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Chinese Tourist Visas

How to Obtain a Chinese Tourist Visa

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Chinese Tourist Visas

How to Obtain a Chinese Tourist Visa

 

Get China Tourist Visas

Forbidden City, Beijing, China
The Forbidden City, Beijing, China

If you are traveling to China for sightseeing or general tourism you would apply for a Chinese L Tourist Visa.

China Tourst L Visa
Example of a Chinese Tourist Type "L" Visa

China offered several categories of visa, the "L" visa is specifically designed for tourists.

It is important to understand that what covers "tourism" in China can be a bit gray. For most travelers going to China to see the sights, attend tours of the Great Wall or explore river cruises, these activities are clearly defined as tourism. However some trips which might include visiting educational institutions or staying with friends or family may actually fall under a different Tourist visa category. If you are not sure, you can call ItsEasy 24 hours a day and speak with a client services specialist to discuss your plans while in China.

Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China
Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China

Chinese Tourist Overview

Travelers going to China for business related activities need to apply for a Chinese Business Visa. While obtaining tourist visas is a bit easier because there are less requirements, it is illegal to visit china for any reason other than tourism using a tourist visa.

Tourist visas to China can take a little over two weeks to obtain - if you need your visa sooner than that please review our fast china visa information. This page will provide you information on how to obtain a visa quickly, sometimes in as little as one day.


Other Useful Links

For further information, please see: China Business, China Urgent, China Tourist, China Fast, China Rush



ItsEasy maintains the visa requirements to all countries, including China. Use the widget above to see your particular requirements for visiting China based upon your citizenship and state of residence in the USA.

Sample Requirements For China

Below is a sample set of requirements for visiting China using a Tourist Visa Visa. These requirements are only a SAMPLE. To get the EXACT requirements for you to visit China, please go to our TripBuilder page and enter in your specific information that is your exact situation.

China Tourist Visa Requirements

Special Information About China Embassy/Consulate

Effective immediately, the Consulate of China in New York now requires notarized copies of proof of US status for all non-US citizens. This means you must submit a notarized copy of your Green Card, I-94, or I-20 with your visa application to ensure smooth processing.

Special Information About China Embassy/Consulate

Visa-Free Travel Opportunity:

From December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia with ordinary passports can enter China visa-free for business, tourism, family visits, or transit for stays of up to 15 days. Take advantage of this limited time offer for hassle-free travel!

Special Information About China Embassy/Consulate

NOTE: Processing times for all China visas start the day AFTER we receive all correct physical documents in office. This does not include shipping times.

China Videos

Important Issues with China Tourist Visa

In this video we go over the common mistakes with China Tourist Visas

1.1  Passport

• Submit your current, signed passport. Visas are stamped directly into the passport, so the original is required.

1.2  Photo Requirement

Submit two (2) identical, color, passport-style photographs. The photos must be recent and generally should not be the same as those used for the passport itself.

Photo Criteria:

• Plain white background
• Printed on photo paper
• No glasses or jewelry
• Neutral expression

1.3  Proof of Residency

• Provide a legible, color copy of the front AND back of your driver's license or state-issued ID. No other forms of residency proof are accepted.

1.4  Travel to Turkey or Pakistan

• If you have ever visited Turkey or Pakistan, complete and provide the affidavit below.

1.5  Previous Chinese Visa Holders

• Submit previous Chinese visas. If they are in an old passport, include that passport or provide a letter explaining its absence (e.g., lost, stolen, damaged).

1.6  Applicants Under 18yrs

• Applications for minors are treated individually. Additional requirements apply.

1.7  Former Chinese Nationals

• Submit your previous Chinese passport or proof of a previously issued Chinese visa. Former Hong Kong citizens must provide an original previous Chinese visa or appear in person at the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate.

1.8  Travel History Form

• Complete the China Travel History Form.

1.9  Where You Stay Form

• Complete the Where You Stay form.

1.10  Visa Application

• Complete the online visa application.

1.11  Job Description Form

• Submit a completed job description form. This fillable PDF must be printed and included with your application.

1.12  Special Notice

• For US citizens, China typically issues a visa valid for multiple entries up to 10 years if the passport is valid for more than a year. In some cases, the visa might be limited to fewer entries or a shorter validity period.

1.13  Work in Media

• Applicants who work in the media or for a media company must appear in person to submit their application. We cannot assist media industry applicants in any capacity. (We can assist with Document Preparation and Pre-Check Service.)

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