china tourist visa length

  I.Visa Types and  Required Documents

  Annex 1  Important Tips for online COVA visa form filling

1.  Please carefully read the prompts and requirements of the COVA form system, and complete the entries of the visa application COVA online form step by step, making sure that the information is true, accurate and complete. Please note: Once the application form has been submitted, it cannot be modified in any way.

2.  The " location " option  for submitting the visa application should be  in line with the consular jurisdiction.

3.  Basic personal information. Surname, given names, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport type, etc. must be exactly the same as those on the passport information page, otherwise your visa application will be returned.

4.  If you were born in China (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan), please note:

  (1) Application form 1.1D The Chinese name (if applicable) must be entered in Chinese with the Chinese character input method, please do not fill in "Chinese", "Chinese", etc.

  (2) In the application form 1.6G, select "Yes" for "former nationality", and then select the nationality information.

  (3) Item 1.6H of the application form is required. If the applicant is applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, this entry will be automatically generated during the form filling process; but if the applicant has previously applied for a Chinese visa, this entry will not be displayed when filling in the online form, and the form must be printed out and supplemented by hand-written Chinese name and other information. This Item cannot be empty.

5.  Fill in the work experience and educational background

  (1) Please fill in the work experience in the past 5 years.

  (2) The “position” and “duty” of the application form 3.2D and 3.2E must be filled in completely.

   (3)   Please fill in the highest diploma/degree in 4.1, and the diploma/degree and major in 4.1B and 4.1C must be completed.

6.  Completely fill in each address

The address of the spouse in 5.5A of the application form  must fill in the address of the current location , not the address of the place of birth. The address must be filled in completely, including street, city, state, and country.

7.  If you choose "not applicable" for any entry in the form, you need to state the reason for “not applicable”.

8.  Printing and signing. After completing the COVA online form filling, you must print out a full set of application forms, including the "Confirmation of Online Visa application" and "Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China" (depending on the individual filling situation, a total of 8 to 9 pages will be generated). All the pages of the forms must be printed to turn in, the signature and date on the Confirmation Page and the 8th page of Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China must be handwritten by the applicant him/herself. Visa applicant under the age of 18 is signed by their guardian, and meanwhile add a handwritten signature in the "For person filling in the application on the applicant’s behalf".

  Annex 2  Contents of S1, S2, Q1, Q2 Visa Invitation Letter

Inviter’s name XX, gender X, date of birth: XX, Chinese ID number XXX (or foreign passport number XX, Chinese permanent residence card number XX), current address in China is XX, contact phone number XX, email XX.

I hereby invite the following relatives to visit China for a short-term visit/long-term residence. He/She plans to go to China on XX, and stay in China for XX days.

Invitee information: name XX, gender X, date of birth XX, nationality XX, passport number XX, and the relative relationship with the inviter is XX.

Inviter's signature:        Date:

  Annex 3  Cont ents of M， F and L Visa Invitation Letter

1. Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.

2. Information about the invitee’s visit to China: reason for coming to China, date of arrival and departure, place of visit, relationship with the inviting unit or inviter, who will pay for the travel, etc.

3. Inviting party information: inviting party name, address, tel e phone number, official seal, legal representative or inviter’s signature, date, etc. (the information must be included in the text of the invitation letter)

  Annex 4    Where You Stay Form  ( Download )

Please note: According to the v isa application requirements, if the applicant is not in the United States, he cannot apply for a visa to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General in the United States.)

II. Process of Visa Application

The  consular jurisdiction   of the Embassy  of the People ’ s Republic of China   includes : Washington D . C . ,  Maryland ,  Virginia ,  West Virginia ,  North Carolina ,  South Carolina ,  Kentucky,  Tennessee ,  Delaware ,  Alabama ,  Arkansas ,  Florida ,  Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, Puerto Rico . Please confirm that the applicant lives in the above-mentioned states before submitting the visa application.

1. Visa applicants need to log on to the website  “ China Online Visa Application (COVA) ”  to fill in the COVA forms.

*After completing the COVA forms as required, please make sure to  print the full set of COVA forms (8-9 pages)  and  sign   on the Confirmation Page and the 8th  page . If the COVA forms are not prepared as guided, the application will not be accepted.

2. The physical application documents can be submitted to the Visa Office within the office hours by the visa applicant or by an agent.

3. In addition to the printed and signed COVA forms, visa applicants also need to prepare the physical  Required Documents (include   "A.Basic Documents"   and   "B.General Documents")   to submit on-site to the Visa Office. If the physical documents do not meet the requirements or not sufficient, the application may be returned, and the applicant may need to fill in the COVA forms again.

4. Please check all the information on the visa is correct when picking up. If there is any inaccuracy, please tell the staff immediately in case inconvenience brought by the incorrect information. Credit card (Master or Visa card only), money order or cashier's check are accepted for on-site pick-up. 

III.  Processing Time and Fees

Regular service:  4 business days

Express service:  3 business days (urgent situation)

Note:  The above processing time is average and for reference only. Some applications may require longer processing time that a pick-up date cannot be confirmed until notified by the Visa Office.

For visa processing fees, please  click   here .  

IV. Address and Contact Information of the Visa office

Address of the Visa Office :

2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite110, Washington, D.C. 20007 U.S.A.

Office Hours:

9:30-14:30 (Monday to Friday, closed on weekends and holidays)

Email address: [email protected]

Phone number:

001-202-855-1555 (12:30-16:30, Monday to Friday, except for holidays)

Face mask is required upon entry.

How do I get a visa for China?

Oct 14, 2021 • 6 min read

The first step towards walking along the Great Wall is getting a visa for China © Hung Chung Chih / Shutterstock

Stretching from the steppes of Central Asia and Mongolia to the tropical jungles of Laos and Vietnam, China is a land of endless travel opportunities. Though the country shut up tight after the world’s first COVID-19 lockdown in Wuhan in January 2020, China is making fast progress towards its 85% vaccination target and international tourism is expected to resume by 2022.

Here is everything you need to know about obtaining a tourist visa for China, based on the requirements in place before the pandemic, which are likely to remain when China reopens to international tourists. Always check the latest regulations with the Chinese authorities before you travel.

Who Needs a Chinese Tourist Visa?

The majority of foreign nationals require a tourist visa (also known as an "L visa") to enter and visit mainland China, though a few nationalities are granted visa-free entry. L visas are easy to obtain from Chinese embassies and consulates around the world, though the visa application process in some countries has been outsourced to a local branch of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center – their website has a handy list of locations and other useful country-specific information. To avoid the tedious bureaucracy when applying in person, many people obtain a visa via a tour operator or visa agent.

Can I travel visa-free to China?

Holders of passports from a handful of countries can travel visa-free to mainland China for tourism or business purposes. Citizens of Brunei, Japan and Singapore get 15 days, citizens of the Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Qatar, Serbia, Seychelles, Tonga, and the United Arab Emirates get 30 days, citizens of Mauritius get 60 days, and citizens of Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and San Marino get 90 days.

Who can get a transit visa?

Visitors from 49 countries – including the US, Canada, UK, the EU, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, Brazil and Argentina – can spend up to 144 hours (6 days) transiting in China without a visa if they arrive by air, ship or train at selected Chinese cities. The list of cities includes Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guilin, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xiamen, Wuhan, Kunming and Qingdao, opening up some interesting quick trip opportunities.   To be eligible, travelers must hold a passport valid for at least 3 months after entry and proof of onward travel to a third country, or to Hong Kong or Macau . These visas start counting down at 12.01 am on the date following arrival and there are restrictions on where you can travel within each region. Check with your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate for the current list of eligible nationalities, entry points and specific movement areas.

What about Hong Kong and Macau?

Most nationalities do not require a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days in either Hong Kong or Macau. British visitors to Hong Kong get 180 days, and South Africans get 30 days. To travel from here into China proper, a standard tourist visa is required. These are fairly easy to obtain via China Travel Service in Hong Kong.

Since May 2018, the Chinese resort island of Hainan has offered 30-day visa-free entry to citizens of 59 countries including the US, Canada, the EU, the UK, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore. You can’t leave Hainan island and travel to mainland China on this visa – if you want to roam deeper into China, you'll need a standard tourist visa.

How about Tibet?

To travel to Tibet by air, road or train, you'll need both a China tourist visa and a Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) permit. To obtain this mandatory travel document you must book a guide for your entire trip and pre-arrange private transport for trips outside Lhasa. No direct applications are accepted, which effectively means that Tibet can only be visited on an organized tour.

How to apply for a Chinese tourist visa

By far the most straightforward option is to apply in your home country. If your country of residence is different, the Chinese authorities may charge an extra processing fee for non-citizens. Either way, you’ll need to fill out a form giving a proposed itinerary for your trip (it’s advisable to never mention Xinjiang and Tibet in your application), plus a flight ticket, and proof of accommodation booked for your first night in China.

Some embassies require extra documentation, such as an invitation letter from a person or a company in China, bank statements, and documents proving your employment record. And your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the expiry date of your visa. 

Remember that it can be hard to obtain a Chinese tourist visa from an embassy or consulate outside your home country. Caravanistan publishes a useful list of which Chinese embassies accept applications from third-country citizens.

How much does a China tourist visa cost?

The cost of a Chinese tourist visa varies depending on the type of visa, the length of stay, the number of entries allowed, and your nationality. Most tourists pay around US$35 for a single entry visa valid for 30 days from the day you enter China. Reflecting frosty relations between China and some foreign governments, UK citizens pay £151, US citizens pay US$140, Canadian citizens pay C$142, Australian citizens pay A$109 and French, German, Italian, Dutch and Spanish citizens pay €126.

Some nationalities are entitled to long-term multiple-entry visas that allow travelers to visit China for stints of 30 to 120 days throughout the duration of the visa. Note these are not residence permits and do not grant any right to live or work in China. Citizens of the US, Canada, Argentina and Israel can obtain tourist visas with a validity of up to ten years, Brazilians and South Africans are eligible for tourist visas valid for up to five years, while citizens of the UK can get tourist visas lasting two years. Contact your local Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest fees for long-term visas.

How long is a Chinese visa valid for?

Regular China tourist visas are valid for 30 days and must be used within three (or six, if double-entry) months of their date of issue. Never overstay your visa: the fine is ¥500 a day, with the possibility of being deported and banned from re-entering China for the next five years. If you think you'll need to stay longer, start the process of applying for a visa extension well before your visa expires.

Can I extend my Chinese visa?

Chinese visas can be extended once without too much difficulty at the Public Security Bureau (PSB) offices found in larger Chinese towns and cities, though an extension is not guaranteed. The process takes between 2 and 7 working days, the fee is ¥160 (or ¥760/500 for US/UK citizens). You can only extend your stay for as long as the duration of your original visa. You’ll need to provide your original passport, two photos and a receipt from your accommodation in the town where you are applying for your extension.

Because of the complicated permit system, extending your stay in Tibet is impossible, and Xinjiang, Beijing and Shanghai can also be tricky places to extend a standard tourist visa. The Caravanistan website has some useful visa extension reports from travelers. A second extension is harder to get, and a third extension is extremely unlikely.

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China Visa Guide 2024 | Updated Requirements & Application

January 11, 2024 By China Mike

So much has changed (and continues to change) now that China has re-opened after Covid. The question I constantly get asked is: “Do I need a China visa before I travel to China?” Below I’d like to share with you everything you need to know as you apply for your visa to China.

The short answer to that question is really quite simple:

Yes, you need a China visa.

With few no exceptions, all foreign visitors to China need to apply for a visa in advance. These visas are available from Chinese embassies and consulates all over the world, as well as through visa agents and tour operators.

As we go in-depth on getting a visa to China, you can skip to a specific section using the links below:

• What is a Chinese visa?
• What are the China visa requirements?
• Is a visa required for Hong Kong and Macau?
• What about the China transit visa?
• Can I extend my China visa?
• Pro Tips and Advice: Applying for a China Visa

Applying for a Chinese visa takes a bit of time and isn’t cheap, but it’s not terribly hard. My hope is that by the end of this article, you’ll feel much more comfortable about the whole process.

Note: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I may be compensated if you choose to use a service listed here. I try my best to be unbiased and only recommend those services that I have personally used.

What is a Chinese Visa?

A China visa is a permit that gets glued to a page of your passport, granting you permission to enter China upon arrival.

This page will be checked at customs and the opposite page will be stamped with the date of your arrival.

A Chinese visa usually looks like this:

The most important parts of the China visa include:

• Visa Number: That’s the red number on the top right.
• Visa Type : If you’re a tourist, there will be a big “L” here.
• Max Visit Length:  This number tells you how many days you can legally stay in China at one time (usually 30, 60 or 90 days).
• Entries: Some Chinese visas allow you to only enter once. Others are “multi-entry”, which means you can exit and re-enter China multiple times during the same time frame.
• Date : China visas aren’t valid indefinitely, and the visa itself will tell you how long after a specific date that you must use the visa.

The rest of the China visa is pretty self-explanatory.

China Visa Requirements for Application

Any China visa application starts with an online form that requires you provide a lot of personal information and submit a number of official documents. It is very important that you fill this out correctly, as one small error can end up in rejection.

The China visa requirements aren’t too complicated. The paperwork might be a little confusing, but the requirements themselves are easy-to-understand.

It basically boils down to a few handful of requirements in order to apply for a China visa:

• Valid Passport : You must have a passport that has at least 6 months of validity from the date at which you plan to enter China. The passport must have at least 2 blank pages and will need to be signed.
• Completed Application Form : This form can be downloaded here on the Chinese consulate website . You’ll need to have a signed application form for each traveler, even if they are children (the guardian can sign on their behalf).
• Proper Passport Photos : Photos must be taken against a white background sometime within the last 6 months. Size requirements for the China visa photo are 48 mm x 33 mm. This photo will be glued to your application form.

• Invitation or Flight/Hotel Reservations : Depending on the type of China visa you’re applying for, you will be asked to provide proof of flight or hotel reservations or an invitation from a company. Note: some travelers purchase refundable tickets/hotels for the sole purpose of the China visa application.

It’s worth stating that Chinese embassies and consulates don’t allow you to mail in your visa application so you’ll either have to visit one or use a travel/visa agent. In the United States, unless you live in a city with a Chinese consulate, visiting in person can be a big pain.

There are hundreds of “visa agents” out there, but I’m very picky about who I give my passport to. The benefit of using these services is that they know all the China visa requirements and can help make sure you’re doing it all right.

I’ve used Passport Visa Express for all of my China visas over the years and it’s always been a very good experience for me. Get 10% off using code ChinaMike at checkout.

Is a Visa Required for Hong Kong and Macao?

I would like to point out that the visa requirements for Hong Kong and Macau are different than China. Both of these “administrative regions” have own tourist guidelines.

For example, citizens from the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand are issued visas on arrival (which means you don’t have to apply for a visa before travel) and can stay up to 90 days.

Once you arrive in Hong Kong or Macau, it is possible to visit the Chinese embassy in the regions and apply for a China visa there. It will require a bit of time and patience, but it can be done.

What about Visa-Free Transit in China?

Remember when I told you that  almost all foreigners need a China visa? Well, here’s the one exception: the visa-free transit policy. This policy has been put on hold ever since Covid, but we’re keeping this explanation here because it will likely be re-instated later.

Note: This policy is sometimes confused with the “Transit Visa”, that does require application. For this section, we are specifically referring to the visa-free transit.

China has created a couple of transit visas, the most popular of which are the 72-hour visa and the 144-hour visa. These are “visas on arrival” or VOA for short, which means that you theoretically don’t have to apply for the visa prior to arrival.

The problem is that there’s a lot of confusion surrounding these China transit visas and China hasn’t done much to help clear things up.

As far as I can tell, here are the most important things to know:

• Who Can Use a Transit Visa? Most of the major European, American and Oceania countries can use it.
• Where Can I use a China Transit Visa? You are only able to take advantage of the China transit visa when entering/exiting certain cities. Even then, your movements are restricted to that specific area.

• Applying for a China Transit Visa : Application is done at the airport when you arrive in China. There have been attempts to move this application process online, but so far they have been a failure.

In most cases, I advise against relying on the China transit visa because everything is so ambiguous.

I’ve heard stories of travelers who have been turned away at the Chinese airport because they didn’t qualify like they thought they did. Their only choice was to turn around, get back on a plane and return home.

China Visa Tips and Expert Advice

As somebody who has applied for (and received!) quite a few China visas over the past decade, I have a few tips that you might find helpful as you prepare to apply for your China visa.

• It’s best to apply for your visa about 1-2 months before departure date.  It supposedly only takes 4 business days but I’d give yourself 2 weeks lead time just in case.
• The visa application is tricky, and the slightest mistake is often cause for a visa rejection. I know…it’s happened to me! That’s why I’ve used Passport Visas Express – they double check my application to make sure you’ve met all the China visa requirements and that everything is filled out correctly before it gets submitted.
• The visa application asks to list your occupation.  If you’re a journalist, documentary filmmaker, or political activist….it’s probably safer to write in something like, “professional dog groomer” or “subway bucket drummer” instead. Don’t worry – they won’t call your references 😉
• With the exception of Tibet, which requires a special permit to enter, a China visa gives you access to all other parts of China. No other special permit or visa is required.
• If you’re traveling on a packaged tour, you probably won’t need to apply for an individual visa since your tour leader will apply for a group visa (after getting your details).

Extending Your Visa within China

To extend your visa, you will need to visit the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) in the city where you’re staying. This bureau, known as the 公安局 in Chinese, is usually open weekdays 9-11:30am and 1:30 to 4:30pm.

It’ll involve some paperwork but it’s usually easy to get at least a one-month extension.

The processing times, costs, and length of extension reportedly vary from region to region. To maximize their chances, some travelers go to PSB (basically, a police station) in smaller towns because they have a reputation for being less strict and nit-picky.

Beijing is reportedly the worst place to ask for an extension (longer processing times plus sometimes other requirements such as proof of finances). I’ve read that Shanghai and Guilin are not as stringent and fairly efficient and easy.

If for some reason, they won’t extend your visa for China, you can fly to Hong Kong to apply for a new visa (only about 1-2 business days).

Don’t overstay or you’ll be fined Y500/day (although it could be harsher, especially for longer overstays) and you likely won’t be allowed back into China for a period of time.

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About China Mike

China Mike offers trusted resources about China and its history based on more than a decade of study and personal travel experience. His knowledge and writing on China has been used and referenced by universities, news publications and numerous online blogs.

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How to Apply for a China Visa — a Step-by-Step Guide

Visa-Free Access to China : If you're from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, and Poland, you can visit China visa-free for 15 days until December 31st, 2025. If you're from Singapore, you can relish visa-free access to China for up to 30 days.

If your nationality isn't listed above or if you aim to discover China for more than two weeks, we offer a Port Visa Service for just US$100 per person  once your tour booking is confirmed with us. No stress of embassy visits and visa interviews.

How to Apply for a China Visa

Planning to visit China, but don't know how to apply for a China visa? We're breaking it down for you with our step-by-step guide, follow the steps and get your China visa efficiently.

The visa information we provide is for reference only. We are a travel agency. If you book a trip with us, we can provide you with an invitation letter when applying for a tourist visa.

1. Find out if you need a visa

The first thing is to check whether you need a visa or not. You usually need to apply for a Chinese visa unless you meet one of China's visa-free policies . 72- and 144-hour visa-free transit offer great convenience if you have a layover in China.

2. Find out which visa you need.

There are many types of China visas. Choose a visa type that applies to your situation. If you are planning to go on a vacation in China, apply for a Tourist Visa (L Visa).

3. Prepare the required documents.

The following list of documents are required for any China visa application:

• A valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when you enter China.
• A complete visa application form (The visa application form can be downloaded from the Chinese embassy website or from our website. You complete it by computer, print and sign it. In some countries such as UK you should complete an online form . On the form, you might find an item "Serial number of invitation letter of the authorized organization", you may skip this item if you don't have an invitation letter, or the invitation letter is not of this type.)
• A recent passport-type photograph (head and shoulders only, front view, with a white background, approximately 48mmx33mm)

Along with the aforementioned generally required documents, several additional documents are required depending upon the type of China visa applied for.

For instance, if you are applying for a tourist L visa , you need to prepare an air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation OR an invitation letter issued by a Chinese travel agency. ( An invitation letter could be provided by us without extra charge if a China tour of 3 days or more is booked .)

An invitation letter can replace the air ticket and hotel booking if you are planning to stay with friends or family who live in China and can't provide the hotel confirmation, or if your travel is being organized by a travel agency (or other duly authorized organization) in China . We can provide you with the invitation letter if you book a tour with us.

4. Submit the application.

You may submit the application to the Visa Office at Chinese embassies or consulates, or China Visa Application Service Centers (also called CVASC) if they are operating in your country.

Starting from 2018, visa applicants from more and more countries (including the U.S., the UK, and Canada) have to make their visa application in person and have their fingerprints collected .

The regular service processing time is 4 days, and the rushed service takes about 1 day. The latter is only available in extreme emergencies pending a consular officer's approval.

5. Pay the fee and collect your visa.

Go to the place where you apply for a China visa, pay the fee, and collect your visa.

The fees vary enormously depending on your nationality and number of entries. Here we listed China visa prices for some countries for your reference. It may change based on the updated policies.

The fees shown in the table are only for the cost of visa. If you apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center, the service fee and tax are required.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

When to Apply for a Visa

It is important to get your visa early, but not too early because it is only valid for 90/180 days for single/double-entry visas from the issue date.

It is usually recommended that you apply for the visa one or two months before the intended travel .

Apply for Special Permits, If Necessary.

If you are planning on traveling to the Tibet Autonomous Region, you will need to get a Tibet Travel Permit from a Chinese travel agency. As a travel agency based in China for more than 20 years, we can help you apply for the Tibet Travel Permit.

Check the most popular Tibet tours .

Apply for a China Visa in Hong Kong

If you are already in Hong Kong and want to visit the Chinese mainland, it is possible to get a China visa in Hong Kong. Read our step-by-step guide .

Tailor-Making a Private China Tour

China Highlights is your China tour tailor-making expert. See the recommended tours below for inspiration or check out our ideas and suggestions on How to Plan Your China Tour .

• 8-Day Shanghai - Xian - Beijing Private Tour - China's Ancient and Modern Collision
• 13-Day Beijing – Xi'an – Guilin/Yangshuo – Hangzhou - Suzhou – Shanghai Private Tour - Riches of China
• 13-Day Private Tour: Beijing – Xi'an – Chengdu –Yangtze Cruise – Shanghai A Close Encounter with Pandas - China Essence and Panda Tour

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China L Visa (Tourist Visa): Requirements & Application

Until December 31, 2025 , citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Ireland, Switzerland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Australia, New Zealand, and Poland with ordinary passports can visit China without a visa for up to 15 days.

This visa exemption extends to various purposes, including tourism, business trips, transit, and visiting friends and relatives in China.

China L Visa (Tourist Visa) is designed for foreigners who wish to visit China for tourism.

In this article, we will share the details of the China L Visa, including the application process, requirements, and other vital information to ensure your trip to China goes smoothly.

Who Needs a China L Visa?

China L Visa is required for normal visits to China Mainland for almost every foreigner.

If you are planning to travel to China and you are not eligible for any of China's visa-free policies (such as the 144-hour transit visa exemption ), then you need to apply for a tourist visa (L visa) to enter China.

China Tourist Visa Requirements

To successfully obtain a China L Visa, you are required to provide the following documents:

1. A Valid Passport

Original signed passport with at least six months validity and two blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.

2. A Completed Visa Application Form

The China visa application form  can be downloaded from the China embassy website of your country or our website. You need to complete it by computer, print and sign it. 

3. A Recent Passport-Style Photograph

You need to prepare a recently taken color photo (bare-head, full face) against a light background of the size of 48mm×33mm.

4. Proof of Legal Entry or Residence Status (applicable to applicants who apply for visas outside their country of nationality)

If you are not applying for the China visa in the country of your citizenship, you need to provide proof of legal stay, residence, work, or study in your current location, as well as a copy of the document.

5. Original Chinese Passport or China Visa (applicable to former Chinese citizens who have acquired foreign nationality)

If you are applying for a China visa for the first time after acquiring foreign citizenship, you need to provide the original Chinese passport and a copy of the passport's information page.

If you have previously obtained a China visa and are now applying for a China visa with a new foreign passport, you need to provide a copy of the information page of your new foreign passport, as well as copies of the China visas issued on your previous passport.

In case the name on your new passport is different from the name on your original passport, you will also need to provide an official document proving the name change.

6. Additional Supporting Documents for China Tourist Visa

If you are planning independent travel (free travel) in China, you need to provide proof of round-trip international flight tickets and hotel reservations within China.

If you will join a guided tour within China, you need to provide an invitation letter issued by a registered China travel agency.

The invitation letter should include the following information:

• The invited person's personal information includes full name, gender, and date of birth.
• The invited person's planned itinerary includes arrival and departure dates and tourist destinations.
• The information of the inviting entity or individual, including their name, contact number, address, official seal or signature, and legal representative or inviter's signature.

If you travel with us, we will create a valuable tour for you and provide you with an invitation letter for free if you request. Please contact us for more details.

China Tourist Visa Application - How to Get a China L Visa?

Step 1:  Prepare essential documents according to China Tourist Visa Requirements.

Step 2:  Submit all necessary documents in person at the nearest China Embassy or Consulate in your country. You can make an appointment online at China Online Visa Application  (COVA).

Some Chinese Embassies and Consulates have established China Visa Application Service Centers  (CVASC) to handle the application process. You can submit the required documents directly to them. The CVASC will accept and forward the application to the embassy for further processing and issuance.

Step 3:  Pay visa fees and get a pick-up slip. Check details of China Tourist Visa Fees.

Step 4:  Once your application is approved, collect your passport and China Visa on the assigned date (usually within a week). The processing time may vary, check the details of China Tourist Visa Processing Time.

With the pick-up slip, you may pick up your passport in person or with a trustworthy person for help.

China Tourist Visa Processing Time

Typically, Chinese embassies or consulates abroad can process tourist visas within four to five working days . However, in certain special circumstances, the processing time may be extended at the discretion of the embassy or consulate.

You are advised to submit the visa application approximately one month before the intended date of entry. This allows for sufficient time for processing and ensures that the visa is obtained on time.

It is always recommended to plan and allow ample time for visa processing, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience to China.

China Tourist Visa Cost - How Much Is a China L Visa?

The cost of a China tourist visa varies depending on several factors, including your nationality, the type of visa, the processing time chosen, and where you submit the application.

For example, if you are going to apply for a China L visa in the US, here are the visa fees.

Visa fees for certain non-U.S. citizens may vary from the list above based on reciprocal agreements. Please check with the Visa Office for special fees.

How Many Times Can I Enter China on a Tourist Visa?

The number of entries allowed on a China tourist visa depends on the type of visa issued. In general, there are single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry tourist visas available.

A single-entry visa  allows the holder to enter China only once during the visa's validity period. Once you leave China, the visa becomes invalid, and if you plan to re-enter, you will need to apply for a new visa.

The duration of stay for each entry is usually limited to 30 days.

A double-entry visa  permits two entries into China within the visa's validity period. This means you can enter China on two separate occasions. After the second entry, the visa becomes invalid.

The multiple-entry visa  grants multiple entries into China within the visa's validity period. With this visa, you can enter and exit China multiple times during the specified duration.

China 10-Year Visa (Long-term Visa)

China's 10-year visa is an option for travelers who frequently visit China for tourism or personal purposes.

This long-term visa allows multiple entries into China over up to ten years. The maximum stay per visit is 60 days for tourists.

If you are holding a US, Canadian, or UK passport, you are now eligible for a 10-year visa for tourism.

Can I Apply for the China L Visa Online?

No, you can’t apply for and get a China visa online. E-visa is not available in China . The consular officer needs your passport to put the visa in it, you are required to have your fingerprints collected.

It is possible to download the visa application form and submit it online.

Suppose you are eligible for the China Online Visa Application system . In that case, you can fill in the application form online and print it out to submit it at your nearest visa application center.

If not, you need to download the China Visa Application Form , print it out, and fill in it. 

You Might Want to Read

• How to Apply for a China Visa
• China Visa on Arrival
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Chinese Visa Introduction - How to Read A China Visa

Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on July 15, 2024 :

1. Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, Xishuangbanna and 5 regions in Yunnan Province are applicable to 144-hour visa-free transit policy. Mohan Railway Port at China-Laos border can be used to enter/leave Yunnan.

2. Breaking News! a. China will be 15-day visa-free for Australia, New Zealand and Poland from July 1st, 2024 to December 31st, 2025. b. 15 days visa free for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg has been extended until December 31, 2025. Read more »

3. Hong Kong High-speed Rail West Kowloon Station has been added to Guangdong Province 144-hour transit visa-free.

4. China - Georgia Mutual Exemption of Visa, starting from May 28, 2024.

5. Booking of flights and hotels, China itineraries and invitation letters are not required for application of Chinese Tourist Visa for U.S.nationals.

6. Appointment is not required for visa application in many embassies and consulates.

8. Starting from 00:00 on November 1, 2023, individuals entering or exiting the country are exempt from filling out the "People's Republic of China Health Declaration Card for Entry/Exit."

7. Norway has become the 54th country whose passport holders can transit without visa up to 72/144 hours in China.

8. Starting from August 30, 2023, individuals traveling to China will no longer be required to undergo pre-entry COVID-19 nucleic acid or antigen testing.

9. U.S. citizens holding multi-year multiple-entry visas issued before March 28, 2020, whose visas temporarily lost entry functionality between March 28, 2020, and March 14, 2023, due to the pandemic, are eligible to apply for compensation. Those who choose to apply for compensation will receive a free 3-year multiple-entry visa. Those who choose to waive the compensation can apply for a new 10-year multiple-entry visa at the regular fee.

China Discovery will keep focusing on the updates of the latest Chinese visa and entry policy! You can also call +86 010 12367 (Official telephone number of China National Immigration Administration) to check further information. Welcome to join in our Facebook Groups to catch up with the latest news!

Invitation letter is a vital document for Chinese visa application. If you travel with us, we will not only create a valuable tour for you, but also provide you an invitation letter if you request, which will help you obtain your visa successfully. Start customizing your tour in China now!

We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years

Foreigners holding ordinary passport are required to obtain a valid visa to visit China, unless you meet relevant policies of Chinese Visa Exemptions . According to different purposes & ways of visit, there are two visa forms , including individual visa stamped on passport (most common) and Group Visa on paper sheet (special form).

After you successfully obtain a Chinese Visa, you must pay attention to the definitions, read all details carefully, especially the visa category, number of entry, issued validity and duration of stay. To ensure your trip to China, you shall fully understand each section of information.

China Visa on Passport

A Sample of Chinese Tourist (F) Visa (New Version Used Since June 1, 2019)

1. Category (签证种类) - Chinese Visa Types

Chinese Visa contains diplomatic, courtesy, service and ordinary visa, according to different identity and types of passport they hold. For ordinary visa, there are totally 16 kinds of visas for Chinese mainland , besides Hong Kong Visa and Macau Visa . More about Chinese Visa Categories >>

Normally, a single English letter is stamped on the top left of the visa page, and it stands for the corresponding visa category. It’s very important to figure out which kind of visa to apply for before submission, and check after you get the Chinese Visa. If you apply a visa not in accordance with the purpose of visiting, your entry will be refused.

Major types of Chinese Visas:

“ L ” = China Tourist Visa (visit China for travel)

“ M ” = China Business Visa (visit China for commercial & trade activities)

“ C ” = China Crew Visa (visit China as foreign crew members of international transportation and their accompany family members)

“ D ” = China Resident Visa (to reside in China permanently)

“ F ” = China Non-commercial Visit Visa (go to China for exchanges, visits, study tour, etc)

“ G ” = China Transit Visa

“ Q1/Q2 ” = China Family Reunion Visa (to visit family members in China, who are Chinese citizens or foreigners holding China’s permanent residence)

“ S1/S2 ” = China Private Visa (visit family members who are working, studying in China for private matters)

“ X1/X2 ” = China Study Visa (for study in China)

“ Z ” = China Work Visa (to work in China)

2. Entries (签证的入境次数)

The entries refers to how many times you can enter China during the period of validity. China offers 3 entry options to meet foreigners’ different needs of visiting, including regular single-entry, double-entry and multiple-entry visa. (The very less-known Zero-entry Visa is an exit visa, not allowing any entry.)

Applicants can choose the number of entries when filling in visa application form. But the final number of entries and duration of stay are determined by the Chinese Embassy and Consulates aboard.

Notes: You have to apply for a new Chinese Visa if you are in the following 2 situations: 1.) the entry times have been used up; 2.) the visa has expired. Your entry would be rejected if holding a expired visa, even there are entries left.

① Single-entry Chinese Visa

The Single-entry China Visa allows visitors to enter China only once. It is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. Holders can stay up to maximum 30 days within China's mainland. If you want to re-enter China, you must apply for a new Chinese Visa.

Pattern on Passport: 01 (壹)

② Double-entry Chinese Visa

Foreigners holding the Double-entry Chinese Visa can get into China's mainland twice. The period of validity is 3 to 6 months from the date of issuance, with duration of each stay 30 days.

Please note that Hong Kong and Macau SARs owns separate policies of visa or entry permit . So you will need a double-entry or multiple-entry Chinese Visa , if you firstly visit China's mainland, then to Hong Kong or Macau and later come back to China's mainland again.

Pattern on Passport: 02 (贰)

③ Multiple-entry Chinese Visa

A multiple-entry China Visa is the most popular option, because it permits the visitor to enter and exit China as many time as he/she likes within the validity. You can apply for multiple entry visa for 6 months, 1 year, 2 year, 5 year and above ( up to 10 years in countries like US, UK, etc). Visa fees will be charged differently.

Attention that the permitted duration of each stay vary from different types of Chinese Visas. For example, Canadian citizens can stay up to 60 days each visit for China L & M Visas, and 120 days for China Q2 Visa. And there is no limitation to the gap between two individual entries.

Pattern on Passport: M (多)

3. Valid for Entry By (签证的有效期) - Chinese Visa Validity

The “Valid For Entry By” means the expiry date of the Chinese Visa, it is the deadline you can enter China. The exact expiration is 24:00 of China official time (Beijing GMT+8:00). The complete period of validity counts from the "Valid For Entry By" date and lasts the days issued to you. The validity vary from visa types and number of entries, usually is 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and more. Visitor can NOT enter China if the time has passed as indicated on the visa.

Format on Passport: YY-MM-DD

4. Duration of Each Stay (停留期限) - Days After Entry

On the right section next to “Valid For Entry By”, “Duration of Each Stay” means the maximum number of days visitors are allowed to stay in China per entry. It is calculated from 00:00 on the day after entry into China, till to the 24:00 (Beijing GMT +8:00) of last permitted day. And it counts every time you enter China, not calculated.

The“Duration of Each Stay” differs by the visa types. The duration ranges from a few days , to 30 days , 60 days, 90 days, 120 days and 180 days at most. A regular stay for the Tourist (L) Visa is 30 days. If you want to stay longer than the issued duration, you need to apply for China Visa Extension from public security authorities at least one week before the expiration date. Overstaying is against the laws of China.

“ 000 ” days is a special note for certain long-term Chinese Visas, like China Work (Z) Visa, China Study (X1/X2) Visa, China Foreign Journalist (J1) Visa & China Resident (D)Visa. It doesn’t mean the bearer can’t stay in China or they can stay in China without limitation of length of duration. They are required to apply a residence permit in the local Public Security Bureau within 30 days upon arrival. Their accurate duration of stay will be specified on the residence permit.

5. Others Information on China Visa Page

● China Visa Number: It consists of 8 digit numbers, 1 capital Latin letter and 7 Arabic numerals. It’s one and only code representing you Chinese Visa.

● Date of Issue: It is the date when your Chinese Visa is issued, and your visa validity starts from that day.

● Place of Issue: It is printed a city/region name in Chinese, which is the location of Chinese Embassy or Consulate.

● Full Name , Sex , Date of Birth and Passport Number are also crucial personal information should be stamped correctly.

China Tourist Group Visa

Sample of New Chinese Tourist Group Visa

China Tourist Group Visa is a special kind of Chinese Visa, which issues to a tour group with at least 5 members and organized by a local travel agency. The old Group Visa, unlike the regular individual visa printed on passport, it was on a sheet of paper, listing related personal information about all tourists, including applicants’ name, gender, nationality, date of birth, passport number, passport validity and procession/occupation. From June 1st, 2019, a New China Group Visa form has been started as like the regular Chinese Visa

All group tourists have to enter into and exit from China at the same port and same time.

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China Discovery is a professional and experienced travel companion who offers high-value and worry-free tours for you. We not only design ideal itinerary covering sightseeing, dining, transfer and hotel, but also can provide any support & help you need to travel to China. With a Chinese Visa, you can freely travel to many cities in China's mainland, among all, Beijing , Shanghai are used as gate way cities, Xian , Guilin , Chengdu are also excellent destinations to discovery different regional culture, history and local customs in China.

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Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) – The Complete Guide

If you need information about how to obtain a tourist visa (or L visa) for China, you’ve come to the right place.

If instead, you’re interested in another type of visa (work, student, business, etc) then you can read our complete guide on Chinese visas .

Do I need a visa to visit China as a tourist?

• You are in transit in China for less than 144 hours .
• If you’re staying in Shenzhen (on the border of Hong Kong) for less than five days or in Zhuhai (at the border with Macao) for less than three days .
• If you’re staying on Hainan Island with an organized tour with a minimum of five people for a maximum of fifteen days.

To stay for tourism reasons in Hong Kong or Macao for less than six months no visa is required (depending on your nationality).

When should I apply for a Chinese visa?

Where can i apply for a chinese tourist visa, in your country.

In many countries visas are by now handled by the CVASC ( Chinese Visa Application Service Center ).

As far as the United States goes, you need to contact the Chinese Consulate in your state of residence ( here you’ll find a list of consulates ).

If you’re not a US resident and your country isn’t on the CVASC list (see the link above), then you’ll have to contact one of the Chinese Consulates in your own country.

Note that, aside from rare exceptions, it’s not possible to send your passport and request a visa through the mail; you have to show up in person at the CVASC or at the Chinese Consulate.

If for some reason you don’t want to, or you can’t show up personally, you can use an agency to get your Chinese Visa . This will have a supplementary cost, but it may still be cheaper than the cost of the trip to the nearest CVASC or Chinese Consulate.

In this case, you’ll have to send your passport (and other necessary documents) to the agency and they will handle everything. To apply for a visa service through an agency you can use the form above on the right.

At the moment we recommend Visa HQ, a reputable agency that charges 79 USD for its Chinese Visa service. Click here to learn more!

From 2016, in some cases, you can also apply for a group visa online . You can click on the previous link to learn more.

Even if in theory you can only apply for the visa in your country of residence, in practicality you can also get it elsewhere, so long as it’s a country that holds diplomatic relations with China. The easiest place to get one is certainly Hong Kong. You can check out our complete guide to applying for a Chinese visa in Hong Kong to learn more.

How long will a Chinese visa last?

How much does a chinese visa cost and how long will it take to get one.

In general, obtaining a visa will take four business days. To get a visa in 2-3 business days you can apply for the Express Service (it costs an additional 20 USD); while to get a visa within one business day you can apply for Rush Service (which costs an additional 30 USD). Note that the Rush Service is granted only in documented cases of extreme urgency.

What documents will I need to get a visa?

• A passport valid for at least six months (that is it will not expire in less than six months and has at least two empty pages);
• Photocopy of your passport (both the photo page and pages with Chinese visas);
• A properly filled-out visa application ( you can download it here );
• Two passport photos;
• A return air ticket to and from China ( click here to read our guide on flights to China ) plus your intended itinerary during your stay in China;
• Your proposed itinerary for your stay in China . Even if, in my opinion, it’s a formality since I’ve never heard of anyone getting in trouble for not having followed the itinerary presented during the visa application process (obviously so long as you don’t go to Tibet – or in other limited access areas – without having the necessary permits);
• Receipt from the hotel, which must be reserved before applying for the visa and contain the full names of all people that will apply for the visa ( click here to read our guide to reserve a hotel in China ).
• As an alternative to a hotel receipt, you can also present an invitation letter from a Chinese citizen or a foreigner with a residence permit. The letter should contain information about the applicant (such as your name, gender, and date of birth), information about your stay in China (itinerary, length of stay, etc), and information about the person that is inviting you (name, telephone number, address, signature and copy of their Chinese identity card, or if the person isn’t Chinese, a copy of their passport pages containing their photo and residence permit).

How do you read a Chinese visa?

The visa is valid for three or six months from the date of issue. If for example you have a visa valid for three months, the visa will become unusable if you don’t enter into China within three months of the issue date (this is the reason that you don’t want to apply for a visa too soon).

Number of entries

The number of times you can enter and exit China with the same visa. If you have a single entry visa, this will expire automatically once you leave China (note that visiting Hong Kong or Macao counts as leaving the country).

The number of days you can stay in China (starting from the day you enter the country). For a tourist visa the stay is a maximum of 60 days.

Can I extend the length of my Chinese visa?

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3 thoughts on “chinese tourist visa (l visa) – the complete guide”.

Hi there :) I am planning a bike travel to China. However, I plan to exit China via land border and therefore will not be able to provide a return flight ticket. Do you know how to handle that at the visa application? All the best!

You can try to provide a train ticket, but it will depend on the embassy o CVASC if they accepted it or not. Notice that at the moment they are not emitting tourist visas (it seems that tomorrow they will start again), so the requirements could change.

The information is well understood. Thou would like to help me with agency what it means

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• China Tourist Visa in 2024 Guidelines: Visa Policy and Requirements

China Tourist Visa Guidelines

After a long period of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, China has finally announced the reopening of its borders to tourists. This decision has been long-awaited by travelers worldwide, many of whom have been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to explore China's rich culture, history, and natural beauty.

However, if you're planning a trip to China, one of the first things you'll need to consider is obtaining a tourist visa. China's visa application process can be complex and confusing, with different rules and requirements depending on your nationality and travel plans. In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide to China's tourist visa requirements and walk you through the steps of obtaining a travel permit to China.

Table of contents

"can i apply for a visa to china now" china tourist visa policy in 2023, is it possible to visit china without a visa, how to apply for a china tourist visa, documents required for a china tourist visa application, china visa photo requirements, get a china visa photo online, china tourist visa fees, china tourist visa processing time, china tourist visa validity.

Since March 2023, China has resumed issuing all types of visas for foreigners, including the tourism and medical treatment visa.

Foreigners who hold valid multi-year multiple entry visas for business or tourism purposes that were issued by Chinese visa authorities abroad before March 28, 2020, can use these visas to enter China.

The official name of the category of tourist visa to China is "L Visa".

In general, most foreign travelers to China require a visa to enter the country. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and it's worth noting that China has implemented several visa-free policies for specific groups of travelers.

For example, citizens from certain countries, such as Singapore, Brunei, and Japan, can stay in China visa-free for up to 15 days if they are traveling for tourism or business purposes. Additionally, travelers to certain regions within China, such as Hainan Island, may be eligible for visa-free entry for a limited period.

Also, from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, China has granted visa-free entry for ordinary passport holders from six countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. Eligible travelers can enjoy a visa-free stay of up to 15 days per entry. Additionally, China and Thailand have agreed to a permanent visa-free policy starting from March 2024, aimed at boosting tourism between the two countries

Furthermore, there are transit visa exemptions available for travelers who are transiting through certain Chinese airports for up to 144 hours, as long as they meet specific criteria.

Several visa-exemption policies in China are set to resume operation, allowing more foreign visitors to enjoy the country's many attractions. These include the visa-exemption policy for Hainan, the visa-exemption cruise policy for Shanghai, the visa-exemption policy for foreigners traveling to Guangdong from Hong Kong and Macao, and the visa-exemption policy for ASEAN tour groups to Guilin and Guangxi. With the resumption of these policies, more travelers will have the opportunity to explore the diverse cultural and natural wonders of China without the need for a visa.

Here are the steps to apply for a tourism (L) visa to China:

• Gather the required documents;
• Fill out the visa application form. You can fill out the visa application form online and print it out
• Schedule an appointment: You must schedule an appointment with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your area. Make sure to check the embassy or consulate's website for specific instructions and requirements
• Submit your application: At your appointment, you will need to submit your application and pay the visa fee;
• Wait for processing;
• Collect your visa: Once your visa is approved, you can collect your passport with the visa attached from the embassy or consulate.

The specific documents required for a China tourist visa (L Visa) application can vary depending on the country you are applying from and the embassy or consulate processing your application. However, in general, the following documents are commonly required:

• Passport with remaining validity more than 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages. If you previously have had a multi-year multi-entry visa on the old passport, the old passport has to be submitted;
• Visa application photo fulfilling requirements. The exact Chinese visa photo specifications are listed below;
• Photocopy of the biodata page of the passport;
• Visa application form (COVA): You will need to complete an online visa application form and print it out. You can download the COVA visa form here ;
• Financial documents: You may be required to provide evidence of your financial ability to cover your trip, such as bank statements or proof of income.
• Invitation letter: If you are visiting China as part of a group or have a sponsor in China, you may need to provide an invitation letter.
• Previous visa: If you have previously traveled to China, you may need to provide your previous China visa and travel records.
• Signed and filled-out form stating that the applicant is in the jurisdiction they’re applying in;
• Proof of legal residence, if the applicant is a foreigner in the jurisdiction they’re applying in;
• Travel itinerary: You will need to provide proof of your travel arrangements, such as flight tickets, hotel reservations, and tour itineraries.

The photo used to apply for you Chinese visa must fulfill the following requirements:

• It must be a color picture, taken recently within the last 6 months.
• The Chinese visa photo size must be 48mm by height and 33mm by width, with width of head: 15mm to 22mm, height of head: 20mm to 33mm.
• The applicant has to be easily identifiable from the photo;
• Facial features should be complete and clearly visible, with the head centered in the photo;
• Eyeglasses are allowed except thick-rimmed, tinted or glare glasses;
• Hat or other head wears are only permitted due to religious reasons, but any facial features should not be obscured;
• There should be no damages or impurities on the photo, no permeation or shadow over the face;
• The photo should be in natural tone, but not over or under exposed, red-eyed or distorted;
• Background should be in white or off-white, and with no edge frame
• The photo should be printed on glossy finish photo paper, but not on matte finish paper or plain paper, and should be stainless, scratchless or without any crease.

Here is an example of a Chinese visa photo:

Using Visafoto, an online photo editor that has been adjusting photographs for various documents worldwide since 2013, you can easily make a fully compliant Chinese visa application photo online. It will make sure your photo fulfills all the requirements needed.

Just take a picture of yourself following the guidelines stated above. Don’t worry about the size, background, positions, and proportions: Visafoto will handle the technicalities.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here, and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport, or ID.

Image Upload Error

First, take a photo under light like this one:

You will receive two versions of the photo: digital for electronic filing, and a printable template.

Visafoto also provides you with a template ready for printing, so you do not need to worry about formatting your photo for this purpose. With a high-quality color printer and photo paper fitting requirements, you can print out a Chinese visa photo without leaving your home.

Chinese tourist visa costs usually vary based on the citizenship of the applicant and the jurisdiction they apply in. Make sure to check with your local consulate or embassy to know the exact requirements and fees.

In general, the prices for a single-entry L Visa range from around $30 to $140, while fees for a double-entry or multiple-entry L Visa can range from around $45 to $190. Additionally, expedited processing fees may apply if you require a faster turnaround time for your application.

If all the requirements are submitted correctly, it usually takes 4 business days for tourist visa applications to be processed. However, if you need to get a visa in advance for special reasons, additional fees will be charged, and the Chinese visa waiting time may be shorter.

China offers single, double, and multiple-entry visas with varying validity periods, which can range from as short as 3 months or 6 months to as long as 1 year or even 10 years.

In most cases, single-entry Chinese tourist visas are valid for three months from date of application.

To avoid the possibility of your visa expiring before your planned departure date, it is important to time your application appropriately. For instance, if you intend to enter China in September, it is recommended that you submit your application around August, taking into account working days only. This will help ensure that your visa is valid and in effect for your entire trip. The length of stay in China on a tourist visa usually does not exceed 30 days.

Citizens from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Argentina are eligible for a 10-year multiple-entry Chinese visa.

Last update: January 2024

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• Tourist Visa

The tourism visa requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months and it must have at least two blank pages. You must also have an invitation letter from a china travel agency or an individual or round-trip tickets and a hotel booking.

• Requirements

Photograph(s)

The Chinese Consulate requires a photograph that meets very strict requirements. We strongly recommend that you submit your photograph electronically to China Visa Service Center so we can ensure it meets the stringent characteristics mandated by the Chinese Consulate. Follow https://www.mychinavisa.com/photo-service to upload your photo.

All electronic photo submissions must be taken within the last six months against an all-white background. It must show a full frontal view of your head, face centered in the middle, the tops of your shoulders, and display a neutral (non-smiling) expression with eyes open, mouth closed, and ears visible. No background light or shadows are permitted. You may not wear eyeglasses, jewelry, or headwear except for religious purposes. Do not wear a white shirt. 

Should you elect to submit an actual photograph then it must meet all of the above criteria and:

• Be exactly 48 mm tall by 33 mm wide  
• Be printed on high-quality photo paper
• Not be affixed to your application, with no evidence of adhesive tape or staples

Note that most passport photo vendors produce photos that are 2 inches by 2 inches and are  not acceptable. China Visa Service Center cannot submit applications with incorrectly formatted photographs.

Proof of State Residency

You must provide a proof of your current address of residency. The document must either be a copy of the front of your driver's license or government ID, or a utility bill. The document must:

• Display your name as it appears on your passport
• Display the current residence address as provided on your visa application

Please note, if you must submit a utility bill the consulate requires electric, gas, or a water bill; phone and cable bills are not accepted.

China Visa Service Center Order Form

Provide the China Visa Service Center Order Form included in this kit.

Visa Application Form

One fully completed and signed visa application form.  The application must :

• Be completed online
• Include answers for all required fields
• List the name of the traveler exactly as it is written in the passport
• Be printed single-sided
• Be dated and signed in blue or black ink
• Be enclosed with all other documents in your visa application kit
• Have your signature on the declaration confirmation page, as well as in section 9.1A

Travel Record

You must provide a copy of the travel record form included in this kit. The form must:

• Include all countries that you have visited in the last 28 days 
• Include entry/exit dates of each travel

Former PRC Nationals or Individuals Born in Chinese Territories

If you are a former PRC passport holder or were born in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau:

• You must write your name in Chinese characters for question 1.2 on the visa application form
• You must provide a copy of your most recent China visa and a copy of the passport in which the visa was issued
• If you have never been issued a China visa you must submit your original China passport and a copy of your Green Card, and a copy of your Naturalization Certificate
• If you were adopted from China you must also include a copy of your adoption papers showing adoptive parents names, name change, and photo with parents (do not include the original papers).  If applicable, include a copy of your naturalization certificate and U.S. birth certificate.

Applicants Under the Age of 18

All minors under the age of 18 traveling to China must:

• Provide a copy of their birth certificate
• Provide a copy of both parents' passports or drivers' licenses
• Provide a copy of the parents' proof of U.S. residency status (if not U.S. citizens)
• Provide a notarized letter of consent from both parents (if the parents are not accompanying the minor on the trip) that states the child has permission to travel. To access a sample consent letter, follow this link:  https://www.mychinavisa.com/forms?formname=ParentalConsent.pdf or type the address into your browser
• On Page 4 (Part 4) of the application, both parents must sign Part 4 and print the name of the minor
• On Page 4 (Part 5) of the application, one parent's information must be filled in and that parent must sign Part 5

Media Professionals and Religious Professionals

If you are a religious professional, media professional or employed by a media company, even if you are not traveling for business purposes, you must submit both a personal statement and a letter from your employer on company letterhead indicating that you are not traveling on company business and will not be performing any media or religious related work.

Cruise Passengers

Previous visas, u.s. embassy registration (recommended), china visa validity.

Applicants will be eligible for a 10-year visa provided that the traveler has at least one year of remaining validity on their U.S. Passport. If you have less than one year you will be granted a six-month visa to China.

China Visa Service Center can help you renew your passport. Call 1-800-799-6560 for more information.

U.S. Citizens Born in Certain Countries

Ngo/non-profit workers, applicants with criminal record, "where you stay" form, military statement.

If you have ever served in the military, are in active military duty, are on the reserves or retired from military, the Chinese Consulate request you to complete the DECLARATION OF ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE template form included in the kit.   The dates on this DECLARATION OF ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE form must match the dates on your application form for questions #8.8 and #8.12. The military information including dates of service must also be included in the Employment History section (3.2) of your application even thought this section only requires 5 year work history.

Urgent Applications

Consular Fee

Service Fee

Processing Time

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8 Business Days

4 Business Days

Processing time means the time it takes for the Chinese Consulate to process your visa. Please allow extra time for shipping and handling.

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FAQ about Chinese Visa Application

China Tourist Visa Application Requirements (L Visa)

China Tourist visa is issued to those who intend to go to China for touring, sightseeing or visiting friends. It is usually issued for up to 60 days stay per visit and multiple entry valid up to 10 years for US passport holder, while it is usually issued up to 60 days stay per visit but only for single or double entry valid for 3 or 6 months for non-US passport holder. 10 years visa is not guaranteed. Chinese Consulate may issue you a visa with limited entry, shorter duration and validity at their discretion. In order to apply for China Tourist Visa, please prepare and send in your application according to the detail requirement explained below.

Please prepare all required items below accordingly:

• Passport should have sufficient validity left. Minimum 6 months validity beyond travel date is required for single entry visa, 12 months validity is required for multiple entry. If you need passport services, please visit our expedited passport services section.
• Visa will be issued in the passport. Passport must have at least 2 blank visa pages. The last 3 pages in US passports are amendment pages, reserved by the US Department of State for amendment to the passport. They won't be acceptable for visas. If your passport has no blank visa pages left, you must renew your passport first. Please visit our expedited passport services section, if passport service is needed.
• If you have a valid China visa in another passport, you will need to submit that passport together with the new passport when applying for a new visa. A photocopy of that visa and passport is also required.
• Non-US passport holders must provide a notarized photocopy of the proof of legal stay or residence status in the US, such as Green Card or a valid long term US residence visa.
• Please refer to the link for Chinese visa photo specific requirement .
• If you need help with the Chinese visa photo, you may check out this website: https://www.snap2pass.com/
• Please choose the correct Chinese Consulate or Embassy which serves your state. More about jurisdiction .
• Remarks: Do not click the "Confirm and Next " button at the end of the application form until it is finalized. Any further updates may not be saved properly after you click this button.
• Please email us the Application ID and passport number for a pre-check before confirming and submission.
• Error in uploading the photo is usually due to the background of the photo not white enough.
• The Surname, Given Name MUST match exactly as shown in your passport's bio page. Given name is your first name + middle name as appear in your passport.
• Gender, Date of birth, Nationality, Passport number, etc. must be exactly the same as shown in your passport.
• All entries in the form must be filled in truthfully, accurately, and completely. Any mistakes or omissions will cause the visa application to be rejected. * For Work Experience: position, duty, must be filled out completely. If your work experience is more than 5 years, at least 5 years of that should be provided. * For Education: Please put down the highest education you have received. * Spouse's address must be the current address including street, city, state, country. * Entries that are "NOT APPLICABLE" need a statement to back up, and must be explained in detail.
• Please print out and submit only single-sided pages of the application, not back to back.
• Select the service type and level you need and provide your contact information and mailing address.
• Multiple applicants can be entered using one service request form.
• Service fees and schedules vary based on different consulates. Additional fee may apply for Q, S visa, some difficult jurisdictions and applications of Chinese descendants
• Rush Service only available for New Yor jurisdiction with limited availability
• Return Shipping Fee from $36 via FedEx will apply. If your return address is in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, shipping extra will apply.
• Processing schedule posted is for reference purpose
• Consular Processing Time is based on submission date and is subject to change without notice. (*)
• Please email us the service request confirmation number once submitted.
• We will email you a invoice for the payment.
• You may pay service fee by credit card online. Credit card payment is subject to 3.6% surcharge.
• You need be in the US when you are applying for the Chinese Visa in the US.
• Please complete the form by hand and sign it.
• If you had multiple Chinese visa, please make a copy of your last one. If the visa is in a different passport, a photocopy of that passport's bio page is also needed.
• If you have a valid China visa in another passport, you will need to submit that passport together with the new passport when applying for a new visa. A photocopy of that visa and passport is also required for pre-check.
• If you had a multiple-entry 10 years Chinese visa which is not expired and you would like to quest for another multiple entry visa. Please complete and sign the Consent Form .
• Although the requirement for Chinese visa largely remains the same across different Chinese Consulates, there are some special rules pertaining to each different Consulate. Click here to see if there is additional requirement for your jurisdiction.
• Click for additional requirement for Chinese descendants . Skip it, if you are not.
• Please email us at: [email protected] a scanned copy of all items listed above in separate PDF files for a pre-check. Once the pre-check is completed, we will notify you to confirm and submit the COVA form online. You may then mail in the application, detailed mailing instruction will be emailed to you.
• Important: Please read the instruction carefully and prepare your application accordingly. Only application request prepared according to the instructions will be responded quickly.