China tourist visa
(l visa)

China has several visa-free policies which allow certain citizens to enter or transit through China without the need to apply for a visa. Currently, a foreign citizen can enter mainland China without a visa under any one of the following circumstances:

• Direct transit: Citizens of 53 countries (including the UK) who meet certain requirements can apply for a 72-hour or 144-hour transit visa exemption at ports of entry in certain cities. Foreign citizens transiting through China to a third country are also exempt if they will be staying within the port of entry for no more than 24 hours and have a valid connecting ticket.
• Bilateral agreement: Based on bilateral agreements signed or reached between China and foreign countries, foreign citizens of some countries who meet certain requirements may visit China without a visa.
• APEC Business Travel Card holders: The APEC Business Travel Card is regarded as a multiple-entry visa valid for 5 years. With this card and relevant passport, the holder is entitled to enter China many times within its validity, for a stay of up to 90 days per entry.
• Other circumstances: Several other visa-free policies apply for citizens of selected countries visiting certain regions for short periods.

More information on visa-free entry into mainland China can be found here.

If a visa exemption policy does not apply to your circumstances, you will need to obtain a visa to enter China.

To apply for a Tourist visa, applicants must fill in the visa application form online in advance, and then make an appointment at a visa application centre to submit the application documents and biometric information.

As part of the Tourist Visa application process, you will need to provide certain documents such as the completed application form, a valid passport and documents showing the itinerary of their visit or an invitation letter from China.

It is advised that you submit the application 1-2 months in advance of your planned date of entry to China.

Visa application fees vary depending on your nationality and whether you are utilising any express services. You may also be charged a service fee by the visa application centre.

For more information on China visa fees, please see the latest notice on visa fees on the embassy website.

Applications for a China Tourist visa are usually processed within 4 working days. If you need your visa sooner, express services may be available at an extra cost.

In most cases, a tourist can get a single-entry L visa with a stay duration of 30 days. Citizens of the United Kingdom, United States, Brazil and Argentina may be able to get a 10-year China tourist visa which grants multiple entries.  

A China Tourist Visa allows you to visit China for a vacation or to visit friends and family. You cannot work, study or conduct any business activities whilst in China on a Tourist visa.  

note:

This page is intended for informational purposes only. Immigration rules are subject to change and may vary based on your individual circumstances. For up-to-date advice and guidance, please contact Smith Stone Walters.