L Visa - Tourist Visa
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 60 days
- Processing time
- 4 business days (express: 2-3 days, rush: 1-2 days)
- Fee
- $30 USD (varies by nationality; US: $185, UK: GBP 85+, Canada: CAD 100+)
- Validity
- Single entry: 3 months; Double entry: 6 months; Multiple entry: 6-12 months
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
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Nationality
Available to nationals of all countries not covered by visa-free policies who wish to visit China for tourism
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Purpose of visit
Tourism, vacation, leisure, sightseeing, visiting friends
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Color photo, 33mm x 48mm, white background, bare-head, full face, taken within past 6 months
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, credit card statements, proof of employment; Minimum amount: Varies by consulate
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Hotel reservation, invitation from host in China, or tour itinerary (may be waived depending on consulate); Must cover full stay: No
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA); Form url: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn
How to apply
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Online application
Register and fill in the Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA) form at cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn. Upload compliant photo and print the completed form.
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Document gathering
Gather passport, printed COVA form, photo, and any supporting documents (accommodation proof, itinerary if required by your consulate).
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Appointment booking
Schedule an appointment at your local Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) or Chinese Embassy/Consulate.
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Document submission
Submit all documents in person at the CVASC or Embassy/Consulate. Biometrics (fingerprints) may be collected if not already on file.
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Fee payment
Pay the applicable visa fee. Accepted methods vary by location: credit card (Visa/Mastercard), money order, or cashier's check.
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Processing wait
Standard processing: 4 business days. Express service: 2-3 business days (additional $25). Rush service: 1-2 business days (additional $37, emergencies only).
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Visa collection
Collect passport with visa sticker from the CVASC or Embassy/Consulate, or arrange for postal delivery where available.