Group Leisure Tours

In spring 2008, the United States and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate Chinese group leisure travel to the United States.  This MOU simplifies visa interview appointment requests but does not guarantee visa issuance.  All applicants must qualify individually for a visa. 

To apply for a visa for group leisure tour travel to the United States, contact one of the China National Tourism Association's approved tour agencies for U.S.-bound Group Leisure Tours travel.  The approved travel agency will make your visa appointment for you.  Most applicants must appear for an in-person interview and be fingerprinted.  Repeat travelers to the United States, and applicants under 14 or over 80 years of age, may qualify to use the CITIC Bank Drop-off Service and may not be required to appear at an Embassy or Consulate to apply for a visa.

Group Leisure Tour travelers must obtain a B2 or B1/B2 visa for travel to the U.S.  A B2 visa is intended for tourist activities. The B2 visa is not valid for employment in the United States. Applicants for B2 visas must demonstrate their intention to enter the U.S. for a temporary period, solely for the purpose of tourism. Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient funds to cover travel expenses during their stay in the U.S.; as well as sufficient social, economic, and other ties to their home country to compel the applicant to return after a temporary and lawful visit.  A combined B1/B2 visa can also be used for group leisure travel to the U.S. 

All B1/B2 applicants should prepare to present the following documentation and any other relevant information at the time of the interview:

1. Valid Passport: B1/B2 visa applicants must have passports valid for six months beyond their intended period of stay in the United States. If your passport will expire less than 6 months from the date you plan to leave the United States, or is damaged, or you do not have a page for a visa, please get a new passport before your interview.
   
   
2. One Photograph: Two inches square color photograph, less than 6 months old, against a white background, full frontal view. The photo should be glued to the English DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form. Click for more information on photo requirements.
   
   
3. Original Bank Receipt for Application Fee: The 904 RMB (effective Thursday, July 24, 2008) application fee may be paid at any CITIC Bank branch in China. Nonimmigrant visa applicants are required to tape their application fee receipt on the last page of the completed and printed out DS-156 Electronic Visa Application Form. Please do NOT cover the barcode area, and please do NOT staple or glue your receipt.  
   
   
4. Completed Visa Application Forms: DS-156 & DS-157. 
   
   
5. Evidence of Why You Will Return to China: Proof of economic, social, family, or other commitments that will help demonstrate that you intend to return to China after a temporary stay in the U.S.  Evidence can vary depending on the applicant’s personal situation. The following are mere suggestions that may help the officer to assess your intentions to return to China and is not an exhaustive list of what applicants should present at their interview: Hukou Registration, ID card, proof of employment, pay statement that shows regular monthly salary, bank books with regular deposits and withdrawals.
   
   
6. Proof of Finances: Proof that you can support yourself during your entire stay in the U.S. without working, e.g. pay statement that shows regular monthly salary & bank books with regular history of deposits and withdrawals, etc. (Please note that certificates of deposit are NOT helpful).

The above items should not be considered an exhaustive list and presentation of these documents does not guarantee visa issuance.  Be prepared to explain to the visa officer and present evidence regarding why you are going to the US and why you will return to China.