Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to get a China L (Tourist) visa as an Indian citizen residing in Japan—with the exact forms, sites, and specs you’ll need.
1) What you apply for
- Visa type: L (Tourist)
- Where to apply (in Japan): the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) (Tokyo/Osaka/Nagoya serve Japan; Tokyo link below). (Visa for China)
2) Do these three things first
- Fill the online visa form (COVA).
Open the official China Online Visa Application (COVA), select your region (Asia → Japan), complete the form, then print & sign. (cova.mfa.gov.cn) - Book an appointment (if required).
After COVA, use the visa center’s system to reserve a submission slot. (Some centers require it.) You can navigate to booking from the visa center portal. (consular.mfa.gov.cn) - Prepare a compliant photo.
One color photo, taken within 6 months, white background, 48mm × 33mm (head size rules apply). Bring a printed copy and the file if asked. (Visa for China)
3) Required documents (checklist)
Bring originals + one copy unless noted.
- Passport with ≥ 6 months validity and ≥ 2 blank visa pages. (us.china-embassy.gov.cn)
- Printed COVA application (signed). (consular.mfa.gov.cn)
- 1 photo (48×33 mm, white background, ≤6 months old). (Visa for China)
- Japan residence proof (在留カード / residence card). (Proof of legal stay where you apply is standard.) (us.china-embassy.gov.cn)
- Round-trip flight booking (or onward ticket). (us.china-embassy.gov.cn)
- Hotel bookings for the whole stay (or host invitation letter with host ID, address, contact). (us.china-embassy.gov.cn)
- Previous China visas (if any) and travel history copies—helps for multiple entry requests. (us.china-embassy.gov.cn)
- Financials (recommended for L visa / multi-entry): recent bank statements/salary slips to show funds (the center/consulate may ask). (us.china-embassy.gov.cn)
Tip: Print your COVA confirmation, appointment confirmation, and keep a document checklist on top.
4) Where to go / how to submit
- Go to CVASC Tokyo (or your nearest CVASC) with all docs, your passport, and payment method. The Tokyo “Visa Fees” page also summarizes accepted payment methods (cash/debit/credit in JPY). (Visa for China)
- The official “Process” page reiterates: online form → print/sign → submit with photo and supporting papers. (bio.visaforchina.cn)
5) Fees & processing time (Tokyo CVASC)
- Payment: Cash (JPY), debit or credit card accepted at Tokyo CVASC. (Visa for China)
- Processing times (typical if documents are in order):
- Regular: ~4 working days
- Express: ~3 working days
- Urgent: ~2 working days (Travel China Guide)
- Fee schedule: Shown on Tokyo CVASC’s “Visa Fees” page (visa fee + service fee; cost depends on entries/speed). Always re-check the current table before you go. (Visa for China)
6) Asking for multiple entry / multi-year
- In the COVA form and to the counter staff, request “Multiple entry” and justify with strong travel history, stable finances, and a sensible travel plan. Issuance is at consular discretion; some applicants in Japan are granted 3-year multi-entry L visas (30–60 days per stay), and in rarer cases longer, when background is strong. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan)
7) After submission
- You may be asked to provide fingerprints or supplementary docs. Then track your pickup date on the receipt. (consular.mfa.gov.cn)
- On collection, check visa details: name, passport number, entries, validity (“Enter Before”), and duration of each stay (often 30–60 days on L). (us.china-embassy.gov.cn)
8) Extending your stay in China (optional)
- Many L-visa holders can apply inside China for a stay extension before permitted days expire—handled by the local Public Security Bureau (Exit-Entry Administration). Approval is not guaranteed. (us.china-embassy.gov.cn)
9) Exact links you’ll use
- COVA (online application): Start/continue your visa form here. (cova.mfa.gov.cn)
- CVASC Tokyo – Home / Fees / How-to: Center info, fee/payment notes, and process guidance. (Visa for China)
- Photo requirements (48×33 mm, ≤6 months): Official CVASC FAQ with diagrams. (Visa for China)
Quick, printer-friendly checklist (copy/paste)
- Passport (≥6 months validity, ≥2 blank visa pages) (us.china-embassy.gov.cn)
- Japan residence card (proof of legal stay) (us.china-embassy.gov.cn)
- Printed & signed COVA form + appointment confirmation (consular.mfa.gov.cn)
- 1 photo (48×33 mm, white background, ≤6 months) (Visa for China)
- Flight bookings (round-trip / onward) (us.china-embassy.gov.cn)
- Hotels (or invitation + host ID) (us.china-embassy.gov.cn)
- Financials (bank statements/salary slips) if asked (us.china-embassy.gov.cn)
- Previous China visas / entry stamps (if any) (us.china-embassy.gov.cn)
- Payment method (cash/debit/credit in JPY) (Visa for China)
FAQs
How long does it take?
Regular ~4 working days; Express ~3; Urgent ~2 (subject to change—confirm when you submit). (Travel China Guide)
What if my photo is rejected?
Most rejections are for wrong size or old photos. Stick to 48×33 mm and taken within 6 months; no filters; plain white background. (Visa for China)
Can I get multi-entry for several years?
You can request it and bolster with travel/financial evidence; final decision is consular. 3-year multi-entry is seen; longer is possible but uncommon. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan)
Here are the latest visa fees for applying at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (Tokyo, Japan) for ordinary citizens. These fees combine the visa fee (charged by the Chinese Embassy/Consulate) and the service / application center fee. (Visa for China)
Fee Table (Tokyo CVASC) in Japanese Yen (JPY, non-taxed)
| Number of entries / Validity | Regular | Express | Urgent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single entry | ¥7,250 | ¥13,250 | ¥16,250 |
| Double entries | ¥8,750 | ¥14,750 | ¥17,750 |
| Half-year Multiple | ¥9,500 | ¥15,500 | ¥18,500 |
| One-year Multiple | ¥12,500 | ¥18,500 | ¥21,500 |
- The “Regular / Express / Urgent” correspond to normal processing, faster (express), or the fastest (urgent) service. (Visa for China)
- For example, a regular single-entry visa costs ¥7,250 under normal processing. (Visa for China)
- The fee breakdown is: Visa Fee + Application Center Service Fee. (Visa for China)