The L visa is issued to foreigners who intend to travel to China for tourism, sightseeing, or to visit friends. It is the standard visa for most leisure travelers.
Back to the overview of all China visas.
Who Qualifies
- Citizens of countries not eligible for China’s visa-free entry or transit policies.
- Applicants must have a valid passport and a genuine intention to visit China for tourism purposes.
Required Documents
- Original passport: Valid for at least 6 months with at least two blank visa pages.
- Photocopy of the passport’s information page (and extension page, if applicable).
- Completed Visa Application Form: Fill out online, print, and sign by hand. The form must match your passport information exactly.
- Recent passport photo: Color, bare-head, full face, white background, taken within the last 6 months, sized 48mm x 33mm.
- Proof of travel arrangements:
- Round-trip air ticket booking record and itinerary in China
- Proof of hotel reservation
- Or, an invitation letter from an individual or entity in China (must include applicant and inviter details, itinerary, and inviter’s ID copy if an individual).
- Proof of legal stay or residence (if applying outside your country of citizenship): Valid visa, residence permit, or similar document.
- Special documentation for former Chinese citizens or minors of Chinese origin:
- Previous Chinese passport and citizenship documents, or
- Additional documents as specified by the consulate.
Application Process
- Complete the online application form via the China Visa Application Service Center.
- Prepare all required documents and photocopies.
- Book an appointment (if required) at your local Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa center.
- Submit your application in person or via an authorized agent. Some applicants must provide fingerprints (exemptions: under 14, over 70, diplomatic passports).
- Wait for processing (typically 4–7 business days, but varies by location).
- Collect your passport and visa or arrange for return by mail (if available).
Special Notes
- For U.S. citizens, proof of hotels/flights/itinerary may not be required—check your local consulate’s rules.
- Consular officers may request additional documents or an interview.
- The visa’s validity, duration of stay, and number of entries are determined by the consulate based on your application.
- If you are applying with a new passport and have previously held a Chinese visa, provide copies of your old passport and previous visas.
- For children under 18 of Chinese origin, additional documents may be required.