PASSPORTOFFICES
Consular (embassy) visa · Asia

China L tourist visa

U.S. citizens need a visa for mainland China. The L tourist visa is applied for in person or by courier at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center.

Official application site Check my requirements

Short answer

Who needs the China L visa?

U.S. citizens visiting mainland China for tourism. Hong Kong and Macau have separate visa-free rules for short stays.

Key takeaways

  • Government fee: about $140. Standard U.S. citizen fee, plus service-center charges. Rush service costs extra.
  • Typical processing: Four business days standard, two to three for express. Add courier time in both directions.
  • Maximum stay: Usually 60 days per entry, set by the officer at the border.
  • Passport validity: At least six months beyond entry with two blank visa pages.
  • When to apply: Up to three months before travel.

Forms and official links

Step by step

  1. 1

    Complete COVA online

    Fill the form on the official COVA site, then print and sign it.

  2. 2

    Book an appointment

    Appointments at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in your consular district fill quickly in peak season.

  3. 3

    Submit in person or by an authorized agent

    Fingerprints are collected at submission for most applicants. Mailing directly to the consulate is not accepted.

  4. 4

    Collect your passport

    Pick up in person or pay for return courier. Do not book non-refundable flights until the visa is in hand.

What to have ready

  • Original passport with two blank visa pages
  • Printed COVA application with a color photo affixed
  • Round-trip flight reservation
  • Hotel bookings for the full stay or an invitation letter
  • Copy of your driver's license or a utility bill proving residence in the consular district

Watch out for

  • Your passport is held for the whole processing period — do not apply if you have other travel booked.
  • Transit visa exemptions (24/72/144 hours) have strict route and port conditions.

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