Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Suzhou, Anhui, China
1. Chinese Tourist Visa
A visa for foreign tourists who wish to visit Suzhou for tourism or sightseeing purposes. Requires a valid passport and proof of accommodation.
- Tourist Purpose: Allows entry solely for tourism.
- Passport Validity: Passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry.
- Application Process: Application can be made online or through a Chinese Embassy/Consulate.
2. Transit Visa
For foreigners who need to pass through Suzhou while en route to another destination. Duration of stay cannot exceed 24 hours.
- Short Stay: Limited to 24 hours.
- Transit Purpose: Used when traveling through Suzhou en route to another destination.
- Documentation: Original passport, valid visa for the final destination, and onward flight ticket are required.
3. Work Visa
For foreigners planning to work in Suzhou. Requires a job offer from a local company and approval from the Suzhou Bureau of Human Resources and Social Security.
- Job Offer: Requires a valid job offer from a local company.
- Approval Process: Involves approval from the Suzhou Bureau of Human Resources and Social Security.
- Duration: Usually valid for one year, with the possibility of renewal.
4. Business Visa
For foreigners planning to engage in business activities in Suzhou. Requires a letter of invitation from the Chinese company and approval from the relevant authorities.
- Letter of Invitation: Requires a letter of invitation from the Chinese company.
- Approval Process: Involves approval from relevant authorities in Suzhou.
- Duration: Usually valid for 30 days, with the possibility of extension.
5. Student Visa
For foreign students planning to study in Suzhou. Requires acceptance from a recognized educational institution and financial documents.
- Acceptance Letter: Requires an acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution.
- Financial Documents: Requires financial documents showing sufficient funds for living expenses.
- Duration: Usually valid for the duration of the course of study.
6. Journalist Visa
For foreign journalists planning to work in Suzhou. Requires a work permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a letter of invitation from the Chinese media organization.
- Work Permit: Requires a work permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Letter of Invitation: Requires a letter of invitation from a Chinese media organization.
- Duration: Usually valid for one year, with the possibility of renewal.
7. Crew Visa
For foreign crew members traveling to Suzhou on a Chinese-flagged vessel. Requires a letter from the employer and approval from the Maritime Safety Administration.
- Letter from Employer: Requires a letter from the employer detailing travel plans.
- Approval Process: Involves approval from the Maritime Safety Administration.
- Duration: Usually valid for the duration of the voyage.
8. Private Service Visa
For foreign domestic workers accompanying their employers to Suzhou. Requires a work permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Work Permit: Requires a work permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Duration: Usually valid for the duration of employment in China.
- Employer Sponsorship: Sponsored by the employer who is a legal resident of China.
9. Residence Permit
For foreigners residing in Suzhou for more than 30 days. Requires a valid visa and registration at the local Public Security Bureau.
- Duration: Valid for one year, with the possibility of renewal.
- Public Security Bureau Registration: Requires registration at the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival.
- Visa Status: Applicable to foreigners who hold a valid Chinese visa.
10. Visitor's Exit-Entry Form
A mandatory form for all foreign visitors to fill out upon arrival in Suzhou. It serves as a record of entry and exit.
- Record Keeping: Keeps a record of foreign visitors' entry and exit.
- Mandatory: Must be filled out upon arrival in Suzhou.
- Information Requirement: Requires personal information such as name, nationality, and passport number.
11. China Green Card
A permanent residence permit for foreigners who wish to reside in China permanently. Requires approval from the State Council.
- Permanent Residence: Permits foreigners to reside in China permanently.
- State Council Approval: Requires approval from the State Council.
- Duration: Valid for an indefinite period.
12. China Visa-Free Transit
Allows certain foreign nationals to transit through Suzhou visa-free for up to 72 hours if they meet specific conditions.
- Transit Purpose: Used when traveling through Suzhou en route to another destination.
- Duration: Limited to 72 hours.
- Eligible Countries: Applies only to citizens of specific countries.
13. China e-Visa
An electronic visa available for certain foreign nationals, allowing them to apply and receive approval online.
- Electronic Application: Can be applied for and approved online.
- Eligible Countries: Applies only to citizens of specific countries.
- Duration: Valid for 30 or 90 days, depending on the type of e-Visa.
14. China Double Entry/Multi-Entry Visa
Allows multiple entries into China within its validity period. Useful for travelers planning to visit multiple cities or return to Suzhou.
- Multiple Entries: Allows multiple entries into China.
- Duration: Usually valid for one or two years.
- Application Process: Involves the same application process as a single-entry visa.
15. China Visa Extension
Allows foreigners to extend their stay in Suzhou beyond the original visa validity period. Requires a valid reason and approval from relevant authorities.
- Valid Reason: Requires a valid reason for extending the stay.
- Approval Process: Involves approval from relevant authorities in Suzhou.
- Duration: The extension period varies and is typically granted for specific reasons.