Planning a trip to China? Whether you want to explore the Great Wall, visit the Forbidden City, experience the vibrant culture of Shanghai, or discover the natural beauty of Guilin, the China Tourist Visa is your key.
China Tourist Visa explained
The China Tourist Visa, commonly referred to as the L Visa, is a necessary travel document for those looking to visit mainland China for tourism purposes.
This visa allows you to travel to China for leisure and tourism activities, such as:
- Exploring cultural landmarks and historical sites
- Enjoying scenic views and natural attractions
- Immersing yourself in local traditions and culture
- Sightseeing and leisure travel
Validity and duration of stay
The China Tourist Visa typically permits stays of up to 30 days per entry. It can be issued as:
- **Single-entry visa: **Valid for three months
- **Double-entry visa: **Valid for three to six months
- **Multiple-entry visa: **Valid for six months to ten years
The specifics depend on your nationality and the assessment of your application. For example, U.S. citizens may receive a ten-year multiple-entry visa, with a maximum stay of 60 days per entry.
Who needs China Tourist Visa?
Travelers from most countries, including the USA, Canada, Brazil, and Australia, need to apply for a China Tourist Visa. You can check your eligibility here.
Requirements for your China Tourist Visa application
Before applying, ensure:
Eligibility criteria
- Hold a valid passport from an eligible country
- Show proof of sufficient financial means to support their stay
- Demonstrate strong ties to their home country
- Have a clear tourism-related purpose for the visit
- Maintain a clean criminal record
Required documents
- Passport (valid ≥ 6 months with 2 blank pages)
- Passport-size photo (per Chinese visa specs)
- Completed visa application form
- Proof of legal residency (if applying outside home country)
- Copy of passport's bio page and past China visas (if any)
- Travel itinerary or proof of round-trip flights and hotel bookings
- Financial proof (bank statement or equivalent)
China Tourist Visa application in 4 steps
- Start your application online
- Pay the fee and submit application.
- Provide biometrics if required.
- Wait and collect your visa.
Ensure all documents are accurate and valid to avoid delays or rejections during processing.