A visa is an indication that the person holding the document is authorized to enter the country that issued it.  However, the possession of a visa is not in itself an assurance of entry.  Rather, the issuing country may retract a visa at any time.  The prime purpose of a visa is to enable the host country to confirm the identity of the visa applicant before their entry into the country. 

Chinese Tourist Visas

China has become a very popular travel destination for tourists over the last decade or so.  China requires that United States travelers show a valid passport and a valid Chinese visa when entering the country.  In order to obtain a Chinese tourist visa, which is called an “L” Visa, you must submit an application to the appropriate Chinese Embassy or Consular General, which is based upon your jurisdiction.

United States citizens may apply for a single entry visa that is valid for three to six months, a double entry visa which is valid for six months, or a multiple entry visa which is valid for six or twelve months.  A Chinese-American born in China may apply for a multiple entry L Visa that will be valid for 24 months.   Likewise, the foreign spouse and children of a Chinese citizen may apply for a multiple entry L Visa that is valid for 24 months. 

How to Apply

In order to qualify for a Chinese L Visa, you have to first fill out the application, which can be found online.  After the application has been completed, you must print, sign, and bring it to the aforementioned Embassy or Consulate General.  If you cannot come in person, you must have someone else drop it off, or hire a travel/visa agent to do so for you.  Mailed applications will be returned to the sender. 

The regular processing time for an L Visa is four business days, but express service is available for an additional $20 fee.  In case of an emergency, same day rush service can be purchased for a $30 fee.

In addition to the application form, the following is required of the applicant:

Passport - Your passport must have a minimum validity of six months from the date of application and have one visa page left blank.  You will also need a copy of its information page.

Photographs – One recent, two square inch photo must be glued or stapled to the application form.

Fees – Fees vary based on the type of visa and the citizenship of the applicant.  However, the fee for every type of visa for American citizens is $130.

A first time applicant who was formerly a citizen of China must write his or her Chinese name on the application and submit his or her original Chinese passport along with a photocopy of the information page. 

If the L Visa is granted, then the holder of the visa generally must enter China either 90 or 180 days from the date of issue. If he or she does not, then the visa will expire.  L Visas are typically good for a period of 30 days, and if your estimated stay in China is longer than 30 days, you must make it clear in the application.