With the closure of the Chinese Consulate in Houston, many applicants are wondering where and how to apply for a Chinese visa. This guide explains where and how to apply for a Chinese visa in 2025.
The New Consular Jurisdiction: Where to Apply for Your Chinese Visa
Since the Chinese Consulate in Houston was permanently closed in July 2020, residents in Texas and surrounding states must now submit their visa applications through the Chinese Embassy visa section in Washington, D.C., which handles all formerly Houston jurisdiction areas, This means that residents of the following states, who were previously served by the Houston consulate, must now apply for their Chinese visa through the Chinese Embassy visa section in D.C.:
- Texas
- Oklahoma
- Louisiana
- Arkansas
- Mississippi
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Florida
- Puerto Rico
The residence in major cities such as Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, El Paso, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Little Rock, New Orleans, Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Atlanta will apply for their Chinese visa through the Chinese Embassy visa section in D.C. Please refer to latest jurisdiction adjustment.
| 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 guide 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.
- 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
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 Visit China Visa Center to handle your application.
You should go to the 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 July 2025 and reflects the latest procedures and document requirements for Chinese visa applicants at the Washington DC
Tip:
Applying for a China visa at the China Embassy Visa Section in Washington DC is straightforward if you’re prepared. Following these steps carefully , Hope can help you ensure a smooth process and minimize delays in your travel plans.
If you are unable to apply in person, Time is limited, or prefer to avoid paperwork, you may use a trusted agency or expediting service like VisitChinaVisa. Once your documents are received, your visa will typically be issued within 3–5 business days.
7. Why Choose Visit China Visa Center
- Convenient, Nationwide Access
No matter where you are in the U.S., you can mail your documents to us. We handle the legwork with the Chinese consulates so you don’t have to travel. - Fast, Reliable Service
Whether you’re traveling for business, tourism, or family visits, we offer standard and expedited processing options to meet your timeline — often as fast as 3–5 business days after receiving your documents. - Expert Application Review
Our experienced team thoroughly reviews your documents to prevent errors and avoid unnecessary delays, increasing your chance of quick approval. - Clear Guidance at Every Step
We offer clear instructions and dependable support, helping you understand exactly what is needed and answering all your questions promptly. - Trusted by Thousands
Our satisfied clients consistently refer us to friends and family. We’re proud to maintain a strong reputation through quality service and genuine care. - Safe and Secure Shipping
Your passport and visa are returned to you quickly and securely, with tracking and assurance throughout the process.
Visit China Visa Center strive to make your China visa application process as smooth, secure, and stress-free as possible. Entrust your visa needs to us and experience true peace of mind. If you have any questions about Chinese visas, please feel free to contact us at 202-202-2888 or service@visitchinavisa.com.