China Crew Visa Application Guide
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Overview
The China Crew Visa (C Visa) is designed specifically for foreign crew members of international transportation vehicles, including ships, aircraft, and trains. This guide will walk you through the complete application process to ensure a smooth and successful visa application.
Processing Time
5-7 business days
Standard Fee
$160 USD
Validity
Up to 90 days
Important Notice
Applications should be submitted at least 2 weeks before your planned arrival in China. For urgent applications, please select the express processing option.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Our application form is divided into 6 key sections. Follow this guide to complete each section accurately.
Personal Information
What You Need to Provide:
- Full name exactly as it appears on your passport
- Date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format
- Gender as shown in your passport
- Current nationality
- Passport number and expiry date (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)
- Current contact information (email and phone)
- Complete residential address
Tips for This Section:
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Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your passport – no nicknames or abbreviations
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Double-check your passport number and expiry date – errors here are common reasons for rejection
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Provide a reliable email address and phone number that you check regularly
Vessel Details
What You Need to Provide:
- Complete vessel name (including prefix like M/Y, S/Y, M/V)
- IMO number (International Maritime Organization identification)
- Vessel type (yacht, cargo ship, tanker, etc.)
- Flag state (country of registration)
- Port of embarkation in China
- Expected duration of stay in Chinese waters
- Your position/role on the vessel
- Previous visits to China (if applicable)
Tips for This Section:
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Verify the IMO number with your vessel's documentation – this is a critical identifier
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Be specific about your role on the vessel – generic titles may lead to additional questions
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If you've previously visited China, have your last visa details ready
Visa Type Selection
Available Visa Options:
China Crew Visa (C Visa)
For foreign crew members of international transportation vehicles, including ships, aircraft, trains, etc.
Commercial/Business Visa (M Visa)
For those engaging in commercial and trade activities, such as yacht delivery or business negotiations.
Work Visa (Z Visa)
For long-term employment on vessels permanently stationed in Chinese waters (requires work permit).
Additional Options:
- Entry Type: Single Entry, Double Entry, or Multiple Entry (additional fee applies)
- Processing Speed: Standard (5-7 days), Express (3-4 days, +$50), or Urgent (1-2 days, +$100)
Tips for This Section:
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Most maritime crew should select the C Visa unless you have specific circumstances
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If you plan to enter China multiple times within your visa validity period, select Multiple Entry
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Consider your timeline carefully when selecting processing speed – urgent processing costs more but may be necessary for tight schedules
Document Upload
Required Documents:
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Passport Copy
Clear color scan of your passport's information page. Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
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Seaman's Book / Seafarer's Identity Document
Clear color scan of your Seaman's Book or Seafarer's Identity Document.
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Employment Contract / Letter of Employment
Copy of your employment contract or letter from your employer stating your position and duration of employment.
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Recent Photograph
Recent passport-style photograph with white background (taken within the last 6 months).
Additional Documents (if applicable):
- Invitation Letter from Chinese Maritime Company
- Vessel Registration Certificate
- Previous Chinese Visa (if applicable)
- Professional Maritime Certifications
Document Requirements:
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All documents must be in JPG, PNG, or PDF format
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Maximum file size: 5MB per document
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Scans must be in color and clearly legible
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Photographs must be 2x2 inches with white background
Payment
Payment Information:
The payment section requires you to review your order summary and complete the payment to proceed with your visa application.
Available Payment Methods:
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Credit/Debit Card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
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PayPal
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Alipay
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WeChat Pay
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Easy Pay China
Fee Breakdown Example (C Visa):
- China Crew Visa (C Visa) $160.00
- Single Entry Included
- Standard Processing Included
- Service Fee $40.00
- Document Handling $25.00
- Total $225.00 USD
Tips for This Section:
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Double-check the total amount before proceeding with payment
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Ensure your payment card is enabled for international transactions
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Keep your payment receipt for future reference
Review & Submit
Final Review:
The final step allows you to review all the information you've provided before submitting your application. This is your last chance to check for errors or omissions.
What to Check:
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Personal Information
Verify your name, date of birth, nationality, passport details, and contact information.
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Vessel Details
Confirm vessel name, IMO number, vessel type, port of embarkation, and your position.
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Visa Details
Check visa type, entry type, processing speed, and total fee.
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Uploaded Documents
Ensure all required documents are uploaded and listed correctly.
After Submission:
- You will receive a confirmation email with your application reference number
- Our visa specialists will review your application within 24 hours
- Your application will be submitted to the Chinese consulate/embassy
- You can track your application status using your reference number
- Once approved, your visa will be processed according to your selected timeline
Important Notice
Please contact our live chat immediately after submission to begin processing your form and discuss health insurance requirements for your visa application.
Required Documents Checklist
Ensure you have all the following documents ready before starting your application. All documents must be valid and in the correct format.
Valid Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in China. Must have at least two blank visa pages.
Requirements:
- Color scan of the information/photo page
- Scan must be clear and all text legible
- JPG, PNG, or PDF format (max 5MB)
Seaman's Book / Seafarer's Identity Document
Your official maritime credential that identifies you as a professional seafarer.
Requirements:
- Color scan of all relevant pages
- Must show your photo, personal details, and qualifications
- Must be valid during your intended stay in China
- JPG, PNG, or PDF format (max 5MB)
Employment Contract / Letter of Employment
Document confirming your employment on the vessel entering Chinese waters.
Requirements:
- Must be on company letterhead with official stamp/signature
- Must clearly state your position/role on the vessel
- Must indicate employment duration and vessel details
- JPG, PNG, or PDF format (max 5MB)
Recent Photograph
Passport-style photograph taken within the last 6 months.
Requirements:
- 2x2 inches (51x51mm) in size
- White background
- Full face view, neutral expression
- No hats or head coverings (unless for religious purposes)
- JPG or PNG format (max 2MB)
Additional Documents (if applicable)
Depending on your specific situation, you may need to provide additional documentation.
May include:
- Invitation Letter from Chinese Maritime Company
- Vessel Registration Certificate
- Previous Chinese Visa (if you've visited China before)
- Professional Maritime Certifications
- Letter from vessel owner/operator (for private yachts)
Document Templates
Download our templates to help prepare your application documents:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Being aware of these common mistakes can help ensure your application is processed smoothly without delays or rejections.
Inconsistent Personal Information
Ensure that your name, date of birth, and passport number are entered exactly as they appear on your passport. Even minor discrepancies can lead to rejection.
Insufficient Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in China. Many applicants overlook this requirement.
Poor Quality Document Scans
Blurry, cropped, or low-resolution document scans are frequently rejected. All text must be clearly legible.
Incorrect Visa Type Selection
Selecting the wrong visa type for your specific maritime role and activities in China can result in rejection or complications upon arrival.
Incomplete Vessel Information
Missing or incorrect vessel details, especially the IMO number, can delay your application as these details are verified against international registries.
Non-Compliant Photographs
Photos that don't meet the specifications (wrong size, background, expression, or taken too long ago) are a common reason for application returns.
Insufficient Planning Time
Applying too close to your departure date is risky, as processing times can vary and additional documentation may be requested.
Processing Timeline
Understanding the visa processing timeline will help you plan your travel effectively. Here's what to expect after submitting your application:
Day 1: Application Submission
Your application is received in our system. You'll receive an automatic confirmation email with your reference number.
Day 1-2: Initial Review
Our visa specialists review your application and documents for completeness and accuracy. If any issues are found, you'll be contacted to provide additional information.
Day 2-3: Submission to Chinese Authorities
Your application is submitted to the Chinese embassy or consulate for processing. You'll receive an email notification when this occurs.
Day 3-7: Consular Processing
The Chinese authorities review your application. This is the longest part of the process and varies based on your selected processing speed.
Standard
5-7 days
Express
3-4 days
Urgent
1-2 days
Final Day: Visa Issuance
Your visa is issued and you'll receive an email notification with instructions for download or delivery.
Total Processing Time Summary
Standard Processing
5-7
Business Days
Included in base fee
Express Processing
3-4
Business Days
Additional $50 fee
Urgent Processing
1-2
Business Days
Additional $100 fee
Important Note
Processing times are estimates and may vary based on current demand, Chinese embassy/consulate workload, holidays, and other factors. We recommend applying well in advance of your planned travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the China Crew Visa application process.
What is a China Crew Visa (C Visa)?
How long does it take to process a China Crew Visa?
Do I need a Seaman's Book to apply for a China Crew Visa?
Can I apply for a China Crew Visa if I'm not currently employed on a vessel?
What's the difference between a C Visa and an M Visa for maritime work?
Can I extend my China Crew Visa if my vessel's stay is prolonged?
Do I need a health certificate or COVID-19 test for a China Crew Visa?
What if my application is rejected?
Can I track the status of my application?
Do I need travel insurance for a China Crew Visa?
Still have questions? Our visa specialists are ready to help.
Ready to Apply for Your China Crew Visa?
Our step-by-step application process makes it easy to get your visa quickly and efficiently.
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Professional support throughout the application process
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Fast processing options available
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No payment required to start your application