America Welcomes Chinese Tourists

Apparently, many people in China have a wrong impression that it is almost impossible to get a visa to visit the United States if their purpose of travel is solely tourism without any other activities, especially after the September 11 Attack. 

It’s true that the U.S. government made some changes in visa procedures after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We made changes in various procedures to make sure that both U.S. citizens and visitors are safe. The attacks of September 11 showed Americans the importance of protecting our homeland from foreign terrorists, but we never forget the enormous contribution that legitimate international visitors make to American economic and social life.  The U.S. is still a free and open society. We are committed to the policy of “secure borders, open doors,” by facilitating legitimate travel to the United States by international visitors while maintaining the integrity and security of our borders and our nation.

We welcome Chinese citizens who genuinely want to visit, study, or do business here.  Even if you don’t have any friend or relative in the U.S., you may still come for a sightseeing as long as you can convince the consular officer that you are a genuine tourist and you truly intends to return to China after a temporary stay in the U.S.

Applicants must be able to prove that they have sufficiently strong ties here in China to compel their return. It is almost impossible to specify the exact documents you should bring since each applicant's circumstances vary greatly.  Some examples of “ties” can be a person's job and income, bank accounts, a house or apartment, a car, close family relationships, etc.  Applicants must keep in mind that the interview will focus on his or her personal situation (or circumstances) in China and not on the documents presented. You don’t have to find someone in the U.S. to write an invitation letter for you if the purpose of your planned travel is solely tourism and amusement, but please be prepared to bring a leave letter from your employer or school principal. 

Advance planning by travelers is essential, for them to have their visa when they need it to come to the U.S.  Inform yourself of visa application procedures well in advance of your planned travel dates and carefully review the requirements for B1/B2 visas.

The US does not maintain a single tourist office for the whole country. Each state operates its own individual office to promote tourism in that state only. If you are planning a trip to the US, it is best to contact the offices in the states that you wish to visit. Click here for the tourist offices in each state, where you will find information including popular attractions of that State, road maps, dining and lodging guides as well as other travel tips and services.  

Come and find how America was founded by visiting the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, the Statue of Liberty in New York and the wonderful monuments and museums in Washington!  Come and explore the splendid natural landscapes of the Yellowstone Park, the Grand Canyon and the Niagara Falls!  Come and experience the life of cowboys in the West and listen to the country music! Come and have an adventure in Hollywood world and Disney Land!  Come and enjoy the beautiful beaches and warm sunshine of Hawaii! 

There are numerous tourist attractions throughout America.  Go ahead and discover the U.S.A.! You will learn more about our history and culture and what makes the U.S.A. so unique.