Applying for a Chinese Visitor Visa (L Visa) – Visiting Friends or Distant Relatives in China

The Chinese Visitor Visa (L Visa) is necessary for those looking to visit friends or distant relatives who are residing in China as workers or students and hold a Residence Permit.

This type of visa can be issued for:

• A single entry with a stay of up to 90 days.
• Double entries, with each stay not exceeding 30 days.

In addition to friends, extended family members such as uncles, aunts, cousins, and in-laws can also issue the necessary invitation letter.

Visa for Close Relatives:

If there is a direct family relationship between the host and the guest (such as parents, grandparents, siblings, daughters-in-law, or sons-in-law), either the Relative Visa Q (for Chinese relatives) or the Relative Visa S (for foreign relatives in China) should be applied for instead. These visas can accommodate stays up to 180 days or multiple stays of up to 90 days each. Unlike the Visitor Visa, a Relative Visa application must include proof of relationship through marriage or birth certificates. If you wish to extend your stay in China, these documents must be presented either as originals or as copies authenticated by the chinese embassy.

Freedom of Movement:

With the issued visa, you can travel freely within China and are not obligated to stay with your host throughout your visit.

Purpose of Travel:	To visit friends or distant relatives.
Duration of Stay:	Options for 30 days or 90 days.
Number of Entries:	Single or double.
Validity Period:	90 days from issuance for entry into China.

Documents Required for the Chinese Visitor Visa Application:

• Completed Visa Application Form: Must be filled out online and printed.
• Biometric Passport Photo: A color photo against a light background, digitally uploaded to the online form and optionally printed on photo paper, approximately 3.5 x 4.5 cm in size.
• Passport: Must have at least six months remaining validity and contain at least one blank page (two pages if multiple entry visas are required).
• Formal Host Invitation: Must include the host's full address and telephone number, the name, intended period of stay, and birthdate of the invitee, and be signed by the host. Include two copies of the host’s passport photo page and valid China visa or Residence Permit. If the host is a Chinese citizen, copies of both sides of their ID card are needed. The invitation should be issued in China, scanned, and emailed as an attachment. An original is not required for visa application.
• Round-trip Flight Booking: Proof of your travel arrangements entering and exiting China.

Validity and Duration of the Chinese Visitor Visa:

The Chinese Visitor Visa allows entry for 90 days from issuance. Once in China, the visa is valid for a stay of 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on the invitation. It may also be requested for double entries.

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