If you are planning to visit China for a vacation or to see friends, you will likely need a China Tourist Visa (L Visa). Unlike many other popular destinations, China does not have a simple "e-visa" for tourists yet. You cannot just fill out a form and get a visa emailed to you.
Instead, you must complete an online form, print it out, and then physically submit your actual passport to a Chinese Consulate. This guide will walk you through the requirements and the steps you need to take to get your visa.
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Chinese visa rules are strict and complex. A small mistake on your form or photo can cause a rejection. We recommend using a registered visa expediting service to review your documents for accuracy and manage the embassy submission for you.
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- What is the China Tourist Visa?
- Do I Need the China Tourist Visa?
- L Visa Features: Validity and Duration
- Applying for Your L Visa: DIY vs. Full-Service
- The Official China Tourist L Visa Process: A 3-Step Guide
- Beyond the L Visa: Other China Entry Requirements
- China Tourist Visa (L Visa) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the China Tourist Visa?
The China Tourist Visa (L Visa) is a traditional consular visa that is affixed as a stamp or sticker in your passport. It is not electronic and is not digitally attached to your passport. It is issued to those traveling to China for recreation, sightseeing, or visiting family/friends.
Do I Need the China Tourist Visa?
As a U.S. citizen, yes, you need an L Visa to enter China. You must get an L Visa if your purpose is:
- Tourism, recreation, or sightseeing.
- Visiting family or friends.
Note: The visa you receive will be valid for the duration and entries specified by the Chinese Consular Officer (typically a 10-year, multiple-entry visa for U.S. citizens).
L Visa Features: Validity and Duration
China operates under a reciprocal visa agreement with the United States, providing a highly beneficial long-term visa for US citizens.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Gov. Fee (U.S. Citizens): | $140 USD (Standard fee for single, double, or multiple entries). |
| Validity Period: | Typically, 10 years from the date of issue. |
| Entries: | Multiple Entries are allowed during the 10-year validity. |
| Maximum Stay per Visit: | Generally permits a continuous stay of up to 60 days (Duration of stay is determined by the consular officer). |
Applying for Your L Visa: DIY vs. Full-Service
The China Tourist L Visa requires a mandatory two-part process that cannot be fully completed online.
- Applying On Your Own (DIY): You must first complete the detailed online China Online Visa Application (COVA) form. This form is lengthy and requires thorough preparation, including detailed work and education history. After completing and printing the online form, you must physically submit your passport, photo, and supporting documents to the nearest Chinese Consulate or Visa Application Service Center (VAC) based on your state of residence.
- The Full-Service Route (Simple and Secure): Due to the complex, detailed form (COVA), strict photo requirements, and the requirement for physical submission, an assisted service is highly recommended. A registered visa expediting service manages the entire administrative process, verifies the strict documentation standards (including the specific photo format), and coordinates the consular submission (via mail or courier, where available), saving you significant time and minimizing the risk of rejection.
To enter China, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry. You also need two fully blank visa pages for the stamp. If you do not meet these specific requirements, you must renew your passport before applying for a visa.
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The Official China Tourist L Visa Process: A 3-Step Guide
The process is a hybrid: online submission of data followed by physical submission of documents.
| Processing Time (Standard): | Typically, 4 working days for processing once the complete application is received by the Consulate Visa Office. |
| Recommendation: | Apply 1-2 months before your trip. |
Step 1: Complete the Online Application (COVA)
- Access the official Chinese Consular Service website and complete the mandatory COVA application form.
- Accurately fill out all sections, including extensive work history and family details.
- Upload a recent photo that strictly meets the Chinese visa specifications.
- Do not click "Submit" until you have reviewed your application and are ready for printing and finalization.
Step 2: Gather and Prepare Documents
- Print the completed COVA form, including the confirmation page with the barcode, and sign it.
- Your valid U.S. passport (must be valid for at least 6 months and have 2 blank passport pages).
- One recent, color passport-style photo.
- Proof of legal stay in the U.S. (for non-U.S. citizens, e.g., Green Card photocopy).
- Optional Supporting Documents: While recently made optional, a copy of your flight itinerary and hotel reservation are often beneficial.
Step 3: Submission and Payment
- Physically submit the printed application, passport, photo, and supporting documents to the Chinese Consulate Visa Office in your consular jurisdiction.
- Pay the $140 USD visa fee during the submission process.
- Confirmation: You will be notified when your US passport, with the new L Visa label affixed inside, is ready for pickup or return by mail.
Beyond the L Visa: Other China Entry Requirements
The L Visa grants you entry, but you must adhere to Chinese laws and immigration regulations. An approved L Visa does not guarantee entry into China. Border officials retain the final authority on admission.
Be prepared to show:
- Passport Validity: Must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your arrival date.
- Registration: All foreign visitors must register their residence with the local police station (PSB) or hotel staff within 24 hours of arrival in China and after every subsequent move.
- China Arrival Card: Before passing through customs, you must complete the mandatory China Arrival Card. This can now be done digitally before you fly to save time at the airport.
- Visa Overstay Warning: Do not overstay the duration of each stay (typically 60 days) granted on your visa. Overstaying, even by a single day, is a violation of Chinese law and can cause fines, detention, or deportation.
China Tourist Visa (L Visa) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: No. The China Tourist Visa (L Visa) is a traditional paper visa that requires the physical submission of your passport and application to a Consulate Visa Office.
A: U.S. citizens are typically granted a 10-year, multiple-entry visa under the reciprocal agreement.
A: You may apply for an extension of your stay at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB), but approval is not guaranteed. You must apply before your permitted stay runs out.
A: No. The L Visa is strictly for tourism. If your purpose is business, you must apply for the appropriate M Visa (Business Visa).
A: The Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the U.S. have simplified requirements and no longer mandatorily require hotel and flight bookings for L-Visa applications. However, having a planned itinerary is recommended.
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