Step-by-Step Guide for Obtaining a China Tourist Visa

Do you consider yourself as a tour guide or thinking of planning for a China tour and take your visitors around China to show them the historical places of interest? From the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City to Beijing’s colourful streets there is no place that will not cast a spell on any traveller. The very first thing that you are going to do is to get a China tourist visa. It is one of the most useful travel documents which let you to benefit from the numerous chances and learn all the wonders of China and its people.

Applying for a China visa to be used for tourism is not a complicated affair but it requires some planning. The process of applying for a visa is a three-tier process and involves compilation of necessary documents, filling of the visa application form and forwarding of the documents to the Chinese consulate or embassy. It may look like a lot of work, but do not worry, we are here to guide you through all the steps to prepare for getting your visa and begin your travel without a hitch.

In this friendly guide here, I will discuss everything you need to know regarding China tourist visa application. We will assist you in all aspects of visa starting from choosing the right visa type for your travel, to procedures that you ought to take when applying for the visa. Okay, let’s start and take you one step further to help you unveil the wonders of China!

Here are the Step Guide for Obtaining a China Tourist Visa

 1. Determine the Type of Visa You Need

When applying for a China visa the first thing that should come to your mind is which category of visa should I apply for? The China tourist visa which is officially referred to as the L visa is what most tourists will require. This visa is for the persons intending to visit China for tourism, recreation or to visit relatives or friends in China. Make sure you’re applying for the correct type since there is business visa, working visa and other categories of visa.

2. Check the China Visa Requirements

So, before filing your application, make sure that you know the China visa for tourist requirements. These may depend on your nationality and the country you’re in when applying, thus it is recommended that one should get the updated information from the Chinese consulate/embassy. The general documents you’ll need include:

Passport valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry is required.

A duly filled visa application form (this normally can be downloaded from the consulate’s website).

Photographs identical in size and quality to those that are usually used for a passport.

Confirmation of booking of accommodation like hotels and a flight schedule

Certificates of travel insurance (if and as required)

Ensure that all your documents are well filled, incomplete or incorrectly filled documents will slow down the process of processing your application.

3. Fill Out the Visa Application Form

The next thing you should do if you want to acquire your China visa for tourist is to complete the visa application form. This is mostly done online or else you can download a hard copy of the form. Provide true information when filling your details. You should note that these slight differences can cause your visa processing to take longer. When the form is filled, take time to go through the form again to be certain that everything is as it should be.

4. Submit Your Application

After the application form is completed and all necessary documents are collected, it is time to submit them. Depending on where you are applying you may have to go physically to the Chinese consulate or embassy or you may apply through a visa agency or even online. Most of the countries also have visa application centers where for some amount of money one can post his documents and they will process it for you.

5. Pay the Visa Fee

Every applicant for the China visa is required to pay a specific fee for the visa at the time of application. The fee also depends on your nationality and type of visa that you intend to apply for. That means that interested applicants should ensure they look at the current rates. Some embassies accept only certain types of payment for example bank drafts or cash hence the need to know the accepted mode of payment.

6. Wait for Processing

The waiting period starts immediately after submission of the application. The standard time for processing the China tourist visa is 4-7 business days or even more depending on the amount of work done at the consulate. Some of the consulates provide rush services where you can get your visa faster than the number one applicant for a certain amount of money. As much as possible do not rush the process so be sure to plan ahead.

7. Pick Up Your Visa

When your application has been reviewed, your visa will be mailed to you or you may be requested to come and pick it personally. Double check all the information that is on the visa application. They should cross check the dates, passport number and the type of visa. If anything looks off, call the consulate to have it fixed before proceeding further.

Conclusion:

Applying for a China tourist visa might sound like a very daunting process, but once one has all the information, procedures and requirements on his/her fingertips, then it is very easy. If you have read this guide, you will understand the process of applying for a China visa for tourist purposes and see the country with your own eyes. Regardless of whether you go to view historic sites, live the bustle of China cities, or explore the countryside, your China visa will grant you access to one of the most exciting travel experiences.

Just remember that the application of visa may take a lot of time, thus, do not start the visa process too close to your intended travel dates. Ensure you check all your documents thoroughly and please follow the instructions as provided to the letter to avoid any complications. If you have applied for the China tourist visa you are all set to enjoy the rich culture and historic attractions of this amazing country.

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