China Tourist Visa (L Visa)
The standard short-term visa for tourism, sightseeing, and visiting friends in China
Visa Description
The L Visa is the standard short-term visa for foreigners who wish to visit mainland China for tourism, sight-seeing, visiting friends or other private reasons. Holders may travel freely in almost all provinces and cities, with the exception of closed or restricted areas that require additional permits (e.g., Tibet).
Example
Mr. Carlos Ramírez from Mexico (not on the 30-day unilateral visa-free list and unable to arrange a qualifying third-country ticket for the 240-hour transit) wants to spend three weeks touring Beijing, Xi'an and Guilin. He applies for a single-entry L Visa at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in Mexico City. The visa is issued on 5 Aug 2025, valid for entry until 5 Nov 2025 and allows a maximum stay of 30 days after each entry.
Fees (2025 rates)
Note: Fees include the service charge levied by the CVASC but exclude optional express processing or postal return.
Processing Time
Typical Use Cases
Independent Tourism Exceeding 30 Days
Apply for 60-day or multi-entry visas for longer stays
Travel to Restricted Regions
Visit areas outside 240-hour transit zones (Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Tibet)
Non-Qualifying Travelers
For those who don't qualify for visa-free schemes
Group Tours
Combined China tours with round-trip air tickets
Eligible Nationalities
All foreign passport holders who are not otherwise exempt may apply for the L Visa. No nationality is barred; however, applicants from certain countries (e.g., Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan) may face enhanced document requirements or longer processing times.
✅ Standard Processing
Most countries with standard requirements
⚠️ Enhanced Requirements
Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan, and others
📋 Longer Processing
May require additional documentation
Required Documents (Standard List)
Application Process
Complete COVA Form
Fill out the online application form and print the confirmation page
Gather Documents
Prepare all required documents including passport, photos, and supporting materials
Book Appointment
Schedule an appointment at your local CVASC at least 1-2 months in advance
Submit Application
Attend your appointment and submit all documents in person
Wait for Processing
Standard processing takes 4-5 working days, express options available
Collect Visa
Pick up your passport with the visa or arrange for postal return
Sources
Chinese Embassy in Mexico – Visa page:
Official Tourist Visa Information and RequirementsChinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) – Global Fee Schedule:
Official Chinese Visa Application Service CentreSmith Stone Walters – China Tourist Visa (L Visa):
Comprehensive Guide to China Tourist Visa (L Visa) Requirements