China Increases Tourist Visa Validity from 1 to 10 Years, Starting Today

There's no doubt that obtaining a visa for travel is a headache, and for a long time Chinese visas were among the worst. There was the price ($140), the consular visits, the being separated from your passport during processing, and then the frustration that all that work only resulted in a visa valid for one year.

Then, in early 2013, the rules eased when China began allowing for 72-hour visa-free visits. Quick visits for business, shopping, or just taking advantage of great airfare sales to China became possible without the need to plan far ahead and fill your passport with visa pages.

Today brings more excellent news, as applications are open for a 10-year China visa. The move was only announced a few days ago, while President Obama was in Beijing for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. Citizens of the US and China have similar visa rules thanks to reciprocity, whereby one country applies the same limitations and requirements as the other. Reciprocity continues with this new announcement, as visas to the US for Chinese citizens will also enjoy the decade validity.

Under the new visa agreement, business and short-term tourist visas will be valid for 10 years. Other visas, such as for students or "cultural exchange," will be extended to five years.

To get started applying for your 10-year China visa, visit the official China Embassy website, fill out the required forms, be ready to pay the $140 fee, and complete any necessary in-person submissions. Then sit back, wait for that 10-year visa to be placed in your passport, and surf the web for China flight deals.

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