China Visa for Independent Travelers

For most nationalities, a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) is still the default, but the rules have been shifting fast. Always check the latest guidance from your local Chinese embassy or visa centre, because policies change frequently and without much fanfare.

What you typically need

• A passport valid for at least six months with blank pages.
• A completed visa application form and a recent passport photo.
• Proof of onward travel — flight bookings in and out.
• Hotel reservations or an invitation letter.

Timing and cost

Standard processing is around four working days, with fees varying by nationality and visa type. Many countries now offer visa-free entry or transit schemes — 24-hour and 144-hour visa-free transit cover a surprising number of itineraries if you are just passing through.