Tourist Visa L

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Tourist Visa (L) for China — Who Needs It, Documents & How to Apply | Masons Au Pair

Tourist Visa (L) for China — Who Needs It, Documents & How to Apply

The L visa is the standard tourist/visitor visa for leisure travel in China. It’s used for sightseeing, visiting friends/family, and short cultural trips. Requirements can vary by consulate/visa center, so always follow your local checklist. This page gives you a clean overview and ready-to-use checklists.

Who It’s For (Typical Uses)

  • Sightseeing holidays and short stays in multiple cities.
  • Visiting friends or host families (with an invitation letter—see our template page).
  • Short cultural experiences and language trips not leading to long-term study or work.

The L visa does not authorize employment or long-term study. Pick the correct category if your main purpose is work/study.

Documents Checklist (Most Applicants)

Identity & Forms

  • Passport valid 6+ months with blank visa pages.
  • Completed application form (print + sign) and recent passport photo meeting specs.
  • Previous Chinese visas (if any) and photocopies of data/visa pages.

Trip Evidence

  • Itinerary outline (cities & dates).
  • Flight bookings (round-trip or onward) — reservations are fine.
  • Hotel bookings or a host invitation letter with address & contact.
  • Travel insurance recommended (medical & trip cover).

If staying with friends/host family, attach the invitation letter + inviter’s ID copy and phone number in China.

Extra Items (Depending on Your Situation)

  • Minors: Parents’ consent letter(s) + passports; list the responsible adult in China.
  • Students without income: Simple bank statement or sponsor letter may be requested.
  • Dual nationals / name change: Include supporting documents to match identities.

How to Apply (Step by Step)

  1. Check your center: Most countries apply via a Chinese Visa Application Service Center (not the consulate counter).
  2. Complete the online form → print & sign; prepare photo per size specs.
  3. Book an appointment → bring originals + photocopies (passport, itinerary, bookings, invitation if any).
  4. Submit & provide biometrics if required → pay the visa fee (varies by nationality/service).
  5. Collect passport or choose courier return once processed.

Processing times and fees vary by country and season. Apply early (ideally 1–2 months before travel).

Entry, Registration & Extensions

  • At entry: Keep your passport, visa, and arrival details handy.
  • Residence registration: Hotels register you automatically; if you stay in a private home, complete local police registration (see our page) within the required timeframe.
  • Extension/changes: Some travelers can apply for an extension at the local Exit–Entry Bureau, subject to rules; approval is not guaranteed—plan stays within your visa validity.
  • Overstays: Avoid at all costs; penalties and future visa issues may apply.

Single, Double, Multiple Entry — What’s the Difference?

  • Single-entry: Enter China once during the visa’s validity.
  • Double-entry / Multiple-entry: Useful if you’ll leave and re-enter (e.g., side trip to Hong Kong/Macau). Request the option that fits your itinerary and provide justification in the form.

Smart Itinerary & Booking Tips

Before You Apply

  • Draft a simple day-by-day plan with city names and approximate dates.
  • Hold refundable flights/hotels where possible.
  • Match names in all bookings to your passport exactly.

After You Arrive

  • Carry passport when checking into hotels, buying rail tickets, or entering some attractions.
  • Set up WeChat/Alipay for payments; keep a small cash backup.

For Au Pairs & Friends/Family Visits

  • If your primary purpose is tourism + family/friends visit, the L visa is typical—attach an invitation letter if you’ll stay in a private home.
  • Longer cultural stays may require a different category; choose the visa that best matches your main purpose.

Useful Vocabulary

  • 旅游签证（L）— tourist visa (L)
  • 签证中心 — visa application center
  • 邀请函 — invitation letter
  • 行程单 — itinerary
  • 酒店预订 — hotel booking
  • 多次往返 — multiple entry
  • 出入境管理局 — Exit–Entry Administration (for extensions)

FAQ — Tourist Visa (L)

How early should I apply?
As early as practical; 1–2 months before departure is a comfortable window.

Do I need an invitation if I booked hotels?
Not usually; hotel bookings + itinerary are often enough. Use an invitation if staying with friends/family.

Can I work or intern on an L visa?
No. The L visa is for tourism/visits only.

Can I extend my stay in China?
Sometimes—ask the local Exit–Entry Bureau before your stay expires; bring your passport, registration slip, and updated itinerary.

Is travel insurance required?
Often recommended; bring proof if your center requests it.

Want a Clean, Ready-to-Submit File?

Masons Au Pair assembles your itinerary, hotel proofs, and (if needed) invitation letters—with tidy photocopies and a checklist—so your Tourist (L) application is smooth from appointment to pickup.

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