China tourist visa (L visa) application, requirements, price, and processing time

China Visa Policy

China’s Immigration Act 2003 is the law that regulates the entry, exit, and residency of foreigners who visit Mainland China and its surrounding territories. Anybody looking to visit Mainland China must obtain a visa unless they are from one of the visa-exempt countries. As for the two administrative regions of Macau and Hong Kong, any visitor who intends to visit the region must apply for separate visas as these territories have their visa requirements.

Chinese visas are issued inside and outside China by diplomatic missions and Entry and Exit Administrations called EEAs. For a foreigner from a non-visa-exempt country to enter China, they must apply for a visa outside China, and these visas are not valid for trips to Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan.

China Visa-Free Countries

There are more than a dozen countries on China’s visa-free list whose citizens do not require visas to enter the country unless they wish to stay much longer than the accepted period without extending their stay. While most have mutual visa-free agreements with China, others are granted unilateral visa waivers. If your country is not on the visa waiver list you need a visa to enter China.

Visa Free Passports for Official Assignment

Visitors from the selected countries who hold official public affairs passports don’t need visas to enter China especially if they are coming for official assignments. 

China Tour Groups

Citizens from some countries may visit China without a visa for up to 30 days if accompanied by a tour operator registered in both countries.  The countries are Azerbaijan,  Moldova, Georgia, Turkmenistan and Russia. 

The number of  nationalities eligible for tour group visas keep changing and at why no means static as more countries may be added in future.

Note: Tourists from Canada, New Zealand, the USA, and South Korea can get a tour group or business visa online and stay for 15 days, but the visa will only be valid for 30 days.

China Online Visa

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issues online visas to eligible visitors who meet the requirements. These online visas can be obtained online by submitting a completed application form. Online visas are single-entry visas. This visa is open to nationals from all European Union countries and most countries on the visa exempt list.

Key Details About The China Online Visa

In this section, we want to review key details to remember so you are never in doubt about how to conduct yourself in China and the dos and don’ts of the visa application process.

Mainland China Only

First, you should note that e-visas for China are strictly for Mainland China only and not for other semi-autonomous zones and regions like Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. If you plan to visit these places, you should apply for separate visas for these regions, as your e visa will not cover these areas.

Apply Outside China

You must apply for the e visa while you are outside China, not while you are inside the country.

Seeking Extension

Suppose your trip will last longer than the number of days granted, but you would like to stay for a little while longer. In that case, you must pay a visit to the local office of the Chinese Immigration Administration in the province where you are applying for an extension. The officer in charge will ask why you want to remain in the country and may likely ask for evidence. If your application is granted, the officer will extend your stay based on their discretion.

It Is Illegal To Overstay

As is the case with many other nations, it is illegal to stay in China on an expired visa. China has very strict immigration laws, so bear this in mind. To avoid a lapse of judgment, set your alarm for the day your visa expires and plan your itinerary accordingly. Also, make sure to leave the country on the day or before your visa expires if you will not be seeking an extension.

It is not a Work Visa

The Chinese online tourist or business visa is not a work visa, so you cannot enter into any employment agreement and actively work while in the country. The visa is only for short-term visits and nothing less. If you want to work or study in China, apply to the Embassy or Consulate in your country for a consular visa.

You Will Need A Printed Copy

As a tourist, transit or business visitor to China you will need to bring a copy of your online visa along for clearance.  The immigration officers on duty will request it to validate your identity. 

Travel With The Same Passport

The passport you travel with should be the same one you used to apply for the visa. Our e visa is linked to the passport and that is the document information the Chinese authorities will have in their database. If you bring a different passport you will not be allowed into that country. In case you discover that your passport will expire anytime soon, endeavor to apply for a new one before submitting your visa application.

Special Requirements For Business Visitors

Business visitors must provide additional information regarding their activities in China. Their cover letter must be signed and bear vital information about the purpose of their visit, places of interest, arrival and departure date and any other relevant information. If they are invited by a host they must show a letter of invitation forwarded to them for the purpose of the trip. As for those representing their organizations, their employer must issue them a letter spelling out all necessary details about their identity and mission.

China Visa Online – Get your China e-Visa with VisaHQ

If you are considering a trip to China for a short visit and you are from an eligible country, you don’t need to visit the Chinese consulate in your country to apply for a visa. You can submit an online visa application with VisaHQ and receive the visa through your email if your application is approved. Many visitors have turned to VisaHQ for their online application, and you can do so as well.

How To Obtain A Visa With VisaHQ

You can apply for a tourist or business e-visa with VisaHQ by following our simple and fast application process. With an internet-connected mobile phone or laptop, you can apply for the E-visa from the comfort of your home and get it done within minutes. The great part is that you don’t need an agent, as you can do it all by yourself. Here are the steps that you need to follow:

Fill out The Online E-visa Application Form: To set the ball rolling, the first thing you need to do is to pick the visa you want ( tourist or business visa) and then fill out the application form with the correct details that match what is on your passport and other travel documents.

Upload Your Documents: Attach your documents by uploading them. The documents you upload will depend on the visa you are applying for. Remember, each visa has its unique requirements, so make sure to go through the requirements properly.

Submit: Once you have uploaded the documents, make the payment, and submit the application.

Get Your Visa: If your visa application is approved, the visa will be sent to your verified email address. Make sure you print out a copy for your trip to avoid any issues at the airport, as the immigration officers will ask for it.

Why Choose VisaHQ

Many people have come to trust VisaHQ because of our streamlined and seamless application process. If you would like to apply for any of the available Chinese e visas, this platform is the best option for the following reasons:

• We are a trusted brand with more than 2 decades of experience
• We have representatives scattered across 6 countries in several locations to provide value-added services to our clients
• Fast and easy application process. Our application process takes only some minutes to complete
• You can apply for more than one visa in less time
• Our site is safe and secure, so your sensitive information will not fall into the wrong hands
• Provide round the clock technical support
• You can track your application from your phone

Enjoy all these and more by choosing VisaHQ as your trusted online visa application platform. Head to the application page now to get started or reach out to our technical staff for more inquiries.