VisasChina Visas

China Crew Visas

Apply for a China Crew Visa

Avoid long appointments, crowded queues, and complex paperwork with Travel Visa Pro’s fast, expert China crew visa services that streamline submissions.

  • Travel Visa Pro, a licensed expediting service, obtains China crew visas faster and more reliably than self-submitting applicants.
  • China crew visa permits seafarers and airline crew to enter China for official vessel or flight duties.
  • U.S. citizens, including crew members, must obtain a China crew visa before traveling to China; government entry requires it.
20 years in business 1 million+ visas and passports provided 200+ authorized locations Personalized service, no bots
Start Your China Crew Visa Application
Start Your Application
Recent Policy Update:

Important: China Entry Update: All visa holders traveling to China must complete an Arrival Card before arriving. Ask your Order Manager about our $49 Arrival Card Service, and we'll take care of the process for you.

Recent Policy Update:

SPECIAL OFFER: If you have started or have submitted your paperwork on newly launched China Online Visa Application (COVA) system and your application status says “Under Review” or “Passport to be submitted” or "Ready to be collected", please contact us 833-TVP-VISA (887-8472) for special offer.

Get your China Crew visa fast

Emergency
From $1,499.00

+ Gov fee ($165.00)

*for US Citizens

Select 3 Days

Travel Visa Pro is a licensed visa expediting service. Rush availability is subject to consulate capacity and submission deadlines.

Looking for other types of China visas?

Travel Visa Pro assists U.S. travelers and organizations with a range of other China visa types, including tourist, business, work, student, family reunion, transit, and journalist visas, and handles the document review, application submission, and consulate coordination needed to minimize errors and speed processing. As an experienced visa expediting service, the company offers expedited and concierge service tiers that simplify requirements, timing, and supporting documents for each visa category. With more than 20 years in business, over 1 million visas and passports processed, 100+ authorized locations and BBB Accreditation, Travel Visa Pro guides applicants from start to finish; contact Travel Visa Pro to get started.

Business

Short-term business visa for meetings in China. Travel Visa Pro expedites applications and prepares required documents.

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Employment

Longer-term work visa for employment in China, used by foreign hires. Travel Visa Pro assists with forms, timings, and submission.

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Family visit

Visitor visa for family reunions and caregiving in China. Travel Visa Pro helps assemble documents and submit applications quickly.

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Non-Business Visit (F Visa)

F Visa for research, cultural exchange, or academic visits to China. Travel Visa Pro coordinates required paperwork and embassy submissions.

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Student/Study

Student visa for study programs and exchanges in China; Travel Visa Pro verifies documents, schedules appointments, and tracks processing.

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Talent And High Skills (R Visa)

R Visa for highly skilled professionals relocating to China, including talent recruitment. Travel Visa Pro streamlines paperwork and submission.

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Tourist

Tourist visa for leisure travel and short visits to China. Travel Visa Pro speeds processing and ensures documents meet consulate requirements.

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What do you need to get your Crew visa for China?

Get your China Crew visa

Passport

Applicant must submit their current, signed passport. A visa is a stamp or sticker applied to the passport by the Embassy or consulate, therefore the original passport is required. Your passport: must (a) be valid for at least 1 year from the date of issue of the visa, and (b) have at least two blank side-by-side pages designated for “VISAS”, and (c) be in a good condition (i.e no water damage, physical damage, etc.).

Photo Requirement

Applicant must submit one (1) digital, color, passport style photograph (no glasses may be worn). The photos must be recent and generally should not be the same used for the passport itself.

Copy of Driver’s License

Applicant must submit a legible color copy of driver’s license or state issued ID.

For Applicants with Previous or Current Chinese Visas

For applicants who have previously held/hold Chinese visas, the Embassy and consulate asks for copies of previous/current visas. If the previous/current visa is in the current passport there is no action required.

If the visa is in an old passport, please include either the old ORIGINAL passport. If applicant does not have the old passport, applicant may write a letter addressed to the Chinese Embassy explaining why they cannot provide copies of the old visas (such as previous passport lost, stolen, damaged, etc.). Applicant must sign and date the letter.

Former Chinese Nationals

If applicant is former Chinese or Taiwanese citizen, applicant must submit most recent ORIGINAL Chinese passport or proof of previously issued Chinese visa.

China Online Visa Application (COVA)

Travel Visa Pro will complete and submit your China visa application through the China Online Visa Application (COVA) portal for review by the Chinese authorities.

Color Copy of your Passport

Please include color copy of your Passport’s signature and vital information page. If you do not provide one, we will debit your card on file for $5 photocopying fee.

Important Notice: New China Online Visa Application (COVA) System

Effective September 30, 2025, the Government of China has launched a new China Online Visa Application (COVA) system. Applications generated using the old COVA system will no longer be accepted after October 8, 2025.
The new visa application process now consists of two required steps:
1. Online Part: Travel Visa Pro must complete and submit your visa application through the new COVA portal for initial review by the Chinese authorities.
2. Hand-Carry Part: Once your application status changes to “Passport to be submitted,” Travel Visa Pro will personally deliver your passport and documents to the Chinese Consulate.
Please expect major processing delays due to the transition to this new system.
For questions or guidance or if you have immediate trip to China, please contact Travel Visa Pro. @ 833-TVP-VISA (887-8472).

Passport

Applicant must submit their current, signed passport. A visa is a stamp or sticker applied to the passport by the Embassy or consulate, therefore the original passport is required.

Photo Requirement

Applicant must submit two (2) identical, color, passport style photographs (no glasses may be worn). The photos must be recent and generally should not be the same used for the passport itself.

If ordering concierge service or Document Pre-Check, you may upload digital photos through your account at no additional cost. Otherwise you can choose to submit digital photos to us via email after placing your order. Simply email them to orders@travelvisapro.com with the applicants full name and order number in the subject line. Additional $20 Photo Printing fee will be added to your request.

Proof of Travel

Applicant must submit a flight reservation from a travel agency or online booking tool (such as an e-confirmation) showing departure from the US and arrival/departure for the destination.

Copy of Driver's License or State ID

Applicant must submit a legible color copy of driver’s license or state issued ID.

Crew ID Badge

Photocopy of front and back of Crew ID Badge is required

Previous Chinese Visa Applicants

For applicants who have previously held Chinese visas, the Embassy and consulate offices often request copies of previous visas.

If the previous visa is in the current passport there is no action required.

If the visa was in an old passport, please include either the old passport or clear color copies of the visas from the old passport. If applicant does not have the old passport, applicant may write a letter addressed to the Chinese Embassy explaining why they cannot provide copies of the old visas (such as previous passport lost, stolen, damaged, etc.). Applicant must sign and date the letter.

Former Chinese Nationals

If applicant is former Chinese or Taiwanese citizen, applicant must submit previous Chinese passport or proof of previously issued Chinese visa.

Airline Cover Letter

Applicant must submit a Airline Cover Letter from a U.S. airline office. The letter must be an original document, on company letterhead, signed by a company official. It must provide the employees name, file or badge number, date of birth, nationality, passport number and passport expiration date. Please review the template below.

Click here to view Airline Cover Letter template

Visa Application Guide

Travel Visa Pro provides an “Application Guide” to help you understand how to fill out the application. Any errors may cause delays.

It is highly recommended you print the Application Guide and reference it while completing the visa application.

Click here to view/print the Application Guide

Visa Application

Applicant must submit one complete, signed visa application. Applications MUST be printed SINGLE SIDED and signed in blue or black ink only. Original signatures are required.

Click here to complete the visa application

Previous Travel to Turkey, Kazakhstan, Israel, and/or Pakistan

If applicant has previously traveled to Turkey, Kazakhstan, Israel, and/or Pakistan, a personal letter of explanation is required. The letter must explain the reason for the travel as well as entry/exit dates to match the stamps in the traveler’s passport. The letter should be addressed to the “Consulate of the People’s Republic of China, Houston”, signed and dated.

Visa Validity Note

Visa validity (how long the visa is good for) may vary based on carrier at the Embassy’s discretion.

Job Description Form

All Crew applicants must complete the Job Description Form and include in the application kit. This form doesn’t need to be signed

Click here to view Job Description Form

Special Cases & Additional Requirements

Some applicants may need additional documentation depending on their background or travel history.

Applicants born in certain countries
Minors traveling without both parents
Dual nationals
NGO employees
Military personnel
Applicants with prior visa denials
Applicants born in certain countries
Minors traveling without both parents
Dual nationals
NGO employees
Military personnel
Applicants with prior visa denials

Not sure which category applies to you? Travel Visa Pro's specialists review every application individually.

Not sure if you're eligible? Let us figure it out.

Travel Visa Pro reviews every application before submission — we'll tell you exactly what you need.

Say goodbye to complicated China Crew visa applications

Going It Alone

  • Standard consulate timelines only – typically 4+ business days
  • You review and check your own paperwork
  • In-person drop-off or mail-in submission required
  • Contact the consulate directly if something goes wrong
  • Higher risk of delays from overlooked errors or omissions
  • Requirements research is entirely on you
  • Minimal visibility into application status
  • Visa processing only – no bundled services

With Travel Visa Pro

  • Rush processing available – as fast as 1 business day
  • Expert review of every application before submission
  • We handle all consulate submissions on your behalf
  • Dedicated support agent if any issues arise
  • Minimized rejection risk – errors caught before they cost you
  • Step-by-step document prep guidance included
  • Real-time application tracking at every stage
  • Visa + passport renewal available as a bundle

Three simple steps to your China Crew visa.

Start Your Application

Travel Visa Pro handles the hard part so you can focus on planning your trip.

Passport and documents

Order your visa or passport through our easy checkout

Select your processing speed and fill in a few details — Travel Visa Pro makes the application quick, straightforward, and hassle-free.

Laptop and document review

Submit your documents and let us handle the rest

Upload your passport scan and photo. Our team reviews everything for accuracy and submits your application directly to the consulate — no paperwork headaches on your end.

Travel destination

Get your visa and enjoy your trip

Your visa is delivered securely to your door. Track your application status in real time and get delivery updates every step of the way.

What Our Customers Say About Applying for China Crew Visas

Want Someone to Handle It All? Meet VIP Concierge.

You've done the research. Now let someone else handle the rest. Travel Visa Pro's VIP Concierge Service assigns you a dedicated visa specialist who manages your entire China Crew visa application from start to finish — so you never have to wonder what to do next, whether your documents are correct, or where your application stands. Available as an add-on to any processing speed. Three tiers to match your needs:

Always Included

VIP Lite

Free per traveler
  • Document pre-check
  • Application form completion
  • Passport photo service
  • Free resubmissions if rejected

Executive Choice

$499 per traveler
  • Everything in VIP Concierge
  • Single dedicated point of contact
  • Free overnight shipping (both ways)
  • Visa replacement support
  • Same-day processing by TVP ownership

What's Included in Every VIP Concierge Tier

Dedicated Specialist
No Proof of Travel Required
Same-Day Available
Passport Replacement Coverage
Priority Submission

China Crew Visa Services for Businesses & Organizations

Travel Visa Pro has spent 20 years building a visa service that organizations trust when the stakes are high and timelines are tight. Whether you're coordinating travel for a team of five or five hundred, our dedicated business accounts make bulk applications simple: One point of contact, zero paperwork confusion. We handle the consulate, the documents, and the deadlines so your team can focus on the trip, not the logistics.

Corporations & Enterprises

Bulk visa processing with a dedicated account manager and priority handling. Ideal for companies managing frequent international travel across multiple employees or departments.

Educational Institutions

Group coordination with full document checklist support and volume discounts. We work directly with administrators to keep student and faculty travel on schedule.

Cruise Lines & Tour Operators

Emergency same-day and VIP Concierge visa processing for time-sensitive group departures. We understand itinerary deadlines and move accordingly.

Tourism & Travel Agencies

White-glove service with co-branded support options and fast turnaround for your clients. Extend your agency's offering without adding to your team's workload.

Event & Conference Organizers

Emergency service tiers and a dedicated support line for last-minute visa needs. Whether it's a keynote speaker or a full delegation, we move fast.

HR & Relocation Services

End-to-end visa document support with bulk processing and compliance guidance. We integrate seamlessly into relocation workflows and employee onboarding timelines.

Ready to simplify visa management for your organization?
Get a Business Account Quote

Frequently Asked Questions About the China Crew Visa

How long does a China crew visa take?
The typical processing speed options are: Economy – 1 week – $149 + Gov. fee Emergency – 1 day – from $499 down to $269 + Gov. fee
How much does a China crew visa cost?
Travel Visa Pro’s service fee starts at $149 for standard processing. Government/consulate fees are additional and vary based on visa type and number of entries.
What documents do I need to apply?
You’ll need a valid U.S. passport, completed visa application form, two passport photos, proof of travel, and the government fee payment. Additional documents may be required depending on your situation.
Can I extend my China crew visa once in-country?
Extension policies vary. In most cases, you can apply for an extension at the local Public Security Bureau before your current visa expires. Contact Travel Visa Pro for specific guidance.
Do I need to show hotel bookings or flight confirmations?
Yes, proof of travel is required for all visa services regardless of processing speed. Accepted documents include airline confirmations, hotel reservations, and employer travel letters.
Can Travel Visa Pro help if I need my visa urgently?
Absolutely. We offer rush and emergency processing options. Contact us and we’ll find the fastest path to getting your visa approved.
What happens if I overstay my visa?
Overstaying a visa can result in fines, detention, deportation, and future visa application difficulties. Always ensure your stay falls within the authorized period.
What if my passport doesn't have enough validity?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. If it doesn’t meet this requirement, Travel Visa Pro can help you expedite a passport renewal before applying for your visa.
What's the difference between applying through Travel Visa Pro and going directly to the consulate?
When you apply through Travel Visa Pro, we review your documents for errors, handle submission on your behalf, and provide real-time tracking. Going direct means managing the entire process yourself with limited support if issues arise.

Ready to apply for your China Crew visa?

Processing from 4 weeks. Emergency as fast as 2 business days.