Tourist Visa (L Visa)

Duration: 30-90 days
Cost: $140 USD
Processing: 4-5 business days

The L Visa is the standard tourist visa for visiting China for leisure, sightseeing, visiting friends or family, or other personal activities. It is the most commonly issued visa type for foreign travelers. The visa can be issued for single, double, or multiple entries with stays ranging from 30 to 90 days per entry depending on nationality and application.

签证要求

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity and blank visa pages
  • Completed visa application form (Form V.2013) with recent passport-style photo
  • Round-trip flight booking or itinerary
  • Hotel reservations or invitation letter from host in China
  • Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements)
  • Travel itinerary with detailed day-by-day plan

重要提示

US citizens are typically granted 10-year multiple-entry visas. Processing times may be longer during peak travel seasons. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee.

分步申请流程

1

Determine the correct visa type — Tourist Visa (L Visa) — based on the purpose of your trip.

2

Gather all required documents including passport, photos, and supporting materials listed on the consulate website.

3

Complete the online visa application form (Form V.2013) at the Chinese embassy or consulate website.

4

Schedule an appointment at your nearest Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa application centre.

5

Submit your application in person with all documents and pay the visa fee.

6

Wait for processing, which typically takes 4-5 business days. Expedited options may be available for an additional fee.

7

Collect your passport with the issued visa and verify that the entry dates, duration, and number of entries are correct before travelling.

申请成功技巧

  • Start the application process at least three weeks before your planned departure to allow for delays.
  • Make photocopies of all submitted documents for your own records.
  • Ensure your passport photo meets the exact specifications — 48mm x 33mm, white background, taken within the last six months.
  • A detailed day-by-day itinerary strengthens your application significantly.
  • Hotel bookings do not need to be non-refundable — printouts of reservable bookings are accepted.
  • If visiting friends or family, obtain a formal invitation letter with their Chinese ID details.
  • US citizens are typically eligible for 10-year multiple-entry tourist visas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for China?
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter China. The type of visa depends on the purpose of your visit — tourism, business, study, or transit. However, China also offers visa-free transit programmes for citizens of 54 countries, which can cover short visits of up to 144 hours. Check your eligibility for visa-free transit before applying.
How long does it take to get a Tourist Visa (L Visa)?
Standard processing for a Tourist Visa (L Visa) takes 4-5 business days. Expedited processing is usually available for an additional fee and can reduce the wait to 2-3 business days. During peak travel seasons, processing times may be longer, so apply well in advance.
How much does a Tourist Visa (L Visa) cost?
The standard fee for a Tourist Visa (L Visa) is $140 for US citizens. Fees vary by nationality and may differ in your country. Additional charges apply for expedited processing, multiple-entry visas, and visa application centre service fees.
How long can I stay in China with a Tourist Visa (L Visa)?
A Tourist Visa (L Visa) allows a stay of 30-90 days. The exact duration granted depends on your nationality and the specifics of your application. Multiple-entry visas may allow repeated visits within the validity period.
What documents do I need for a Tourist Visa (L Visa)?
Key requirements include: Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity and blank visa pages; Completed visa application form (Form V.2013) with recent passport-style photo; Round-trip flight booking or itinerary. There are 6 requirements in total — check the full list on the Chinese embassy website for your country.
Can I extend my Tourist Visa (L Visa)?
It is possible to extend certain visa types at a Public Security Bureau (PSB) entry-exit office within China. Apply before your current visa expires and bring your passport, registration form, and a completed extension application. Extensions are not guaranteed and are granted at the discretion of the authorities.
What are common mistakes when applying for a Tourist Visa (L Visa)?
Common mistakes include submitting an incomplete application, using photos that do not meet specifications, not having enough blank passport pages, and applying too close to the travel date. Double-check every document before submitting and apply at least three weeks in advance.

其他签证类型

Business Visa (M Visa)

30-90 days$140

Transit Visa (G Visa)

Up to 7 days$140

144-Hour Visa-Free Transit

144 hours (6 days)Free

Student Visa (X Visa)

Up to 5 years (X1) / Up to 180 days (X2)$140