How to get a China visa from Botswana

• The Chinese tourist visa (also called L visa) is issued to those who intend to visit China for tourism or leisure.
• It is categorized into two (2), based on the number of entries allowed:
• Single Entry — allows one entry (90 days)
• Multiple Entry — allows multiple entries (6 months)
• The visa issuance and duration of stay are usually dependent on the decision of the consul and it can decide to also refuse the visa without a reason.
• Since July 2013, visa applicants are required to provide a copy of their round-trip plane ticket for China and a copy of a Chinese hotel booking for the whole duration of their stay.
• All required documents must contain the full names of all the people applying for the visa.
• If you intend to stay at your friend or relative’s house, you won’t need to book a hotel. However, your friend/relative will have to send an invitation letter to you.
• The invitation letter should contain details of the applicant, the host, and the trip.
• It takes 5 working days for regular visa processing, 3 working days for express service, and 1 working day for urgent service. Each type of processing requires different fees.
• The Chinese embassy in Botswana accepts visa applications from 9 am to 12 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
• Minors are expected to be accompanied by at least one parent for the visa application. The minor’s visa will only be processed when the passport is submitted alongside the parent’s own.
• Overstaying your visa is an offense.
• Be ready to leave China before your visa expires or face a penalty or even a ban.

• Business visa (M visa) is issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities.
• In 2013, the original F visa got divided into two categories: the M and F visa.
• The M visa is for business and trade, while the F visa now applies to non-business travels.
• The F visa is issued to those who are want to go on study tours and visits.
• With the M visa, you can stay in China for 3 months which starts counting from the day you enter into China.
• The allowed duration of stay for single and multiple entry visas is usually 90 days at a time. This can be longer depending on visa applicants' personal circumstances.
• Original and photocopy of business registration certificate and tax clearance for employed applicants is required during the visa application.
• A letter of invitation issued by the inviting registered Chinese company or organization should be provided.
• The invitation letter should include the following information:
• All personal information of the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
• Everything about the planned trip (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) of visit, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity, financial source for expenditures)
• All details of the inviting entity (name, contact number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative of the entity, etc)
• The China business visa can be extended to up to 120 days, but this process can take time. You are advised to start your extension request in time.
• It is illegal to work in China with a business visa. If you want to legally work in China, you need a work visa.
• Generally, China's multiple-entry business visa costs more. In countries where there are CVASCs (Chinese Visa Application Service Centers), you need to pay both the visa fee and the service fee to the center.
• It is possible to extend the M visa, at a Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit and Entry Administration office.
• Application for a visa extension must be done at least seven days before the original visa expires.
• Usually, it costs about CNY 160 for a single extension.

• A work visa (Z visa) is the legal way to work in China.
• China work visa is issued to foreigners for work, internships and other forms of activities in which the individual gets paid.
• The first step to securing a China work visa (Z visa) is obtaining an employment permit.
• This permit, otherwise called the employment license, is issued by the Chinese government through any of its diplomatic missions abroad.
• The Z visa is usually issued for one entry with a duration of stay of 90 days.
• Once a work permit holder arrives in China, residential formalities in the local public security department should be done within 30 days of arrival.
• The China residence permit will be issued at the public security department to replace the Z visa.
• Unlike the Z visa, the residence permit allows multiple entries into China for up to five years.
• In order to apply for the China Z visa, please take note of the following:
• Your passport must be original and valid for at least 12 months from the entry date into China with over 2 free pages for visa stamp.
• If you have a valid China visa in another passport, you will need to submit that passport together with the new passport when applying for a new visa.
• All fields are mandatory when filling the application form. If a section doesn't apply, please type in "None" or "N/A'. Incomplete forms will be rejected.
• Check for omission and errors before you print the form. Changes or correction is not allowed on the printed form. You must print a new form in case of any change or correction.
• Do not use a stapler on your documents.
• Foreigners that work in China has been divided into 3 classes:
• Class A (high-level talents)
• Class B (professional personnel)
• Class C (foreigners who are nontechnical or service workers hired on a temporary/seasonal basis).
• Not all jobs can get you a work visa. For instance, posts at small, private English schools often can’t.
• If you are caught working with the wrong visa, you will be fined between 5,000 and 20,000 Chinese Yuan, and may be jailed from five to fifteen days.

• The student visa is issued to those who have been admitted by a Chinese college.
• The China student visa is of two categories:
• X1 - more than 6 months
• X2 - less than 6 months
• If you want to study in China for less than 180 days, you’ll have to apply for an X2 Visa.
• However, if you want to stay longer, you’ll need an X1 Visa.
• X2 visa is issued for single-entry only. X1 visa can be issued for multiple entry with validity up to 5 years.
• Original and photocopy of your admission letter from your Chinese school are to be presented for both categories of the student visa.
• For applicants under 18 years applying for a X1, proof of a legal guardian in China should be provided.
• You are required to provide the JW201 or JW202 form issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education (only necessary for the X1 Visa).
• Your school should obtain these documents and send them to you.
• The JW201 / JW202 is the visa application for study in China. It should be taken to the Chinese consulate or embassy to apply for your Chinese student visa (X visa).
• JW201 is for those studying in China on a full scholarship or partial scholarship while JW202 is for those studying in China by self-support or partial scholarship.
• The Chinese Ministry of Education decides which one to issue.
• You may also be required to provide a medical certificate, depending on the duration of your stay.

Despite the size of the population, China is a safe country with a low crime rate. However, general precautions are to be taken when visiting every new country.

The Chinese climate varies from region to region. In the northeast, the summers are hot and dry and the winters are freezing cold. The north and central regions have frequent rainfalls coupled with hot summers and cold winters.