Visa Application
Visa Application
For all our tours you will need to apply for a tourist visa, known as the "L visa"
When you are ready to apply, you should use the site visaforchina.org which lists details for each country, including addresses of where to go to apply in person. Postal applications are generally possible for an additional fee.
1. Prepare all documents needed
Documents required for all types of visa include passport and visa application form attached with a recently-taken photo. For a tourist L visa, the supporting documents will refer to round-trip tickets and hotel bookings
Be sure your documents meet the requirements of Chinese embassy or consulate.
Passport: with a remaining validity of at least 6 months; have blank visa pages.
Visa Application Form: truthfully completed; type-written with no blanks left.
Photo: taken within latest six months; full face against a light background; size: 48mm x 33mm; bare-headed unless for religious causes.
2. Submit the application
Visit the Chinese embassy, consulate or Chinese Visa Application Center (CVASC) which serves your residence area. You can show up in person or ask an agent to do this for you. In some consular offices and CVASCs, a mail service is also available.
The normal processing time is four working days including the day you submit the application and the day you collect. In general try to apply for it well in advance to allow for any delay.
3. Pay the fee and pick up your visa
Go to the place where you apply for China visa on the date appointed at the pick-up slip. Pay the fee and you will get your passport back with visa. See China Visa Fees.
How Much Does a China Tourist Visa Cost?
US : USD 140
Canada : CAD 142
UK : GBP 151
Europe : EUR 126 (varies slighly for each country)
Australia : AUD 109.5
Best time to apply for a China visa
The best time to apply for China visa is one or two months before your departure date. Usually, a China visa is valid for only three months from the date of issue, which indicates that the earliest time you can apply is three months before your departure.
Renew and extend China visa
Usually you cannot renew and extend China visa once you are granted, but it can be done when you are in China at the local Exit and Entry Administration under the Public Security Bureau.
Apply for China visa in a third country
Sometimes you may need to get China visa while you are en route or residing in a third country. Things may get different for such cases. A proof of legal stay in the country where you apply for a China visa is usually additionally needed unless you enjoy visa-free access to the third country.