By Nicole Harms
To explore sights like the Great Wall you must first get your tourist visa
Foreigners who wish to visit China to sightsee or visit people they know must first obtain a Chinese tourist visa, which is also known as an "L" visa. This document gives them permission to enter the country for non-work purposes. The visa is valid for 90 days after it is issued, and most applicants are given 30 days to be in the country. Carefully submitting the proper documents and paperwork with your visa application will ensure that it is processed without delay.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You'll Need:
- Valid passport
Visa application
Passport photo
Self addressed stamped envelope
- Valid passport
- Visa application
- Passport photo
- Self addressed stamped envelope
Step 1
Fill out the Visa Application Form and sign it.
Step 2
Determine if your passport is valid. It must have at least six months before its expiration and one blank visa page to be used with a Chinese "L" Visa.
Step 3
Staple a passport photo to the application in the designated box. Submit the form, photograph and your passport in person to the Chinese Visa Office, Embassy or Consulate in your state.
Step 4
Submit your US Green Card, Work Permit, I-20 Form or US Visa if you are applying for a "L" Visa but are not a United States citizen. The visa officer will determine which of these forms you need to submit.
Step 5
Submit a self-addressed stamped envelope for your visa to be returned to you. The United States Postal service, FedEx, UPS and DHL are all acceptable forms of delivery, and tracking is recommended.
Step 6
Pay the fee for your "L" Visa. The fee for an American tourist visa to China is $130, no matter how many entries it allows. Pay the fee with a credit card, money order, cashier's check, cash or company check, as personal checks are not accepted.
Resources
About the Author:
Nicole Harms has been writing professionally since 2006, specializing in real estate, finance and travel. When she's not writing, she enjoys traveling and has visited several countries, including Israel, Spain, France and Guam. Harms received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Maranatha Baptist Bible College.
Photo Credits:
Sandra Kühr
