How to Apply For China Tourist Visa (L-Visa) - 9 Steps Guide

Applying for a visa to China may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right information, the process becomes more straightforward. If your purpose of travel to China is for sightseeing, you will need an "L Type" tourist visa. For business or study purposes, different visa types are applicable, and your employer or educational institution should provide specific guidance. Find out the other types of China Visa in our complete China Visa and how to apply for a China Visa.

To apply for a China tourist visa (L-visa), you generally need to complete an application form with your recently-taken color photo, prepare a valid passport, and submit them along with other supporting documents to the China Visa Application Service Center, Chinese embassy, or consulate that is responsible for your residence area.

Below is a general 9-step guideline on how to apply for a China tourist visa: 

Step 1: Check if you need a visa: Determine if you are eligible for China's visa-free policies.

Step 2: Check the requirements for applying for China Tourist Visa  - Visit the Chinese embassy or consulate official website in your country for specific requirements and documents needed for China tourist visa (L-visa).
Below should be the general checklist for the application:

• Passport: Original passport valid for at least 6 months, with 2 or more blank visa pages.
• Photocopy of Passport: Information page and extension page (if applicable) of the passport.
• Visa Application Form: Completed China visa application form attached with a recently-taken color passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a white background. Please refer to "Photo Requirements for Chinese Visa Application".
• Proof of Legal Stay or Residence Status (Applicable to those not applying for the China visa in their country of citizenship): This may include a copy of the evidence of your immigration status, work/student visa, or other legal residence in the country.
• Photocopy of Previous Chinese Passports or China Visas (Applicable to foreign citizens who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship): If you are applying for a China visa for the first time, provide your previous Chinese passport and a photocopy of its data page. If you have obtained China visas before and want to apply with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any China visa, present a photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the pages with your previous China visa. If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, provide an official document of name change.
• Other Supporting Documents: For a tourist L visa, supporting documents typically include:
  • Round-trip flight ticket booking record.
  • A proof of hotel reservations or an invitation letter issued by a Chinese travel agency or individual in China.
    The invitation letter should contain information on the applicant, planned visit details, inviting Chinese travel agency or individual's information, and photocopies of their Chinese ID or foreign passport with a permanent residence permit.

A faxed copy, scanned copy or photocopy of letter of invitation are acceptable. Please make sure the letter of invitation is clear and easy to read.

WindhorseTour provides an Invitation Letter to our clients who have arranged a tour with us to assist in applying for the China visa. Normally, you should submit both the invitation letter and the tour agreement that you have signed together.
 

Step 3: Complete the visa application form: Download the form from the Chinese embassy or consulate website or obtain it from your China visa agent and fill it out accurately.

Step 4: Gather supporting documents

Step 5: Make an Appointment & Submit Your Application: Schedule an appointment with the Chinese embassy, consulate, or Chinese Visa Application Center (CVASC) responsible for your residence area. Submit your completed visa application form and supporting documents at the designated time, either in person or through an authorized visa application center. In some cases, applicants aged 14-70 may need to appear in person, but you can authorize someone else to submit the application on your behalf in certain instances. Some consular offices and CVASCs may offer mail service for submission.

Step 6: Pay the visa fee: Pay the visa processing fee, which varies depending on your nationality and desired processing time. Keep in mind that the visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.

Step 7: Wait for processing: On average, China tourist visa processing takes about 4-5 business days. However, delays may occur due to application issues, high application volume, or Chinese public holidays. Expedited options may be available by paying an additional fee to process your application faster.

Step 8: Attend an interview (if required): In some cases, an interview may be required at the Chinese embassy or consulate during the visa application process. Be ready to discuss your travel plans and provide any requested information.

Step 9: Collect your visa: After approval, collect your visa from the Chinese embassy or consulate. Verify its validity and ensure all information is accurate.

Please note that visa regulations and requirements can change over time, so it's crucial to visit the official website of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country to get the most up-to-date information. Additionally, the processing time for visas can vary, so it's advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

Special Notes for the China Visa to Tibet:

If your travel plans include Tibet, be aware that you'll need special Tibet permits in addition to your Chinese tourist visa. It's essential not to mention your intention to visit Tibet during the visa application process. Instead, consult with a local travel agency, like our WindhorseTour, and we will provide a relative invitation letter that excludes Tibet. This way, you can obtain your China Visa first, and then the local travel agency will use your passport and China visa copies to obtain the necessary permits for your Tibet trip.

If you plan to travel from Nepal to Tibet, then the China visa application process will be different from going from mainland China. It will be a China group visa issued by the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu instead of applying for an individual Chinese tourist visa by yourselves at the local Chinese Embassy in your own country. Normally, the travel agency that organized your tour will assist you in applying for this China group visa upon your arrival in Kathmandu, and the process takes about 3-4 working days. Please keep in mind that for those who already have an individual China Visa to go to Tibet from Nepal, the individual visa will be canceled, and you will be required to apply for the Group China Visa.

Overall, with the right documents and accurate information, applying for a China tourist visa becomes a manageable task. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us.