Tourist visits to mainland China; check current visa-free windows first.
Process
China tourist visa (L visa) — step by step
China offers an online visa application portal and has unrolled visa-free entry windows for several passports. For passports not covered, the L visa is the standard tourist route.
Last updated: 2026-08-31
Confirm if you need a visa
China has granted unilateral visa-free entry to many passports (e.g. DE, FR, AU) for stays of 15-30 days during extended policy windows — verify the current window before applying. Otherwise the L (tourist) visa is needed.
Prepare documents online
Fill the form on the China Online Visa Application portal (visaforchina.cn): passport, photo, round-trip flights, hotel bookings, and itinerary. Invitation letter is required for some cases. Print the completed form and confirmation.
Book a biometrics appointment
Most posts now require in-person fingerprint capture. Book a slot at the embassy/consulate or a China Visa Application Service Centre. Keep the confirmation.
Submit in person & biometrics
Attend with passport, printed form, photo, supporting documents and fee. Fingerprints are captured unless waived (e.g. children under 14, or recent prior capture).
Wait for processing
Standard service ~4 working days; express (2-3 days) and rush (1 day, where available) cost more. Track online with the application number.
Collect passport & visa
Collect in person or by authorised proxy. Verify validity dates and number of entries. Note: some entries are single-entry only.
Where you are most likely to get stuck
- !Visa-free windows change — a previously eligible passport may no longer be covered.
- !Single-entry visas cancel on exit; multi-trip plans need multiple entries.
- !Tibet and some regions need a separate permit beyond the visa.
- !Old visa stamps in a full passport do not transfer to a new one automatically.
General information, not legal advice; rules change — verify with official sources.
Traveller comments
Real experiences from the community. Until the backend is live, your comment is stored on this device.