How do I apply for a tourist visa online?

To apply for a tourist visa (L Visa) online, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Online Application

1. Fill out the Visa Application Form:
   1. Visit the China Visa Online Application website (https://cova.mfa.gov.cn) to fill out the application form online. After completing the form, print the automatically generated People’s Republic of China Visa Application Form and the **China Visa Online Application Confirmation Page**. Sign both the confirmation page and item nine of the form .

Step 2: Make an Appointment

2. Schedule an Appointment:
   1. Log in to the China Visa Application Online Appointment system (https://avas.mfa.gov.cn/qzyyCoCommonController.do?yyindex&index=false&locale=en) to schedule a time to submit your application. You will need to provide the application form number for the appointment. After scheduling, print the China Visa Application Online Appointment Confirmation .

Step 3: Submit Application Materials

3. Submit Materials at the Embassy/Consulate:
   1. Bring the following materials to the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country during your scheduled appointment time:
      • Passport: Original and a copy of the passport photo page, valid for at least six months with at least one blank visa page.
      • Visa Application Form and Confirmation Page: Signed application form and confirmation page.
      • Photo: A recent, front-facing, color (white background), uncrowned passport photo (48mm × 33mm).
      • Proof of Legal Stay or Residence (if applicable): For applicants not applying in their home country, provide proof of legal stay, work, or study, or a valid visa in the local area.
      • Additional Supporting Documents:
        • Round-trip flight booking and hotel booking.
        • Invitation letter from a Chinese entity or individual (if applicable). The letter should include the invitee’s personal information, travel itinerary, and the inviter’s ID copy .

Step 4: Biometric Data Collection

4. Biometric Data Collection:
   1. Applicants are required to have their fingerprints collected at the embassy or consulate. The following applicants are exempt from fingerprint collection:
      • Individuals under 14 years old or over 70 years old.
      • Holders of diplomatic passports or those who meet the conditions for diplomatic, service, or courtesy visas.
      • Applicants who have submitted fingerprints for a visa in the same passport within the past five years at the same embassy or consulate.
      • Individuals who cannot provide fingerprints due to finger disabilities .

Step 5: Pay Fees and Collect Visa

5. Pay Fees and Collect Visa:
   1. Pay the Visa Fee: The visa fee varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa. Pay the fee at the embassy or consulate when submitting your application.
   2. Collect Your Visa: After the visa is approved, you can collect it at the embassy or consulate. Check the visa information carefully to ensure accuracy .

Notes

• Application Time: It is recommended to apply for a visa at least one month before your planned trip to avoid delays.
• Processing Time: The visa processing time is generally 4-5 working days, but it may vary depending on the embassy or consulate’s workload.
• Online Appointment: Some embassies or consulates may not require an online appointment. In such cases, you can submit the application directly at the visa application center .

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official website of the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.