How to get a China visa from Nigeria

• This is the type of visa issued to those who intend to visit China for tourism or to see their family.
• Single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry are all available for tourists.
• The duration of stay (each visit) is normally 30-60 days.
• The basic requirements listed above were once usually enough. However, since July 2013, you are also required to provide a copy of your return trip plane ticket to China and a copy of a Chinese hotel booking for the whole duration of your stay containing the full names of all the people that are 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 most common tourist visa is the Single Entry Tourist Visa (that is, you cannot leave China and then enter again with the same visa) which has a validity of between 30 days.
• The Double Entry Tourist Visa (2 entries, 30 days each) is also common.
• Note that, despite the visa lasting for than 10 years, this does not mean that you can remain in China for 10 consecutive years.
• Each time you enter China, you can stay for a period between 30 and 60 days (the length of each visit can vary, the Chinese Consulate will decide).
• Overstaying is an offense. Be very careful to leave China before your visa expires (which can be between 30 or 60 days).

• A business visa (M visa) is issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities.
• The business visa can be issued for single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry. The validity period of the China M visa is three months in most cases, while the allowed duration of stay is usually 30 days and can be longer depending on applicants' personal cases.
• Citizens of Canada, Argentina, and the US can even get up to 10 years.
• China M or F visa is used to confuse many foreign visitors. From 2013, the original F is divided into M and F. The former is for business and trade, while today’s China F visa applies to noncommercial sci-tech and culture exchanges.
• The duration of stay (each visit) for each visa class is normally 30-60 days based on the particular Chinese Consulate.
• Original and photocopy of the business registration certificate and tax clearance or IRS are required during the visa application.
• You are also required to provide an invitation letter issued by a registered Chinese company or organization (for example, a trade fair).
• You could stay in China with a Business Visa for up to 120 days.
• It is illegal to work in China with a Business Visa. If you want to legally work in China, you need a Work Visa.
• China's business visa fees are the same as that of tourist visas. The applicant’s nationality and the number of entries make a difference.
• Generally, China's multiple-entry business visa costs more. In countries where there are CVASC, you need to pay both the Chinese M visa fee and the service fee to the center.
• It is possible to extend the M visa, but this must be done at least seven days before the original visa expires. Usually it costs 168 yuan for a single extension.

• Holding a Work Visa is the only way to work legally in China.
• In addition to the Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Unit or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by the relevant Chinese entity, in most cases, you will have to provide a Foreigner’s Work Permit issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts.
• There are special cases in which a different document is required. However, if you have a “normal job”, such as teacher, engineer, et cetera, the Foreigner’s Work Permit shall be enough.
• A work visa is issued for single entry only.
• Holders of the Work Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of entry, register and apply for the residence permit in Public Security Bureau (police station).
• Work Visa is also issued to people conducting commercial performance in China.
• Foreigners that work in China has been divided into 3 classes: Class A (high-level talents), Class B (professional personnel) and Class C (foreigners who are nontechnical or service workers hired on a temporary/seasonal basis).
• Not all employers can get you a Work Visa. For instance, small, private English schools often cannot.
• If you are caught working with the wrong visa, you risk paying a fine that ranges between 5,000 and 20,000 Chinese Yuan, and may even end up in prison (from five to fifteen days).

• The study visa is issued to those who have been admitted by a Chinese college.
• Student Visa is sub-divided into X1 and X2.
• X1 is issued to foreign students who come to China to study for more than 6 months while X2 is issued to those who come to China with the same purpose but for a period lesser than 6 months.
• X2 visa is issued for single-entry only. X1 visa can be issued for multiple entries with validity for up to 5 years.
• You are required to provide the JW201 (or JW202) form issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education (only necessary for the X1 Visa) and the notice of admission from your school. Your school should obtain these documents and send them to you.
• You may also be required to provide a medical certificate, depending on the duration of your stay.
• If you want to study in China for less than 180 days, you will have to apply for an X2 Visa.
• However, if you want to stay longer, you will need an X1 Visa.
• Those who intend to go to China for research, lecture, scientific, cultural exchange and study tour can apply for the Non-Commerce Visa (F) which is normally issued for single or double entry only.

It is considerably easier to procure a Chinese visa in some places than in others. Also, it is still possible to get tourist visas for longer than 30 days.

If you have all the necessary documents and hold a passport with at least six months validity and two blank pages, it should take between two (if you apply for the express service) to four working days to get a Chinese Visa.

While there are, as with any country, precautions one should take when traveling to and around China, it is generally a safe and breathtaking country to visit.

Like the April and May months, September and October is another excellent time to visit China. Places like Xinjiang, which are normally blazing hot in the summer and still a bit too cold in spring, are in perfect season. Same goes for Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and all of the other major tourist cities.

The Chinese climate varies from region to region since the country is massive. In the northeast, the summers are hot and dry and the winters are freezing cold. The north and central regions have frequent bouts of rain coupled with hot summers and cold winters.