China Immigration

L - Visit Visa

An L Visa is issued to individuals who visit China for the purposes of:

• Sightseeing
• Visiting relatives
• Other private purposes

Visas are generally issued in 30, 60, or 90 day increments, with a validity of 3 months from the date of issue. Further, L visas may be extended for an additional 30 days (different rules apply for those visiting immediate relatives) within China, however, the appropriate application for extension must occur prior to expiration (penalty applies, as set out below).

You will need to submit the following documents to the closest Chinese Consulate or Embassy with jurisdiction over your place of residence:

• Application form
• 1 Passport-Sized Photograph
• Valid Passport with Blank Pages
• Accompanied by the Appropriate Funds

You may then retrieve your passport after approximately 1 to 2 days (expedited times apply, however, vary with the embassy/consulate concerned), which will have the L visa pasted into one of the blank pages on your passport.

Penalty for Overstaying Visa: RMB 500 per day of overstay or portion thereof.

You may extend your tourist visa while in China by going to the local public security bureau, and submitting the following documents:

• Application form
• 1 Passport-Sized Photo
• Proof of Residency (temporary residence permit Issued by an Eligible Hotel or local police station)
• You may be required to demonstrate proof of sufficient funds to stay in China without receiving institution (generally USD 100 per day of stay); and for visitives in China,provide a copy of Chinese relatives` residence booklet and ID as well as the marriage certificate if visit spouse
• Accompanied by the Appropriate Fees .