ByHow to Contact the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco
The Chinese Consulate in San Francisco covers 5 Western states:
- Northern California
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Washington
- Alaska
If you do not reside in these states, the Chinese Embassy organization has other available locations.
What Can the Chinese Consulate of San Francisco Do for U.S. Citizens?
Generally, U.S. citizens reach out to the Chinese Consulate to inquire about
- VISAs
- Foreign flights
- Studying abroad in China inquiries
- The Chinese language preservation program
- COVID-19 regulations
- Guidance for foreign journalists traveling to China for work
- And more.
What are the Types of Chinese Visas?
There are four types of Chinese Visas:
- Diplomatic Visa: Issued to foreigners entering China for diplomatic and official purposes.
- Courtesy Visa: Issued to foreigners with special status who are entitled to special privileges.
- Service Visa: Issued to foreigners entering China for diplomatic and official and/or service-based purposes.
- Ordinary Visa: Issued to foreigners entering China for non-diplomatic and non-official purposes, such as work, study, family visits, tours, and business.
How to Obtain a Chinese Visa?
Below, find some of the basics of obtaining and using a Chinese Visa. Keep in mind that U.S. citizens may stay in mainland China for up to 72 hours without a Chinese Visa if transiting certain international airports.
- Typically, it takes around 4-5 days for VISA processing
- Depending on the number of entries you require, the price may vary
- For all entries for U.S. citizens, the price is $140
- For entries for citizens of “Third Countries,” the price varies
- Single Entry: $30
- Double Entries: $45
- Multiple Entries for 6 months: $60
- Multiple Entries for 12 months or more: $90
How to Contact the Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco?
| Address | The address of the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco is:
1450 Laguna Street San Francisco, CA 94115 |
| Typically, most inquiries are done over the phone.
This email is designated for visa inquiries: | |
| Phone | General Phone Number:
(415)-872-9091 Hotline for Consular Protection and Assistance: (415)-852-5924 Non-Working Hours: (415)-216-8525 |
| Fax | (415)-852-5940 |
| Office Hours | Visa Office:
9:00 a.m. PST — 2:30 p.m. PST
General Inquiries: 9:00 a.m. PST — 5:00 p.m. PST |
| Consulate General in San Francisco |
Where is the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco Located?
The Chinese Consulate in San Francisco is located in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood.
From San Francisco’s 4th and King Street Station
- Walk 1 minute
- Board the N-OWL Ocean Beach Bus at Townsend St. & 4th St
- Ride the train for 11 stops
- Disembark at Market St. & Sansome St.
- Board the 28 Lands End - 48th Avenue Bus
- Ride for 11 stops
- Get off at Geary Blvd and Laguna St.
- Enter the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in San Francisco
Special Announcements Regarding COVID-19
Please note that the Visa Office is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak until further notice. There are some exceptions to this rule:
- Travelers who’ve received Chinese COVID-19 vaccines and obtained a vaccination certificate can begin to apply for Visas.
- Foreign family members of Chinese citizens or permanent residents of China can submit visa applications for the purpose of reuniting with family, taking care of the elderly, visiting relatives, or attending funerals.
- If you hold a valid residence permit for work, personal affairs, and reunion, you can enter China with that residence permit. If your residence permit has expired, you’ll need to apply for a new visa with an invalid residence permit.
- If you absolutely need to enter China and do not have a residence permit for work, personal affairs, and reunion, you can apply for the special visa with an invitation letter. You have to prove that you are entering for economic, trade, scientific or technological activities, or emergency and/or humanitarian needs.
How to Contact the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco With DoNotPay?
Wait times are often extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it might not be as easy for you to visit the location in San Francisco, especially if you are coming from one of its 10 service states.
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Who Else Can DoNotPay Help You Contact?
- Chinese Consulate (Los Angeles, Chicago, New York)
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- Indian Embassy (New York, Chicago, Houston)
- Brazillian Consulate (Miami)