Visa Requirements for China

All travelers to China, regardless of age, are required to have a valid passport and a valid entry visa. 

If you have enrolled in a language and cultural immersion program, you should apply for a TOURIST “L” VISA with a duration of 30, 60 or 90 days.   A Tourist “L” Visa is valid for up to a maximum of 90 days. You can apply to extend the visa, once in China, for an additional 30 days. This is a one-time-only option and you must leave China by the end of the 30 day extension period. 

When completing the application, we recommend that you apply for a single-entry visa. This allows you to enter China once for the duration indicated (30, 60 or 90 days). The visa is usually valid for a period of 3 or 6 months from the date of issue and you must arrive in China prior to the end of the period of validity.

Please note: Do not apply for a Student “X” Visa as this is for long-term students only who will be studying at a Chinese high school or university; if you apply for a Student “X” Visa your application will be turned down!

The typical processing time for a TOURIST “L” VISA is 4 working days. Express and Rush services are available at extra cost. However, to be on the safe side, we recommend that you apply for your visa no less than 30 days prior to your program start date.  Failure to secure a visa in time will result in the cancellation of your program booking with no refund.

To apply for a TOURIST “L” VISA you will need the following:

1. Valid Passport – the passport must have at least six (6) months of remaining validity and at least one blank page where the TOURIST “L” VISA can be affixed
2. One 2 inch x 2 inch photo (black & white or color). This photo must be glued or stapled to the application form.
3. A Q1 visa application form which can be downloaded here.

For detailed instructions on completing the Q1 application form for a TOURIST “L” VISA, including estimated processing times and costs, please visit the China Embassy Visa Info page. 

To find the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General that serves your jurisdiction, please visit the Chinese Embassy and Consulate General locator page.

While we believe the information provided here is accurate to the best of our knowledge, we strongly advise you to visit the China Embassy site or confirm this information with the Chinese Embassy or Consular office nearest you.  Securing the correct travel documents is the requirement of the traveler and The Learning Traveller is in no way responsible for any failure on the traveler’s part to do this based on any information we have provided here.

Please note: As soon as you have been issued your TOURIST “L” VISA, send us via mail or e-mail a clear copy of the visa in your passport so we can confirm with the host school that your visa application has been approved. Our mailing address is:

The Learning Traveller Inc.

386 Ontario Street

Toronto, ON

M5A 2V7

Questions about visa requirements? Call us toll-free 1 888 386 1411