Can I cross the border in China with an American passport?

If an American passport needs to transit through China, it is necessary to apply for a transit visa according to the entry and exit requirements of China.

Transit visa refers to the visa that citizens pass through a third country (region) after obtaining the entry visa of that country (region). 201September 16, Ding Xiangyang, vice mayor of Beijing, revealed at the Beijing Summit of the World Federation of Tourism Cities that foreigners can realize 72-hour visa-free transit in Beijing as long as the relevant state departments approve, and the policy will be announced soon. Some countries stipulate that passengers who stay in transit for no more than 24 hours or a certain period of time by means of transportation can be exempted from obtaining a transit visa (generally not allowed to leave the international airport). Some countries also stipulate that transit visas are required regardless of the length of stay and whether you leave the airport or not. Transit visas, like entry and exit visas, have provisions on validity and stay period.

Transit signs are divided into two categories, namely:

Transit visa (Class C visa): Transit visa (Class C visa) is issued to foreign citizens who continue to transfer to other countries immediately after passing through the United States. In most cases, applicants who qualify for transit visas also meet the requirements of B 1/B2 visas (business and tourist visas), and can obtain B 1/B2 visas instead of transit visas. Passengers with a valid B 1/B2 visa do not need to apply for a transit visa if they want to transit in the United States. Citizens of countries enjoying visa-free programs do not need to apply for transit visas.

Tourist visa (B2 visa)

The application process is as follows:

Original receipt of visa application fee: the visa application fee of 904 yuan was paid at any branch of China CITIC Bank in China (effective from July 24th, 2008). Non-immigrant visa applicants must paste the application fee receipt on the last page of DS- 156 electronic visa application form after filling it out and printing it out. Please be careful not to block the barcode area when pasting the receipt, and do not paste the receipt with staples or glue (glue stick).

Complete visa application forms: DS- 156 and DS- 157 non-immigrant visa application forms.

Transit certificate from the United States: prove that the purpose of applying for a transit visa is to continue to transfer to other countries immediately through the United States, such as travel schedule, air ticket booking instructions that transit through the United States is required, etc.

Proof of being able to enter another country: proof that you will be allowed to enter another country after passing through the United States, such as an entry visa or entry permit for that country (unless the applicant can provide sufficient evidence to prove that you don't need to show any entry permit when entering this country).

Strong binding proof in China: Produce economic, social, family or other binding documents to help prove that you are willing to return to China after a short stay in the United States.

Employment certificate: applicants who need to transit the United States for business purposes should bring a confirmation letter issued by their employers to confirm that you work in the company and explain your position.

Seafarer's log/training record: seafarers should bring the original proof of their work history and experience as seafarers.

Please note that the above materials are not exhaustive, and showing them during the interview will not ensure that you get a visa. Be prepared in advance, so as to reasonably explain the purpose of visiting the United States and the reason for returning to China during the interview, and show relevant evidence to prove your statement.