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Visitor & short-stay visas

Chinese China L Visa (Tourist Visa)

China's tourist visa for travellers visiting for tourism. The Group L variant is issued to those travelling as part of an organised tour group.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

Number of entries, duration of each stay (30 days) and validity (3 months to 10 years) are the general ranges published for Chinese visas and are set by the issuing mission at its discretion - they are not route-verified fixed figures. No fee amount is stated because fees vary by nationality and mission.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official China government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
L Visa (Tourism)
Route type
Tourist visa
Number of entries
Single, double or multiple entry
Decided by the issuing mission based on your circumstances
Duration of each stay
Commonly 30 days per entry
Granted at the officer's discretion; the duration of stay across Chinese visas ranges from 7 to 180 days
Validity
Typically 3 months up to as long as 10 years
Set by the mission and can depend on your nationality
Where to apply
Chinese Visa Application Service Center (visaforchina.cn) or a Chinese embassy/consulate, via the online COVA form
Cost
Set by the issuing mission; varies by nationality and number of entries
Confirm the current fee with the mission handling your application

Who can apply

  • Tourists visiting China
  • People travelling as part of an organised tour group (Group L)

What you can do

  • Visit China for tourism
  • Travel as part of an organised tour group

Requirements

  • A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay, with at least 2 blank visa pages
  • A completed online application form, printed, signed and paired with one recent colour passport photo on a white background
  • Evidence of your travel plans in China - typically confirmed accommodation (hotel bookings) and an itinerary; some missions have relaxed the round-trip air-ticket requirement for tourist applicants
  • Proof of legal residence if you are applying somewhere other than your country of nationality
  • No invitation letter is required for a tourist (L) visa

How to apply

  • Complete the visa application form on China's Online Visa Application platform (COVA) at consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA and upload your documents
  • When the system shows 'Passport to be submitted', book any required appointment and submit your passport, the printed and signed confirmation page (with barcode) and your supporting documents to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center or the Chinese embassy/consulate for your area - in person or through an authorised agent
  • Provide fingerprints if required (generally most applicants aged 14-70) and pay the visa fee
  • Track the status online and collect your passport once it shows 'Passport to be collected'

Documents you may need

  • Original passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages) plus a photocopy of the bio-data page
  • Printed, signed COVA confirmation page with barcode
  • One recent colour passport photo on a white background
  • Accommodation bookings and a travel itinerary for your stay in China (and a flight itinerary where the mission still requires it)
  • Any previous Chinese visa or residence permit
  • Proof of legal residence if you are not applying in your home country

Frequently asked questions

  • No. An invitation letter is not required for the L tourist visa - you instead provide evidence of your travel arrangements, such as accommodation bookings and an itinerary.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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