China Tourist Visa (L Visa)
Complete guide to applying for a tourist visa to visit China
The L Visa is the standard short-term visa for foreigners who wish to visit mainland China for tourism, sight-seeing, visiting friends or other private reasons. Holders may travel freely in almost all provinces and cities, with the exception of closed or restricted areas that require additional permits (e.g., Tibet).
Example
Mr. Carlos Ramírez from Mexico (not on the 30-day unilateral visa-free list and unable to arrange a qualifying third-country ticket for the 240-hour transit) wants to spend three weeks touring Beijing, Xi'an and Guilin. He applies for a single-entry L Visa at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in Mexico City. The visa is issued on 5 Aug 2025, valid for entry until 5 Nov 2025 and allows a maximum stay of 30 days after each entry.
Note: Fees vary by country and processing time. Express processing (2-3 days) typically costs 50% more. Check with your local Chinese consulate for exact fees.
Prepare Documents
Gather all required documents including passport, photos, and supporting materials
Complete Application
Fill out the visa application form online or at the consulate
Schedule Appointment
Book an appointment at your nearest Chinese consulate or visa center
Submit Application
Submit your application in person with all required documents
Pay Fees
Pay the visa processing fee (varies by country and processing time)
Wait for Processing
Standard processing takes 4-10 business days
Processing Times
Standard processing: 4-10 business days. Express processing: 2-3 business days (additional fee required).
Validity Period
Single-entry visas are typically valid for 3-6 months from issue date. Multiple-entry visas may be valid for 1-2 years.
Restricted Areas
Some areas like Tibet, Xinjiang border regions, and certain military zones require additional permits.
China's National Immigration Administration: Official Visa and Entry Policies