Apply through the official COVA system and the authorised Chinese Visa Application Service

Apply through the official COVA system and the authorised Chinese Visa Application Service Center — not lookalike sites.

Check whether your nationality now qualifies for visa-free entry or the 240-hour visa-free

Check whether your nationality now qualifies for visa-free entry or the 240-hour visa-free transit before applying for an L visa.

A visa is permission to travel, not a guarantee of entry

A visa is permission to travel, not a guarantee of entry — the border officer decides on arrival.

Tourist (L) visa: American citizen in United States → China

🇺🇸 nationality: United States🇺🇸 lives in: United States🇨🇳 going to: Chinaupdated 2026-06-18

American citizens need a Tourist (L) visa to visit China — 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: Set by the visa officer — single, double or multiple entry; validity varies by nationality.
Entries: Single, double or multiple entry (decided by the consulate)
Max stay per visit: Commonly up to 30 days per entry for an L visa — confirm on the official source

official source →

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 — every deadline below updates instantly:

When do you want to travel?

You're on track — start by 18 Aug 2026 to be ready in time.

Confirm a Tourist (L) visa fits your tripstart by 18 Aug 2026

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

takes ~1 day

Source: us.china-embassy.gov.cn · updated 2026-06-17

Prepare your passport and documentsstart by 28 Aug 2026

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

takes ~2 days

Source: us.china-embassy.gov.cn · updated 2026-06-17

Complete the online COVA applicationstart by 7 Sept 2026

takes ~1 day

Source: us.china-embassy.gov.cn · updated 2026-06-17

Submit your passport at the visa officestart by 17 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 · updated 2026-06-17

Wait for processingstart by 26 Sept 2026

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

takes ~4 days

Source: us.china-embassy.gov.cn · updated 2026-06-17

What you'll need

Valid passport — Passport valid more than 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages. ✓ verified
COVA application form — The online COVA application form, completed with materials uploaded for preliminary review, then printed with the barcode info-page. ✓ verified
Application info-page (with barcode) — After COVA preliminary review, submit your passport and the printed application info-page with barcode to the Visa Office. ✓ verified

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) →

Fees

Tourist (L) visa

Visa fee varies by nationality (reciprocity) — confirm with your Chinese visa office

varies

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

Gotchas to watch

Apply through the official COVA system and the authorised Chinese Visa Application Service Center — not lookalike sites.
Check whether your nationality now qualifies for visa-free entry or the 240-hour visa-free transit before applying for an L visa.
A visa is permission to travel, not a guarantee of entry — the border officer decides on arrival.