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VISA APPLICATION FOR SHORT-TERM NEWS COVERAGE IN CHINA
2009-01-25 01:28

Do I need a journalist visa?

Journalist visa is subdivided into J-1 Visa and J-2 Visa. J-1 Visa is issued to a foreign resident correspondent in China. J-2 Visa is issued to a foreign correspondent on temporary short term news report mission in China. If you are from a media background, and you are going to China, on a temporary and short term basis, either to do news writing and reporting, professional still photographing, documentary making, or film shooting, you also need a J-2 Visa.

How long will it take to get my accreditation or confirmation?

It normally takes 15 working days. Please lodge your accreditation request to the press office of this embassy at least three weeks prior to your planned date of travel.

What documentation do I need to provide for my accreditation?

You need to put together a minimum of 2 documents:

1. A commissioning letter from the agency that has commissioned your China assignment. The letter should contain the following information: the introduction about the assignment you are to do in China, the name list of the visiting reporter(s), date of arrival and departure and cities to visit for your project while in China. In some cases, a letter from your superior within the same company you work for will do.

2. Copies of the applicants' passports, copies of professional journalist credentials and contact information.

In some cases, though not very often, the press office might ask you to provide other supporting documents, say an invitation letter from China. It is advisable you enclose, together with the above listed documents, any additional documents that you think might facilitate your request.

I have lodged my accreditation request to the press office, how do I know whether it has been approved?

Make sure leaving your correct contact details on the document submitted. You will be notified by a press officer of this Embassy in due course. You can also make follow-up calls to the Press Office.

I have been notified by a press officer from your Embassy that my accreditation request has been approved. What should I do next?

Now is the time for you to get the passport and a passport size photo ready, and hand them in to the visa office of this embassy. You will be asked to fill in the general visa application form in advance.

The issuing of a visa normally takes four working days. A next-day or same-day service is available, though at a higher cost. Should you need a same day service, make sure submit your passport to the receptionist at the counter before 11:00am. You do not need a written confirmation from the press office for your visa application.

I need to bring with me some equipment to work within China, what should I do?

Should you need to bring any professional equipment to work within China, you are required to pay some deposit at Chinese Customs on arrival, which will be refunded when you leave. It would be better for you to do the deposit or find the duty delaration company in China in advance.

I have some more Journalist related enquires, where can I get assistance?

Please contact with Political and Press office of the Chinese Embassy in the Kingdom of Belgium.

Address: 443-445 Ave. de Tervuren, 1150 Woluwe Saint-Pierre, Brussels.

Tel: 027710512

Fax: 027629966

Consular Department Address:

400 Boulevard du Souverain, 1160 Auderghem, Brussels

Working Hours :

Monday: 9:00 to 11:30, 15:00 to17:00;

Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 to 11:30

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