A Tourist Visa (L Visa) is issued to a foreigner who comes to China for sightseeing or visiting family members or friends or for other personal affairs. But, unless you’re eligible for a transit visa you’ll have to send your passport in to your local Chin
A Tourist Visa (L Visa) is issued to a foreigner who comes to China for sightseeing or visiting family members or friends or for other personal affairs. But, unless you’re eligible for a transit visa you’ll have to send your passport in to your local China Visa Application Service Center.
Where to apply for?
In several countries the Chinese embassy or consulate does not directly handle applications. While they do have the final say on who gets a visa, they often use outside offices to handle all the paperwork. In many countries the embassy uses a company called “China Visa Application Service Center” to handle applications.
If you’re applying for a Mainland China tourist visa through Hong Kong you’ll have to head to a branch of the China Travel Services to put in your application.
Documents you should submit
What you need to provide for your tourist visa application will differ depending on the country you’re from, but there is general guidance that seems fairly uniform across the board.
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A valid passport and a photocopy of information page.
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Your valid passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity and at least one blank visa page in it.
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One completed Visa Application Form – This can be found on your country’s Chinese Embassy website. You must fill this form out properly and truthfully or else you run the risk of being denied entry to China. You must fill in every column of the application form, using “N/A” if not applicable.
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One recent photo of 2×2 square inch glued or stapled on the application form.
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Proof of legal stay or residence status (This is only applicable to those not applying in their country of citizenship).
If it is not your first time applying for an “L” Visa, a personal statement may be required, with the following information: reasons for revisit, the places you plan to visit this time and places you visited before.
Processing time
In most countries, the regular processing time is 4 working days, but you can also choose the express service, which is 2-3 working days but it does cost more.
How long can you stay?
Usually the validity of a Single Entry or Double Entry “L” Visa is 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue. This means that you MUST enter China no later than 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue, otherwise the visa is expired, null and void.
Normally the duration of stay of an “L” visa is 30 days. If your estimated stay in China is longer than 30 days, you must make it clear in the application form and ask for the visa officer’s approval when you submit your application