Aloha! Hawaii residents apply for a 10-year multiple-entry Chinese visa full guide 2025

1. Consular Jurisdiction: Where to Apply for Your Chinese Visa

Jurisdiction: Hawaii residents who wish to apply for a visa to visit China must submit their Chinese visa applications to the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles, which is responsible for Hawaii’s visa processing jurisdiction.

Hawaii is far from the U.S. mainland, so the time and cost for residents to travel to Los Angeles to apply for a China visa are quite high. As a result, the vast majority of Hawaii residents choose reputable agencies like Visit China Visa Center when applying for a 10-year China visa, submitting their passports and application materials by mail to avoid traveling to Los Angeles in person.

The residence in major cities such as Honolulu, Hilo, Pearl City, Waipahu, Kailua, Kaneohe, Kahului and all Hawaii island residences will apply for their Chinese visa through the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles. Please refer to latest jurisdiction adjustment.

Embassy/ConsulateJurisdiction
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 YorkConnecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Rhode Island
Consulate-General of China in San FranciscoNorthern California, Alaska, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming
Consulate-General of China in Los AngelesSouthern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Hawaii, Pacific Islands
Consulate-General of China in ChicagoIllinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota

Visa types eligible for 10 years:

  • Tourist Visa (L): 10 year multiple 90 days
  • Business Visa (M) 10 year multiple 90 days
  • Short-Term Family Visit Visa (Q2) :10 year multiple 180 days
  • Private Affairs Visa (S2) :10 year multiple 180 days
  • High-Level Talent Visa (R) :10 year multiple 180 days

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.

Important: Online submission does not complete your application—you must physically submit passport and printed documents to Chinese Consulate or hire agencies like Visit China Visa Center to to handle your application.

Note: If you use the services of Visit China Visa Center, you can enjoy expedited processing with visa approval in 3-5 business days from this point.

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. If you
    • 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.
  • COVA: Signed China online visa application form .

Note: till now, If you are applying for a tourist visa, like most applicants, your China visa documents are already ready for submit, unless you meet the conditions below that require additional documents:

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):

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Government or non-profit employees: Provide an employer letter.
  5. Former military service: Please contact us for a template and submit a military service statement.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.

  1. Complete your application online and prepare all required documents.
  2. Submit the hard copies in person at the Visa Office; applications by mail are not accepted.
  3. 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.

Visa Office of the Chinese Consulate-General in Los Angeles:
3rd Floor, 500 Shatto Place, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Office Hours:
Monday to Friday (except holidays): 9:00am—3:00pm

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 August 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 Chinese Consulate-General in Los Angeles 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. 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

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