Most foreign tourists visiting Chongqing, China, must first obtain a Chinese Tourist Visa, commonly referred to as an L Visa. This visa permits travel to most regions of China for tourism purposes. Typically, travelers receive a single-entry visa valid for 30 days, though nationals of certain countries—including the UK, Canada, and the US—may qualify for 10-year multiple-entry visas.
If visiting Chongqing, China as part of a tour group, you may receive a group visa listing all participants’ names rather than individual visas. In such cases, applications are usually handled by travel agencies, which will guide you through the process. For independent travelers, the following outlines the requirements and steps to secure an L Visa.
1. China Tourist Visa (L Visa) Requirements
Passport:
· Valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
· Must contain at least two blank visa pages.
2. Completed Visa Application Form:
· Download the form from the official website of the Chinese Embassy or Visa Application Center in your country. Ensure all fields are accurately filled.
3. Passport-Sized Photo:
· One recent color photo (2x2 inches) with a plain white background.
4. Travel Documentation:
·Round-trip flight tickets showing confirmed entry and exit dates.
Proof of accommodation:
· Hotel bookings for your entire stay (if traveling independently).
· Invitation letter from a Chinese host (if staying with a resident), including their contact details and a copy of their ID.
5. Residency Proof (if applying outside your home country):
· Documentation (e.g., visa, residence permit) proving legal residence in the country where you are applying.
1. Submit Documents:
Visit the Chinese Embassy or Visa Application Center in person, or use a licensed visa agent. Note that agents cannot guarantee approval.
2. Appointments:
While walk-ins are generally accepted, confirm operating hours and any appointment requirements in advance.
3. Processing Timeline:
Standard processing takes 4–10 business days, depending on the country. Expedited services may be available for an additional fee.
4. Passport Collection:
You will be notified once your visa is ready. Ensure your passport’s return method (in-person pickup or courier) is confirmed.
Timing:
· Apply 1–2 months before your trip. Issued visas are typically valid for entry within three months of issuance.
· Account for holidays and embassy closures to avoid delays.
Visa Type:
· Choose single-entry (one visit) or multiple-entry (if planning to leave and re-enter China, e.g., visiting Thailand and returning).
Flexibility:
· Adjust your travel dates freely within the visa’s validity period.
Double-check all documents for accuracy before submission. While the process is straightforward, strict adherence to requirements minimizes rejection risks. For the latest updates, consult your local Chinese Embassy or Visa Application Center.