U.S. citizens traveling to China must obtain a Chinese visa before embarking on the trip. A few different types of visas are issued to visitors, including the tourist visa (Type L) that allows the bearer one to two entries, and to stay for up to one month each time. Short-term business visas (Type F) are issued to travelers who are invited to visit for business or research purposes and require a formal invitation from a Chinese host organization. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates can only issue such invitations to U.S. Government employees on official business. Business travelers on short-term excursions for meeting or site-visit purposes, generally apply for either the Type L or Type F visa. Consult the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General on obtaining the right type of visa, or apply through a travel agency.

Those who wish to work and stay in China for extended periods of time need to apply for an employment visa (Type Z), which can allow multiple entries into China, may be valid for up to one year, and affords the visa-holder foreign residency application rights. The application process is long and bothersome and requirements many, including a complete physical check-up. Upon expiration, the Type Z visa can be renewed with reasonable amount of effort and paperwork.