Apply for a China Tourist Visa Now

Apply today for the China Tourist Visa with us

Last updated: May 2024

If you’re planning a trip to China, it’s important to know about the visa requirements.

We’re here to help you understand the China Tourist Visa, including who is eligible and how to apply for it. Let’s get started on your journey to this East Asian destination. .

What is the China Tourist Visa?

The China Tourist Visa, also known as the L Visa, is a travel document for travelers intending to visit mainland China as tourists. To get this visa, you first have to complete the visa application form online and then make an appointment to submit your application to the nearest Chinese embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Service Center (CVASC).

What can you do with the China Tourist Visa?

• Travel to the country for tourism purposes only, such as visiting cultural sites.

What can you not do with the China Tourist Visa?

• Visit family or friends who are permanent residents in China.

• Conduct business or trade activities.

• Engage in any form of employment or paid work.

• Enroll in a Chinese educational institution for study purposes.

• Stay indefinitely in China.

• Transit through the country.

Who requires the China Tourist Visa?

Most nationalities, including the USA, Canada, Brazil, and Australia, need to apply for a China tourist visa. To find out if you’re eligible for one, select the nationality of your passport at the top of this page and put your destination as China.

Before you apply for a China Tourist Visa, make sure you meet the following requirements:

• You must plan to travel on a passport from an eligible country.

• You're financially capable of taking care of all of your expenses while in China.

• You have evidence of strong ties to your home country.

• You must have genuine intentions to visit China as a tourist.

• You don’t have a criminal record.

Visa-exempt: Who doesn't need to apply for a China Tourist Visa?

• Nationals from several countries—including citizens of Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, France, and Japan—can travel to China without a visa under specific conditions.

• Citizens with a valid Chinese Foreigner’s Permanent Residence Card or Residence Permit for Foreigners.

For up-to-date information about visa exemptions for China, you can visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.

Do children also require a China Tourist Visa?

Yes, children also require the China Tourist Visa. All eligible foreign nationals, regardless of age, planning to visit China will need to apply for a visa before their arrival. This includes minors traveling with their parents or legal guardians.

China Tourist Visa validity: How long can I stay in China?

The China Tourist Visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days per entry. It can be issued as a single-entry visa valid for 3 months, a double-entry visa for 3 to 6 months, or a multiple-entry visa for 6 months to 10 years, depending on your nationality and the specific assessment of each application.

US citizens, for instance, can obtain a 10-year multiple-entry visa, and each stay cannot be more than 60 days​.

Can I extend my China Tourist Visa?

Yes, you can extend your China Tourist Visa. You will need to apply for an extension at a local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit and Entry Administration office in China. This should be done at least 7 days before your current visa expires.

The extension usually matches the original validity period granted, meaning if you have a 30-day visa, you can only extend for another 30 days.

China Tourist Visa required documents

To get a China Tourist Visa, the following documents are typically required from visa applicants:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in China with two or more blank pages.

• A recent, passport-size photo taken according to the guidelines laid out by the Chinese government.

• A completed visa application form.

• Proof of legal stay or residence status if you’re not applying from your home country.

• Copy of passport bio-data page and previous Chinese visas

• Round-trip air tickets, travel itinerary and proof of hotel reservations, or an invitation from a relevant entity like a Chinese travel agency or an individual residing in China.

You may need to provide additional supporting documents depending on your nationality and the specific requirements of the embassy/consulate where you apply. For example, Kyrgz applicants need an invitation letter from a travel agent issued by the Minister of Tourism and Culture.

For minors applying for a China Tourist Visa, additional documents are required:

• Original birth certificate and a copy.

• A declaration of consent signed by the non-traveling parent(s), which must be authenticated based on the specific requirements of the applicant’s country.

• Copies of passports or photo IDs for both parents. The name on the ID must match the parent’s name on the child’s birth certificate (or provide documentation proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order).

Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll need to wait for the Chinese government to process it and then collect your passport as instructed. If your application is successful, the visa will be affixed to the passport.

China Tourist Visa costs and processing times

When you apply for the China Tourist Visa through our service, we offer three different processing times to suit your travel needs:

• Standard Processing: Our most affordable option. Perfect for travelers who are applying well in advance of their journey.

• Rush Processing: This is designed for travelers who have a limited time to apply for their visas and need it faster than the Standard option.

• Super Rush Processing: For those who need their visas as fast as possible and are willing to pay for a quick turnaround time.

Each processing time has a separate fee that is not inclusive of the visa fee, which varies depending on your nationality and where you are applying. To find out the visa fee for your country, enter the nationality of the passport you’ll be traveling with at the top of this page.

Benefits of applying for a China Tourist Visa with us

Wondering why you should apply with us? Here’s a quick breakdown of the benefits you can expect.

Do you have more questions about the China Tourist Visa?

If you want to learn more about the China Tourist Visa or have questions about the application process, we’re here to help.

Our dedicated online team of customer service agents is available via online chat, or you can speak with them via WhatsApp.