Complete guide to applying for a China L (tourist) visa, including document requirements, invitation letters, itinerary planning, and consulate interview preparation.
Check if your nationality qualifies for visa-free transit or entry
China offers 144-hour visa-free transit at major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu) for citizens of 54 countries, and has recently expanded 15-day visa-free entry for several European countries. Check current exemptions before applying.
Confirm you need an L (tourist) visa versus other categories
The L visa covers tourism and family visits. If you are visiting for business meetings, you need an M visa instead. Applying under the wrong category results in automatic denial with no fee refund.
Decide between single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa
Single-entry L visas are valid for 3 months with a 30-day stay. Double-entry visas cost $140 for US citizens. Multiple-entry 10-year visas are available for US citizens at $185, with 60-day stays per visit.
Locate your nearest Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC)
China processes most visa applications through CVASCs, not directly at embassies. There are 5 CVASCs in the US (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco). Walk-ins are accepted but appointments reduce wait times by 1-2 hours.
Gather Required Documents
Passport valid for at least 6 months with 2+ blank visa pages
The blank pages must be full "visa" pages — not the endorsement or amendment pages at the back. If your passport has fewer than 2 blank visa pages, apply for additional pages or a new passport first.
Completed China visa application form (Form V.2013)
Fill out the form online at visaforchina.cn and print the confirmation page. The form asks for every country you have visited in the last 5 years with entry/exit dates. Review your passport stamps before starting to save time.
Recent passport photo (48mm x 33mm) on white background
China has specific photo requirements different from most countries — 48mm tall by 33mm wide, with the head between 28mm-33mm and chin to crown occupying 70-80% of the photo height. Most US pharmacies cannot produce this size; use a Chinese visa photo service.
Round-trip flight booking showing entry and exit from China
The booking must show your name matching your passport exactly. A reservation or hold is acceptable — you do not need a fully paid ticket at the time of application.
Hotel reservations for every night of your planned stay
Each hotel booking must show the guest name, hotel address in Chinese and English, and dates of stay. Gaps in accommodation coverage (even 1 night) can result in the application being returned for revision.
Detailed day-by-day travel itinerary within China
List the date, city, planned activities, and transportation between cities for each day. The consulate cross-references this with your hotel bookings and flight dates. Inconsistencies trigger additional document requests.
Invitation and Financial Proof
Obtain an invitation letter if visiting family or friends
For family visits, your host must provide a handwritten or typed invitation letter with their Chinese ID number, address, phone number, and your relationship. The letter must include specific travel dates and a statement that they will be responsible for you during your stay.
Prepare bank statements from the last 3 months
Show a minimum balance equivalent to $100-$150 per day of planned stay. There is no official threshold published, but consulates commonly look for at least $3,000-$5,000 for a 2-week trip.
Gather proof of employment or student status
An employment letter should state your position, annual salary, start date, and approved leave dates. Students need an enrollment letter from their university. Retirees should provide pension statements.
Prepare previous Chinese visa copies if applicable
If you have traveled to China before, include copies of your previous Chinese visas and entry stamps. This demonstrates travel history and can speed up processing — repeat applicants are approved at higher rates.
Application Submission
Book an appointment at your nearest CVASC
Appointments can be booked online at visaforchina.cn up to 30 days in advance. Slots fill up quickly during summer and around Chinese New Year. Morning slots (before 11 AM) tend to have shorter in-center wait times.
Bring all original documents plus one photocopy of each
CVASCs will make copies on-site for $1-$2 per page, but providing your own copies avoids delays. Organize documents in the order listed on the CVASC checklist — passport, form, photo, itinerary, bookings, financial proof.
Submit biometrics (fingerprints) at the CVASC
First-time applicants and those who have not provided fingerprints within the last 5 years must give 10-finger scans at the CVASC. This takes about 5 minutes. Children under 14 and adults over 70 are exempt.
Pay the visa processing fee
Fees for US citizens: $185 for single/double/multiple entry (reciprocity fee). Other nationalities pay $30-$60 for single entry, $45-$80 for double. Rush processing (2-3 days) costs an additional $20-$30. Payment by money order or cashier's check only at most CVASCs.
Processing and Collection
Track your application status online
Standard processing takes 4 business days. Express service (2-3 days) and rush service (1 day) are available at extra cost. Track your application at visaforchina.cn using your application number.
Pick up your passport or receive it by mail
You can collect in person at the CVASC or opt for prepaid return shipping ($20-$30 via tracked courier). If collecting in person, bring your receipt slip and a valid photo ID.
Verify all visa details before leaving the CVASC
Check your name, passport number, visa type (L), number of entries, validity dates, and duration of each stay. Errors on the visa sticker require a new application and additional fees — catch them immediately.
Download and complete the China customs health declaration before travel
Since 2023, travelers must submit a health declaration through the China Customs app or WeChat mini-program before departure. Complete this within 24 hours of your flight to receive a QR code needed at Chinese immigration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a China tourist visa cost?
China L visa fees vary by nationality and processing speed. US citizens pay $185 for regular processing, while citizens of most other countries pay $60-80. Express processing (2-3 business days) adds $20-30, and rush processing (1 business day) adds $30-40. These fees are collected by the Chinese embassy or visa application service center. Some nationalities benefit from reciprocal fee reductions; check with your local Chinese consulate.
Does China offer visa-free transit?
Yes, China offers 72-hour and 144-hour visa-free transit policies for citizens of 54 countries transiting through designated cities. The 144-hour transit visa-free policy is available at major entry points including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. You must hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country (not your country of origin) and stay within the permitted administrative region. This is an excellent option for short stopovers or layovers.
How far in advance should I apply for a China visa?
Apply 4-6 weeks before your planned departure date. Chinese embassies typically process tourist visas in 4 business days (regular service), with express and rush options available. Visas cannot be issued more than 3 months before the intended entry date, so timing your application is important. During peak seasons (Chinese New Year, National Day Golden Week in October), processing may take longer and appointment slots fill up quickly.
Do I need a VPN to access the internet in China?
While not a visa requirement, many popular websites and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and most Western news sites) are blocked in China by the Great Firewall. Most travelers install a VPN before arriving, as VPN apps are often unavailable on Chinese app stores. China Mobile and China Unicom SIM cards do not bypass these restrictions. Download any maps, translation apps, and travel resources before entering the country.