Most foreign nationals don't require a visa for entering Hong Kong (HK) and Macau, but a visa is usually necessary for entering the People's Republic of China (PRC).
Chinese embassies and consulates around the world issue a standard single-entry, 30 day visa although there are also multiple-entry visas and 60-day or 90-day visas also abound, the cost of which may vary.
Generally speaking, visas cannot be issued at the border.
When completing the application form for the visa, one must clearly indicate what part of China one plans to visit. Avoid mentioning Tibet and Xinjiang as you may be questioned as to your intent.
Always carry the passport. I would advise to have a photocopy of not only the passport but the China visa just in case too!
Visa extensions are sometimes granted for 30 days by the foreign affairs branch of local Public Security Bureau. If you do overstay in China, a warning..there are heavy fines levied!
For those in the Philippines, here are the fees (in Philippine pesos) and the corresponding details (note, this may change later and the information below might not be updated, so please double-check with your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate):
| ENTRIES | 4 working days | 3 working days | 2 working days | |
| Philippine Passport | Single Double 6 months Multiple 12months Multiple | 1400 2100 2800 4200 | 2500 3200 3900 5300 | 3100 3800 >4500 5900 |
| U.S.A. Passport | Single Double 6 months Multiple 12 months Multiple | 2500 3800 5000 7500 | 3600 4900 6100 8600 | 4200 5500 6700 9200 |
| Foreign Passport | Single Double 6 months Multiple 12months Multiple | 1700 2550 3400 5100 | 2800 3650 4500 6200 | 3400 4250 5100 6800 |
