China Crew Visa
The China Crew Visa is specifically designed for foreign crew members working on international airlines, ships, trains, and other cross-border transportation services entering China. At China Visa Expert, we specialize in assisting with this visa, ensuring a smooth application process for crew members.
Our service includes guidance on the unique documentation requirements, such as proof of employment and travel itinerary. We streamline the process, handling the complexities so that crew members can focus on their work responsibilities. Our expertise ensures compliance with China’s regulations, facilitating your professional journey.

Visa Validity Guidelines
Visa Validity Guidelines: Understanding the validity guidelines for the China Crew Visa is crucial for crew members. This visa typically allows for multiple entries, with the duration of validity depending on the applicant’s nationality and specific needs.
U.S. passport holders, for instance, may receive a visa valid for up to 5 years. Applicants should ensure their passport has a minimum of six months validity beyond their travel date and at least two blank visa pages. It’s important to note that the validity and number of entries are at the discretion of the consulate and may vary based on individual circumstances.
Photo Submission Standards
Photo Submission Standards: For the China Crew Visa application, photos must meet stringent criteria set by the Chinese Consulate. Photographs should be recent (taken within the last six months), featuring a full frontal view against an all-white background. Applicants must display a neutral expression with their eyes open and mouths closed.
Requirements also stipulate specific dimensions and quality standards for the photo. It’s advisable to have the photo taken professionally to ensure compliance with these strict requirements.
Business Cover Letter
Business Cover Letter: A key component of the China Crew Visa application is the Business Cover Letter. This letter, typically on the company letterhead of the employing organization, should detail the applicant’s position and purpose of travel to China.
It must include the traveler’s name, passport number, and travel itinerary. This letter helps the consulate understand the context of the visit and ensures the application aligns with visa requirements for crew members.
#1. Information
Activities Allowed
- Business Meetings
- Attending Trade Fairs
- Meeting Suppliers.
Processing Time
- Normal 5 Working Days
- Express Up to 48 Working Hours.
Duration of Visa
- Up to 24 Months
Embassy Fee
- Normal £151
- Express £182
UVS Service Fee
- Normal £150
- Express £175
Total
- Normal £301
- Express £357
Delivery
- Special Delivery £12
- 9am Delivery £25
- Saturday Guaranteed Delivery £25
- 9am Saturday Guaranteed £35
- Courier Varies
#2. Requirements
Passport
Passports should be:
- Valid for at least the next 6 months from entry in China.
- Two totally blank pages. One page is for the visa, the other is for the stamp(does not include the page reserved for “observations”.
Application Form
Complete Unique Visa Services Simplified Application Form
Photocopy Of Passport
A copy of passport photo page. Also copy of previous China Visa.
Invitation Letter
Invitation letter from the company you are visiting in China. The invitation letter must be:
- Headed notepaper
- Dated
- Contain your full name (as set out in the passport),
- DOB
- Gender
- Passport number
- Date of arrival and departure from China
- Purpose of visit
- Who will be financing the trip,
- Frequency of visits
- Purpose of the visit.
- This must be signed and stamped.
UK Employer Letter
Must be on letterhead and original. Please include client details ie
- full name
- gender
- passport number
- valid from and expiry date
- Date of Birth
- planned arrival and departure date
- Who will be paying for the trip
- Please sign and date
Original Crew ID
This must be valid until atleast date of exit
NON UK OR EU/EEA PASSPORT HOLDERS
Non UK or EU/EEA passport holders must have a valid UK visa in their passport and should provide the original and a copy of their permanent residence or work permit which should be valid for at least half a year(except for those who are visa or permit exempt for residing or working in the UK).
Fingerprints
As per Chinese laws and guidelines, and based on the standard of correspondence, as of 1st November 2018, all the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers in London, Manchester and Edinburgh (hereinafter alluded to as ‘Visa Application Centre’s) will take fingerprints of all visa candidates in the interest of the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the U.K.
Please note that fingerprints are not required for:
- Kids under 14 years of age and grown-ups more than 70 years of age;
- Applicants who have fingers mutilation or for whom the fingerprints can’t be collected for various reasons.
Proof of Residency
Proof of Residency: Applicants for the China Crew Visa must provide proof of residency. This usually includes a photocopy of the driver’s license or a major utility bill displaying the applicant’s name and current address. This documentation is important to establish the applicant’s residency status, which is a key consideration in the visa approval process.
Detailed Visa Form
Detailed Visa Form: Completing the China Crew Visa application form accurately is critical. The form must be filled out online, including detailed personal, professional, and travel information.
Applicants need to ensure that all fields are completed truthfully and accurately. Any errors or omissions can lead to delays or rejection of the visa application. Once the form is finalized, it should be printed out single-sided for submission.
Additional Consulate Rules
Additional Consulate Rules: Depending on the jurisdiction, there may be additional rules and requirements for the China Crew Visa application. These can include specific documentation or procedural nuances unique to certain Chinese consulates.
Applicants need to be aware of these additional requirements to ensure their application complies with all relevant rules, reducing the risk of delays or rejection.