Get Ready to Explore China: Tourist Visas Are Back!

Posted on April 6, 2023 | Last Updated on September 1, 2023

Exciting news for travellers! As of 15 March 2023, the Chinese Embassy has confirmed that they will resume service for tourist visas.

“When will China open for tourism?”. This question has been on the minds of many prospective travellers in recent months.

Thankfully, China recently announced the welcome news that after a long period of lockdowns and travel restrictions, the country was opening up again for holidaymakers.

The resumption of China’s tourist visa program means that you can once again apply for a tourist visa to enter China for the following purposes:

• Sightseeing
• Visiting friends and family
• Attending cultural events

However, it’s important to note that if you are travelling to China there may still be some restrictions and guidelines in place, so you should carefully review the latest information on entry requirements and travel restrictions before booking your trip.

Let’s walk through the necessary information you need to travel to China on a tourist visa.

Read also:
Back to Business – China Reopening to International Business Travelers

What is a Chinese Tourist Visa?

A Chinese Tourist Visa (also known as an L visa) is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to visit China for tourist purposes.

You can apply for a tourist visa to China if you would like to explore, visit friends or family, or attend cultural events in China.

The typical stay per entry is 30 days. However, you can request 60 or 90 days on your application form.

The Chinese Tourist visa is either a single or a double entry visa. The single entry visa is valid for up to 3 months from the date of issue, therefore you shouldn’t apply any earlier than 3 months before the intended date of travel. The double-entry visa is valid for 6 months from the date of issue, so you shouldn’t apply any earlier than 6 months before the date you intend to travel.

Read also:
Chinese Visas Explained: Tourist Visa VS. Business Visa

What documents do I need to apply for the Chinese Tourist Visa?

The documents required for the China Tourist Visa application vary depending on your personal circumstances. However, some general documents that are required include:

• Valid passport – your passport should be valid for at least six months and should have two blank pages
• Completed visa application form – fill out the China visa application form
• Digital passport-style photograph – submit a recent colour passport-style photograph taken in the last six months
• Proof of return flight booking – this is evidence that you will enter and leave China (this doesn’t necessarily need to be paid for, but must be booked)
• Hotel booking or address of residence you will be staying in – the hotel doesn’t need to be paid for, but it must be booked. If you’re staying with friends or family you need to provide their full address

Are there any Covid restrictions in place I need to know about?

At the time of writing this article (April 2023), it’s outlined that you need a negative PCR or antigen self-test to enter China.

It’s important to note that the current tourist restrictions may change at any time, depending on the COVID-19 situation in China and other factors. Therefore, it’s important that you check the most up-to-date information on travel restrictions and requirements before travelling to China.

We advise checking with the Irish DFA website for the most up-to-date information.

How do I obtain a Chinese Tourist Visa?

You can apply for a China Tourist Visa yourself through the embassy. However, we know applying for a visa can be stressful and that’s why Visa First is here to guide you through the entire process and increase your chances of successfully being granted a Chinese Tourist Visa.

What is the process of obtaining a visa with Visa First?

1. We advise on the required documents and thoroughly check all documents
2. We complete the China tourist visa application form and send it to the applicant to sign once completed
3. We book the next available appointment in the Embassy and provide the applicant with detailed instructions for the embassy visit
4. The applicant attends their appointment in the Chinese Embassy and has their fingerprints taken
5. We collect the applicant’s passport and Chinese visa from the Embassy and return the passport to the applicant

Why apply with Visa First?

• We’ve organised visas for travellers worldwide for 20 years!
• We organise over 10,000 visas yearly
• Over 96% customer satisfaction
• We ensure your application is prepared correctly

Ready to apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa? Start by simply filling out our online Chinese visa application form today!

We hope that this article has been helpful to get you on your way to visiting China and we wish you happy travels!

Get ready for travelling to China by reading about 5 Undiscovered Gems in China that are worth the visit!