How to Apply for a China Crew Visa

📍 How the Crew Visa Process Works

To apply for a China crew visa:

1. Complete the visa questionnaire and upload all required documents in the questionnaire

2. Ship your current passport to Swift

3. Await a confirmation email from Swift once your passport and documents have been received and your application has been submitted to the consulate.

Swift will submit the passport to the appropriate Chinese consulate.

📄 Required Documents

You must provide:

• Passport

• Copy of two blank visa pages

• Copy of driver’s license or proof of residency

• Visa application statement (included with instruction email)

• Crew Letter from Employer

• Copy of front and back of crew ID card

• Copy of U.S. visa or front and back of U.S. green card (for non-U.S. passport holders)

• Copy of most recent China visa (if applicable)

• Copy of passport bio page containing most recent China visa (if applicable)

The consulate may request additional documents at its discretion. Swift will contact you if anything further is needed.

⏱️ Processing Timeline

China crew visa processing follows standard Chinese consulate timelines, which may vary by consulate jurisdiction.

• Average processing time: 5–7 business days

• Timeline begins once:

  • Questionnaire is fully completed

  • All required information is uploaded

  • Passport is received at Swift

⚠️ Processing times are subject to change without notice and may differ by consulate location.

Please note that Swift cannot expedite processing at the consulate. For time-sensitive travel, submit your application as early as possible.

💡 Important Notes

• Incomplete uploads delay submission

• Passport must be physically received before processing begins