Planning travel from Alabama to China and need a long-term visa? Applying through the correct office is important. Alabama residents are under the jurisdiction of the Chinese Embassy Visa Office in Washington, D.C.
The Embassy does not normally accept direct mail-in applications from applicants. You must either appear in person in Washington, D.C., or use an authorized professional visa service that submits and picks up the passport in person.
Visit China Visa Center provides a simple mail-in solution for Alabama residents. We help prepare the application, review documents, submit the passport to the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., pick up the completed passport, and return it securely.
You may request a 10-year, multiple-entry China visa for tourism, business, family visits, or other approved purposes.
Processing target: 5-12 business days total, including consular processing.
Regular service: 9-12 business days. Service fee: $155. Consulate fee: $140. FedEx 2-day return shipping: $15.
Expedite service: 5-8 business days. Service fee: $230. Consulate fee: $165. FedEx Overnight return shipping: $45.
All fees included. No hidden fees. 100% refund guarantee if the visa is not granted.
Start your China visa order or complete the China visa Short Form.
For most Alabama applicants, the most common choices are:
You may request:
- 120-month validity
- Multiple entries
- Usually up to 90 days per visit for L or M applications
- Up to 180 days per visit for Q2 applications, when approved
Important Note: You can request a 10-year multiple-entry visa, but the Chinese consular officer makes the final decision. The approved validity, number of entries, and permitted stay may be different from your request.
Which Chinese Consulate Handles Alabama?
Alabama is under the jurisdiction of the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The Embassy assumed responsibility for visa applications from states previously associated with the Houston consular jurisdiction. Alabama applicants must select and submit through the Embassy Visa Office in Washington, D.C.
Your application should be filed according to your current residence. Your departure airport, employer location, or planned travel route does not change the correct jurisdiction.
Review the latest official Chinese Embassy visa information before submitting. Visa procedures, fees, office schedules, and document requirements can change.
Can Alabama Residents Mail A Visa Directly To Washington, D.C.?
No. The Chinese Embassy does not normally accept direct mail-in visa applications from individual applicants.
Applicants generally must appear in person or use an authorized agent. This means Alabama residents have two choices:
- Travel to Washington, D.C. and submit the application personally.
- Send the passport and documents to a professional visa service like Visit China Visa Center. We submit and pick up the passport in person for you.
When you use Visit China Visa Center service, you mail your passport to our processing office, not directly to the Embassy. We review your materials, complete the COVA application process, coordinate submission, and arrange Embassy pickup.
Please Note: A package mailed directly to the Embassy may be rejected, returned, or delayed. Use an authorized agent if you do not want to travel to Washington, D.C.
Full 5-12 Day Mail-In Service Process
Step 1: Place Your Order And Complete The Short Form
Place your order online and complete the China visa Short Form. We will review your information and provide instructions for sending your passport and documents.
Our service includes:
- COVA form-filling assistance
- Document review
- Free consultation
- China visa photo assistance
- Printing assistance
- Washington, D.C. Embassy submission
- Passport pickup
- Secure return shipping
- Processing status guidance
Low Service Fee start with $155. Fast Turnaround. No Stress.
Step 2: Mail Your Passport And Documents
After ordering, send your original passport and supporting documents to the address provided by Visit China Visa Center.
Prepare your package carefully:
- Use trackable shipping.
- Keep your shipping receipt.
- Do not mail your passport directly to the Chinese Embassy.
- Send complete and accurate documents.
- Notify us if you have prior Chinese nationality, a previous Chinese passport, military service, or other special circumstances.
Your original passport is required for the visa sticker. We cannot complete the final visa issuance without it.
Step 3: We Submits The Passport In Washington, D.C.
After we receive your passport and complete documents, We prepares the application for in-person submission at the Chinese Embassy Visa Office in Washington, D.C.
The submission normally includes:
- Original passport
- Printed COVA application Confirmation page
- Other Support Documents request by Embassy
Step 4: We Pick Up And Return Your Passport
After Embassy processing, We picks up your passport and return it to you with secure, trackable shipping.
Total processing target: 5-12 business days after we receive your complete documents and passport.
Regular service generally takes 9-12 business days. Processing may take longer because of missing documents, holidays, interviews, additional review, security checks, or requests from the Embassy.
Documents For A 10-Year L Tourist Visa
Alabama residents applying for tourism should prepare:
- Valid U.S. passport
- At least two blank visa pages
- Passport information page
- Proof of Alabama residence
- Recent China visa photo
- Previous China visa copy, if applicable
- Former Chinese passport and naturalization documents, if applicable
- Additional documents requested after application review
For many U.S. tourist visa applicants, flight tickets, hotel reservations, itinerary, and invitation letters may not be required under current simplified tourist visa procedures.
Documents For A 10-Year M Business Visa
Alabama business travelers should prepare:
- Valid U.S. passport
- At least two blank visa pages
- Passport information page
- Proof of Alabama residence
- Recent China visa photo
- Chinese business invitation letter
- Previous China visa copies, if applicable
- Additional employment or company documents when requested
The business invitation letter should clearly explain:
- Applicant name and passport information
- Chinese company or organization name
- Inviting party address and phone number
- Purpose of the business visit
- Planned dates and cities
- Number of requested entries
- Relationship between applicant and inviting company
- Financial responsibility
- Contact information
- Inviting company stamp
Why Use An All-Inclusive Service?
Applying through the Washington, D.C. Embassy can be difficult when you live in Alabama. You must complete the online application correctly, prepare the documents, submit the original passport in person, wait for processing, and collect the passport after approval.
Visit China Visa Center provides:
- All-inclusive China visa service
- All visa types
- 5-12 business day processing target
- No hidden fees
- COVA form-filling
- Free consultation
- Photo assistance
- Printing assistance
- Document review
- Washington, D.C. Embassy submission and pickup
- Secure return shipping
- 100% refund guarantee if the visa is not granted
All fees are explained before processing. You remain responsible for providing true, complete information and valid documents. We cannot control the Embassy decision, an interview request, holiday closure, additional security review, or processing delay.
Important Notes For Alabama Applicants
- Do not mail your application directly to the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. Individual applicants normally must appear in person or use an authorized agent.
- The 5-12 day timeline starts after we receive your complete documents and passport. Shipping time to our office is separate. Missing information can extend processing.
- A 10-year visa is not guaranteed. You may request 120-month multiple entry, but the Embassy makes the final decision.
- Check passport validity before ordering. A passport with less than one year remaining validity may not qualify for a 10-year visa. At least two blank visa pages are required.
- Use the correct visa category. L is for tourism. M is for business. Q2 is for family visit. X is for study. Z is for work. R is for approved talent applications.
- Provide proof of Alabama residence. A driver license, utility bill, or bank statement may be used when accepted.
- Notify us about special circumstances, including prior Chinese nationality, a previous Chinese passport, military service, government employment, nonprofit employment, criminal records, or travel to certain countries.
- Check the latest official requirements from the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. before submitting.
how to Start :
Place your China visa order or complete the China visa Short Form.
For questions, call 202-202-2888 or email service@visitchinavisa.com.
Important Disclaimer
Visit China Visa Center is a private visa application assistance and courier service. We are not a government agency, law firm, or representative of the Chinese government.
Processing times, visa requirements, fees, and eligibility rules are subject to change and remain under the control of the Chinese embassy or consulate.
All visa decisions are made solely by the appropriate Chinese embassy or consulate.
Our service fees are separate from official government visa fees.
For the latest official requirements, applicants should always refer to the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for their jurisdiction.
