Chinese Tourist (L) Visa Application Requirements

Chinese Tourist (L) visa is required for those who are traveling to China for tourism or visiting friends. L visa usually allow you to stay in China for up to 60 days per visit, and allow multiple entries for a term up to 10 years for US and Canadian passport holders. Passport holders from other countries will usually be issued single valid for 3 months or double entry valid for 6 months. 10 years visa is not guaranteed. The total length of a visa is at the sole discretion of the Consulate, and they may issue a limited entry or shorter duration visa. The requirements for Tourist (L) visa are detailed below.

Note: This is the latest information we can provide. Consulates will sometimes change their requirements or ask for additional documents without notice.

Do not staple any of the documents together. The Consulate will reject all stapled applications. Paperclips may be used.

1: Original Passport Plus a Photocopy of the Name Page

• Please include the original passport. The visa will be printed on your passport.
• It is recommended that passports have at least 6 months left before expiration.
• The passport should have at least 2 blank visa pages. Please keep in mind, this does not include the last 3 pages, as those are reserved by the US Department of State.
• If you have previously held a Chinese Visa, please provide a photocopy of previous Chinese visa.
• If previous Chinese visa is on an old passport, photocopy of old passport is required.
• If you have a VALID Chinese visa on an old passport and would like to apply for a new visa, you will need to submit both old and current original passports.
• Non-US passport holders must provide a photocopy of their proof of legal stay in the US. Green card, full copy off I-20 or long term US visa such as: L, H, F, TN. B1/B2 visa will not be eligible. Please do not send original unless the Chinese Consulate specifically request it.

Certain Non-US passport holders cannot apply for a visa through third parties or are blocked entry to China: we recommend to send an email inquiry or wait for Consulate announcements.

2: Your Visa Application Form

Complete the form online at cova.mfa.gov.cn, print, and sign it. Do not fill it out by hand or use a digital signature. All fields must be filled out. If not applicable, type “None” or “N/A.” After completing the form, click “Save,” and provide the application and passport numbers for review.

Your application form must be reviewed by us before you submit online. You will not be able to make changes after submitting.

3: One Recent Passport Photo

• The photo needs to contain your full face on a white background.
• The photo cannot be older than 6 months.
• Your local drugstore (such as Walgreens or CVS) are great places to get a passport photo taken.
• Please attach the photo to the application with a paperclip. Do not staple.

Please see: Chinese Visa Photo requirements

4: Address Verification

• Photocopy of driver’s license or state ID
• If you do not have either of the above, you may submit a utility bill

5: Hotel and Round-Trip Flight Confirmation or Invitation Letter

• A printed copy of your round-trip flight confirmation.
• A printed hotel confirmation that clearly shows applicant’s name as guest.

OR

If you are staying with someone in China and are not staying at a hotel, you must provide an invitation letter.

• Invitation letters must be accompanied by a photocopy of the host’s Chinese Identity Card (both sides).
• If the person you are staying with is not a Chinese citizen, a photocopy of their passport as well as a photocopy of their
• Photocopy of Chinese Permanent Residence Permit is required.

Sample of Chinese ID:

Invitation letters must contain the following information:

• Personal information of the applicant (name, gender, date of birth, passport number).
• General information of the applicant’s trip to China (purpose of visit, date of arrival/departure, places of visit,
• relationship between applicant and host, who will be responsible for cost of applicants accommodations in China).
• Information for the host (name, phone number, address, and signature).

Please see: Sample of Invitation Letter

6: Where You Stay From

• Print and complete the Where You Stay Form: Click Here
• It must be completed and signed by hand. No digital signatures allowed.

7: First-Time Applicants with Chinese Parents

Regardless of age, first-time applicants with Chinese parents must submit the following:

• A copy of their birth certificate
• Copies of their parents’ passports
• Proof of their parents’ legal status at the time of the applicant’s birth

If these documents cannot be provided, a travel document will be issued.

8: First-Time Applicants of Asian Descent

Applicants who appear to be of Asian descent are required to submit their birth certificate and copies of their parents’ passports.

9: Current U.S. Citizens Born Abroad:

If you were born outside of the U.S. but are now a U.S. citizen, you must provide a copy of your U.S. citizenship certificate along with your former passport.

11: Special Requirements for Minors

• If the applicant is under the age of 18, a copy of the birth certificate and both parents’ passports name page is required.
• One of the parents must sign the form using the parent’s name in section 4 and 5.
• A notarized letter of consent may be required for minor applicants if the parents is not also applying for a visa.