Most of the time, foreign tourists must obtain a Visa in order to travel to China because this country only has mutual visa-free agreements with only a few countries. Our travel guide will give you an overview of the Chinese Visa policy for foreign travelers (called L Visa) and how to apply. Generally, the process of getting a China Tourist Visa is uncomplicated and quite quick. However, it is important to have everything well-prepared and be aware of possible changes in their policy.
Who Will Need a China Tourist Visa
If you hold a passport from one of the countries below, you can travel to China without Visa. The only requirement is that the duration of your stay must be in accordance with the limitations period for your country.
| Countries | Visa-free period |
| Brunei, Singapore, Japan | 15 days |
| Barbados, Bahamas, Belarus, Fiji, Ecuador, Grenada, Serbia,Qatar, Seychelles, United Arab Emirates, Tonga | 30 days |
| Mauritius | 60 days |
| Bosnia, San Marino and Herzegovina | 90 days |
Application for China Tourist Visa
Find a Chinese embassy, diplomatic mission, consulate or a Chinese Visa Application Center in your country to apply for an L Visa. Notice that it requires application in person and mailing will be refused. You can also entrust a travel agency or a visa agency to have the Visa done on your behalf.
An exception applies to Visa Application Center if there is one in your country. Here, you can submit by post or through an online appointment on their website.
Requirements for China Tourist Visa
Passport
You will have to turn in your passport, which is valid for at least 6 months more and have available blank pages. You will also have to prepare a photocopy of your passport's data page.
Application Form
Providing sufficient and accurate information are essential for avoiding delay and refusal in processing your China Tourist Visa Application Form. Remember to fill out all column and write “N/A” if the question is not applicable.
Photos
You need to attach your photo with the application form. The photo needs to be in color, passport-size with white background.
Proof of Your Stay
The last requirement for your complete China Tourist Visa Application is proof of your stay. You can provide one of the following documents:
• Itinerary Information: Proof of accommodation reservation and proof of round trip travel tickets booking
• Invitation letter with all the information below if you are invited to visit China:
- Applicant: name, gender, and date of birth
- Itinerary: arrival and departure dates, place(s) of visit
- Inviter: name, contact number, address. If the inviter is an entity, it will also need to provide official stamp and signature of the legal representative
China Tourist Visa Cost & Processing Time
China Tourist Visa Cost
There are different fees for the number of entries, the country where you apply, and your passport nationality. Overall, the cost will vary from $30 to $150. Most of the time, you will have to pay the cost when your Visa application process is finished.
As there is no fixed cost for all countries and the cost is subject to change at any time, you must contact the embassy or consulate where you will be applying to have the correct and up-to-date information.
To get a general idea, here are some examples of the latest cost for a tourist visa in some countries.
• Australia:
- Single entry: AUD 109.5
- Double entries: AUD 139.5
- Multi entries for 6 months: AUD 169.5
- Multi entries for 12 months or more: AUD 229.5
• US, Canada, and the UK: a fixed fee is applied regardless of the number of entry
- US: USD 140
- Canada: CAD 142
- UK: GBP 151
The following countries had a Visa Fee Abolition Agreement with China: Pakistan, Maldives, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovakia, and Micronesia. Therefore, their citizens can obtain a China Tourist Visa for free.
Keep in mind that other than the Visa fee, there are also fee for rush service, express service or mail service. If you require any of these services, you have to pay some extra money.
Application Processing Time
The normal processing time for a China Tourist Visa application is 4 days. You can reduce the processing time to 2 or 3 days by paying about USD 20 of additional fee for express service. And with USD30, a rush service will be applied and you will have your service on the same day.
China Tourist Visa Extension
It is possible to extend your L Visa while in China. Prepare your passport, a passport-size photo, an application form, your travel itinerary and registration of temporary residence and bring them to the Exit and Entry Administration of China near your location. You need to do it before your Tourist Visa expires, preferably 7 days in advance.