(CTD) China Travel Document

2025 Update: Guide for Processing and Checklist  for Apply China Travel Document（旅行证）in US

2025 Update: If parent 1  is a U.S. citizen and the parent 2 holds a U.S. 10 year no condition permanent residence card, and the child is born in China, the child is eligible to apply for a Chinese Travel Document. This allows the child to retain both Chinese and U.S. nationalities

Visit China Visa Center provides expedited All-inclusive services for processing China Travel Documents. If you wish to apply by yourself, you can refer to the guidelines below. All information is sourced from the China embassy website; specific cases should adhere to the requirements of the consulate or embassy.

---

Special Reminders:

1. If the applicant has previously obtained a China Travel Document or a China Exit-Entry Permit, You can continue apply a new  China Travel Document for your whole life.
2. If the applicant has obtained a Chinese visa in the past, then you are not considered a Chinese national and should continue to apply for a Chinese visa to enter China.
3.  If a Chinese-American applicant born in the U.S. has previously applied for a visa or travel document but can no longer find the original or a copy, please prepare the documents as if applying for the first time.
4. If the applicant has obtained a China Travel Document or an Exit-Entry Permit, they are deemed to hold Chinese nationality. If they decide to forgo a China Travel Document and instead apply for a Chinese visa, they must first obtain a China travel document, use it enter China, and apply for  nationality renunciation at the local immigration authority. After obtaining the original renunciation certificate, they can return to the U.S. to apply for a Chinese visa.

As China Travel Documents are issued to individuals holding Chinese nationality, so first thing : you need Confirm whether your U.S.-born child had Chinese nationality:

---

1. Chinese Nationals Born in China

According to Article 4 of the China Nationality Law:

• If one or both parents are Chinese citizens, and the child is born in China, the child automatically holds Chinese nationality.

2. Chinese Nationals Born Abroad

According to Article 5 of the China Nationality Law:

• If one or both parents are Chinese citizens, and the child is born abroad, the child holds Chinese nationality unless both or one of parents are permanent residents abroad at the time of birth.

---

Parents’ Immigration Status at the Time of the Child’s Birth:

Scenario	Parent 1	Parent 2	Child should Apply
1	Chinese citizen (no green card)	Chinese citizen (no green card)	China Travel Document
2	Chinese citizen (no green card)	U.S. citizen	China Travel Document
3	Chinese citizen (temporary 2-year green card or with 48 months extension)	U.S. citizen	China Travel Document
4	Chinese citizen (permanent green card)	Chinese citizen (no green card)	Chinese visa
5	Chinese citizen (permanent green card)	Chinese citizen (permanent green card)	Chinese visa
6	Chinese citizen (permanent green card)	U.S. citizen	Chinese visa
7	U.S. citizens	U.S. citizen	Chinese visa

Note:

• The same situation also  applies that Parents with Canada immigration status.
• If either parent holds permanent residency with other country (NO-U.S. or NO-Canada) , the child generally requires a visa to travel to China.

---

Step 2: Applying for a Travel Document

If you decide to handle the process yourself, you can follow these steps :

1. Download and Register the “Chinese Consular”（中国领事） App

• Available in app stores or Play store or via QR code.
• Register with a Email or Cell phone number.

  

2. Application Steps

1. Information Submission:
   • Select “Passport/Travel Document” in the app.
   • Fill in personal details, sign required declarations, and upload documents, including the old travel document or passport.
2. Order Submission:
   • Track progress via “My Orders” or “Messages.” in APP
3. Video Interview:
   • After the First review approved, the system status will change to “Video Interview Appointment. Please Schedule and attend a video call for verification.
4. Mailing Materials:
   • After pass the  video interview, the system status will change to “waiting for second verification” , Now you can mail required documents (e.g., old travel document, photos, return envelope) to the designated consulate.
5. Fee Payment:
   • Pay $23 via the app or send a money order with the mailed materials.

---

For further questions or assistance, feel free to contact us at 202 202 2888, thanks.