalf.
This step-by-step guide explains the 6 easy steps U.S. citizens in the San Antonio can follow to successfully apply for a China visa in 2025.
1. Confirm Your Jurisdiction
Before applying, please refer to our latest consular jurisdiction adjustment guide.
Residents in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, Corpus Christi, Arlington or other city of Texas will apply for your China visa through the China embassy in Washington DC.
- Houston: The largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest in the U.S., Houston is a major economic hub, particularly in the energy sector, including oil and gas. It is also known for its diverse population and thriving arts scene.
- San Antonio: Famous for the Alamo and its rich history, San Antonio is the second-most populous city in Texas. It has a strong tourism industry and is known for its vibrant culture and festivals.
- Dallas: A major economic center, Dallas is known for its corporate headquarters, technology, and finance sectors. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S.
- Austin: The capital of Texas, Austin is known for its music scene, tech industry, and as a hub for startups. It has a reputation for being a progressive city with a strong emphasis on culture and education.
- Fort Worth: Part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Fort Worth has a rich history tied to the cattle industry and is known for its Western culture, museums, and vibrant arts scene.
- El Paso: Located on the U.S.-Mexico border, El Paso has a significant Hispanic population and is important for cross-border trade and cultural exchange.
- Corpus Christi: A coastal city known for its beaches and as a key port, Corpus Christi plays an important role in the oil and gas industry as well as tourism.
- Arlington: Known for its entertainment options, including the AT&T Stadium (home of the Dallas Cowboys) and Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
| Embassy/Consulate | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| Embassy of China in the United States (Washington, D.C.) | District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Delaware |
| Embassy of China Also covers the former Houston Consulate jurisdiction) | Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, Puerto Rico |
| Consulate-General of China in New York | Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Rhode Island |
| Consulate-General of China in San Francisco | Northern California, Alaska, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming |
| Consulate-General of China in Los Angeles | Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Hawaii, Pacific Islands |
| Consulate-General of China in Chicago | Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota |
2. Complete the China Online Application Form (COVA)
- Follow our step-by-step guide to fill out the China Visa Application Form (COVA) online.
- After completing the form, Download and print the full set of COVA forms (8–9 pages) and sign both the Confirmation Page and Section 9.1 on page 7.
- Applications that do not prepare correctly will not be accepted.
3. Prepare Your Required Documents
Required documents may vary depending on your visa type. Refer to our visa section for the latest document checklist for your specific visa category.
Important Note:
As of January 1, 2024, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in the United States have simplified required documents for China visa applications. U.S.-based applicants no longer need to submit round-trip air tickets, hotel reservations, and itineraries; An invitation letter is also not required for a tourist visa .
However, if you opt for express service, some consulates may still require a flight reservation to China within one week.
Basic documents required for most applicants:
- Valid Passport: At least 6 months’ validity with at least two blank “visa” pages.
- Note: For U.S. passport holders, if the passport’s validity is less than one year, the consulate will not issue a 10-year multiple-entry visa. In most cases, a 6-month double-entry visa will be issued instead.
- COVA-Chinese online visa Application form(Signed)
- Copy of Passport Information Page
- Proof of U.S. Residency: (e.g., photocopy of a driver’s license, utility bill, or bank statement). For minors, provide one parent’s proof of residence.
- Where You Stay Form: Download, fill out, and sign this form by hand.
Invitation letter by visa type:
- Tourist Visa (L): No invitation letter required.
- Family Visit (Q1/Q2/S1/S2): Invitation letter and a copy of the inviter’s ID required. For Q1 and S1, original documents are also needed; please consult our visa experts for details.
- Business/Study/Work/Exchange/High-Talent Visas (M/F/Z/X/R): Invitation letter from the Chinese company/institution is required.
Supplementary documents (as applicable):
- Previous Chinese visas: If available, provide a photocopy. If on a previous passport, include a copy of that passport. If lost, contact us for a template and provide a visa loss statement.
- Evidence of legal stay in the U.S.: Foreign nationals may provide a photocopy of a green card or visa or I-20 or I-94.
- For applicants formerly of Chinese nationality: If this is your first Chinese visa after naturalization, provide two copies of the Chinese passport bio page, a copy of your naturalization certificate, and the last physical Chinese passport.
- Government or non-profit employees: Provide an employer letter.
- Former military service: Please contact us for a template and submit a military service statement.
- Recent travel to specific countries: If you have visited Afghanistan, Cameroon, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Nigeria, Tunisia, Turkey, or Syria in the past 12 months, contact us for a template and provide a travel history record.
- U.S. citizens born in specific countries: (Afghanistan, Cameroon, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Nigeria, Tunisia, Turkey, or Syria) must provide a travel history record. An in-person interview may be required.
- NGO or NPO employees: Submit both an employer letter and a personal statement.
4. Submit Your Application In Person
Note: As of October 23, 2023, appointments are not required for Chinese visa applications in the U.S.
- Complete your application online and prepare all required documents.
- Submit the hard copies in person at the Visa Office; applications by mail are not accepted.
- If you cannot apply in person, you may authorize a trusted agency or expediting service such as VisitChinaVisa.com to handle your application.
Chinese Embassy’s visa section located at 2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 110, Washington, D.C. 20007 for visa services, not the main embassy building. The visa office is separate from the main embassy building.
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday (except holidays): 9:30am—2:30pm
5. Processing Time
- Regular Service: 4 working days
- Express Service: 3 working days (for urgent situations)
Note: Processing times are average estimates. Some applications may require additional time. The pick-up date may not be confirmed until notified by the Visa Office.
6. Pay the Visa Fee and Collect Your Visa
- Return to the Visa Office on your assigned pick-up date with your pick-up receipt.
- Upon receiving your visa, verify that all information is correct. If you spot any errors, notify the staff immediately to avoid future inconvenience.
- Accepted payment methods: MasterCard, Visa, money order, or cashier’s check.
This guide is current as of Sep 2025 and reflects the latest procedures and document requirements for China visa applicants at China embassy in Washington DC.
Tip:
Applying for a China visa at the San Antonio – Texas is straightforward if you’re prepared. Following these steps carefully will help ensure a smooth process and minimize delays in your travel plans.
If you are unable to apply in person, pressed for time, or prefer to avoid paperwork, you may use a trusted agency or expediting service like VisitChinaVisa.com. Once your documents are received, your visa will typically be issued within 3–5 business days.
China Visa in San Antonio FAQs
Q:Do i need submit a paper photo?
A: No, as long as you successfully upload a digital photo when filling out the COVA application form, a paper photo is not required.
Q: Do I need to make an appointment?
A: Not for applications in the US. Starting from October 23, 2023, appointments are no longer needed for in-person Chinese visa applications in the U.S. You can simply walk in.
Q: How long does it take?
A: Standard processing: 4 business days. Expedited service (2–3 business days) available at additional cost.
Q: What is the visa fee for U.S. citizens?
A: Fees vary by nationality and type. For U.S. citizens, China visa fee costs $140.
Q: Can I get a 10-year visa?
A: Under the U.S.–China agreement, most Q2 (family), L (tourist), M (business), and R (talent) visas for U.S. citizens are issued for 10 years multiple-entry, each stay 90–180 days. Final approval is at the discretion of the consulate officer.
Q: Do I need an agency?
A: You can apply on your own. However, if you’re busy or unfamiliar with the process, a professional service like Visit China Visa Center can save time and avoid costly mistakes.
To See Why Other Applicants Choose Visit China Visa Center:
- Full Refund Guarantee – If your visa is not approved, you pay nothing.
- Nationwide Service – Serve you anywhere in the U.S.
- Fast Turnaround – As quick as 3–5 business days.
- Professional Review – Avoid mistakes and delays.
- Step-by-Step Guidance – Clear instructions and support.
- Trusted by Thousands – Excellent customer reviews.
- Secure Shipping – Trackable passport with Visa return.
📞 Call: 202-202-2888
📧 Email: service@visitchinavisa.com
✨ Wishing you a smooth visa application and a wonderful trip to China!