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Tourist (L) visa: American citizen in United States β†’ China

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ nationality: United StatesπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ lives in: United StatesπŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ going to: Chinaupdated 2026-06-18

American citizens need a Tourist (L) visa to visit China β€” complete the online COVA application, then submit your passport at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center.

What this visa is for

China Tourist (L) visa for short visits for tourism. Apply online via COVA, then submit your passport at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center or embassy/consulate.

Validity
Up to 10 years (US–China 2014 reciprocity arrangement); passport must have over 12 months' validity. The consular officer sets the actual validity, duration of stay and number of entries per application.
Entries
Single, double or multiple entry (decided by the consulate)
Max stay per visit
Duration of each stay is set by the consular officer per application β€” confirm on your visa once issued

official source β†’

When to start

Start 7–30 days before your travel date.

The low end assumes everything goes smoothly; the high end leaves margin for delays and passport hiccups. You can apply at most 90 days ahead.

Pick your travel date β€” every deadline below updates instantly:

You're on track β€” start by 30 Aug 2026 to be ready in time.
1
Confirm a Tourist (L) visa fits your tripstart by 30 Aug 2026

The Tourist (L) visa is issued to those going to China for tourism.

takes ~1 day
Source: us.china-embassy.gov.cn Β· updated 2026-06-17
2
Prepare your passport and documentsstart by 9 Sept 2026

Your passport must be valid 6+ months with at least 2 blank visa pages.

takes ~2 days
Source: us.china-embassy.gov.cn Β· updated 2026-06-17
3
Complete the online COVA applicationstart by 19 Sept 2026

Log in to the New COVA system, fill in the forms and upload your materials for preliminary review.

takes ~1 day
Source: us.china-embassy.gov.cn Β· updated 2026-06-17
4
Submit your passport at the visa officestart by 29 Sept 2026

Submit your passport and the barcoded application info-page to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center or visa office.

depends on where you livetakes ~1 day
Source: us.china-embassy.gov.cn Β· updated 2026-06-17
5
Wait for processingstart by 8 Oct 2026

Regular service takes about 4 business days (express service 3 business days).

takes ~4 days
Source: us.china-embassy.gov.cn Β· updated 2026-06-17

What you'll need

Where you'll apply

Apply at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) or Chinese embassy/consulate with jurisdiction over where you live; American citizens complete the COVA form online first.

Apply on the official site (us.china-embassy.gov.cn) β†’

Fees

Tourist (L) visa
Visa fee varies by nationality (reciprocity) β€” confirm with your Chinese visa office
varies

Fees vary by nationality; confirm on the official Chinese embassy/visa-centre site.

Gotchas to watch

Sources

Every step on this page comes from an official source, with the date it was last checked. Sources used:

Optional services for your trip

These are optional, third-party services. We may earn a commission if you buy through these links β€” it never affects our guidance, which stays grounded in the official source.

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All visa options for a American passport β†’