Chinese Tourist Visa (L Type)

This is what you should apply for if you are going on holiday to China. For UK passsport holders, we can usually obtain a 2 year multiple entry visa but this is subject to the discretion of the embassy. Examples of applicants: holidaymakers, school groups (please do call us early if you are travelling in a school group).

How long will it take to get my Chinese Visa (updated 25/03/2025)

Your passport with visa will be ready for collection:

EXPRESS SERVICE: 3 working days after we receive approval from the Chinese Embassy AND we have submitted your passport; or
STANDARD SERVICE: 4 working days after we receive approval from the Chinese Embassy AND we have submitted your passport.

Passports will be ready in the afternoon. Please call us or email us for more details.

How do I get my Chinese Visa?

  1. Place Your Order: After placing your order, we’ll send you a user-friendly email to collect all the necessary information from you. We’ll complete the application form for you by filling out the Chinese Visa Centre’s form based on the details you provide.
  2. We'll Review Your Application: We’ll ensure that everything is complete based on the information you provide. If we think any additional details or clarifications are needed, we’ll contact you to ask the necessary questions before finalizing the form.
  3. Concierge Service at the Chinese Visa Centre (If Fingerprints Are Required): If fingerprints are required for your application, we will advise you and arrange an appointment at the Chinese Visa Centre. We’ll ensure that all your documents are in order and guide you through the process. Our Concierge Service includes meeting you at the Centre to assist with the fingerprinting process, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
  4. Mailing or Collecting Your Passport: After your application is processed, we’ll send your passport back to you. You can choose from the following options for returning your passport:
    (a) We’ll send your passport via Royal Mail Special Delivery (RMSD) (additional charges apply);
    (b) We can courier your passport back to you (additional charges apply)
    (c) You can provide us with a pre paid Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope and we'll send it back to you that way; or
    (d) You can pick it up from our offices.
  5. Please bear in mind that the type of visa and length granted for each stay is always at the discretion of the Chinese Embassy, which will grant you the visa they deem is most appropriate as determined by all the circumstances (especially the documentation in hand).

Supporting Documents - we'll advise you if you need more based on your application

To get your application going, you will need:
1. Passport plus a photocopy of the photo page in addition - passport must have two blank pages and 6 months remianing validity
2. Digital photo
3. If you have been to China before, a photocopy of your last Chinese visa.
4. If you used to have a Chinese passport, please contact us for more information.
5. Either:
(a) Copy of flight reservations / tickets and copy of hotel reservation; OR
(b) invitation letter from family or friends. If your inviter is Chinese, you will also need a photocopy of their Chinese ID. If your inviter is not Chinese, you will need to send a photocopy of their passport and Chinese residence permit. We can also provide a template invitation letter to you upon request once we have received your order.
6. For any child under 18 going to China, the following documentation is now required:
copy birth certificate; copy of passport of the parent who is signing the application form.

Fees