{"id":274,"date":"2025-10-15T07:02:23","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T07:02:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/desinri.com\/blog\/?p=274"},"modified":"2026-05-05T08:06:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T08:06:01","slug":"china-visa-guide-step-by-step-guide-for-l-tourist-visa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/desinri.com\/blog\/china-visa-guide-step-by-step-guide-for-l-tourist-visa\/","title":{"rendered":"China Visa Guide &#8211; Step by Step Guide for L (Tourist Visa)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Here\u2019s a practical, <strong>step-by-step guide<\/strong> to get a <strong>China L (Tourist) visa<\/strong> as an Indian citizen <strong>residing in Japan<\/strong>\u2014with the exact forms, sites, and specs you\u2019ll need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1) What you apply for<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Visa type:<\/strong> L (Tourist)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Where to apply (in Japan):<\/strong> the <strong>Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC)<\/strong> (Tokyo\/Osaka\/Nagoya serve Japan; Tokyo link below). (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visaforchina.cn\/CPT3_EN\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Visa for China<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2) Do these three things first<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fill the online visa form (COVA).<\/strong><br>Open the official <strong>China Online Visa Application (COVA)<\/strong>, select your region (Asia \u2192 Japan), complete the form, then <strong>print &amp; sign<\/strong>. (<a href=\"https:\/\/cova.mfa.gov.cn\/qzCoCommonController.do?locale=en_US&amp;pageId=index&amp;show=&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com\">cova.mfa.gov.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Book an appointment (if required).<\/strong><br>After COVA, use the visa center\u2019s system to <strong>reserve a submission slot<\/strong>. (Some centers require it.) You can navigate to booking from the visa center portal. (<a href=\"https:\/\/consular.mfa.gov.cn\/VISA\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">consular.mfa.gov.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prepare a compliant photo.<\/strong><br>One <strong>color<\/strong> photo, taken <strong>within 6 months<\/strong>, <strong>white background<\/strong>, <strong>48mm \u00d7 33mm<\/strong> (head size rules apply). Bring a printed copy and the file if asked. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visaforchina.cn\/SYD3_EN\/qianzhengyewu\/jichuzhishi\/changjianwenti\/355135188537315328.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Visa for China<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3) Required documents (checklist)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Bring originals + one copy unless noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Passport<\/strong> with <strong>\u2265 6 months<\/strong> validity and <strong>\u2265 2 blank visa pages<\/strong>. (<a href=\"https:\/\/us.china-embassy.gov.cn\/eng\/lsfw\/zj\/qz2021\/202509\/t20250920_11712385.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">us.china-embassy.gov.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Printed COVA application<\/strong> (signed). (<a href=\"https:\/\/consular.mfa.gov.cn\/VISA\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">consular.mfa.gov.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1 photo<\/strong> (48\u00d733 mm, white background, \u22646 months old). (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visaforchina.cn\/SYD3_EN\/qianzhengyewu\/jichuzhishi\/changjianwenti\/355135188537315328.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Visa for China<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Japan residence proof<\/strong> (\u5728\u7559\u30ab\u30fc\u30c9 \/ residence card). (Proof of legal stay where you apply is standard.) (<a href=\"https:\/\/us.china-embassy.gov.cn\/eng\/lsfw\/zj\/qz2021\/202509\/t20250920_11712385.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">us.china-embassy.gov.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Round-trip flight booking<\/strong> (or onward ticket). (<a href=\"https:\/\/us.china-embassy.gov.cn\/eng\/lsfw\/zj\/qz2021\/202509\/t20250920_11712385.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">us.china-embassy.gov.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hotel bookings<\/strong> for the whole stay (or host <strong>invitation letter<\/strong> with host ID, address, contact). (<a href=\"https:\/\/us.china-embassy.gov.cn\/eng\/lsfw\/zj\/qz2021\/202509\/t20250920_11712385.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">us.china-embassy.gov.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Previous China visas<\/strong> (if any) and <strong>travel history<\/strong> copies\u2014helps for multiple entry requests. (<a href=\"https:\/\/us.china-embassy.gov.cn\/eng\/lsfw\/zj\/qz2021\/202509\/t20250920_11712385.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">us.china-embassy.gov.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Financials (recommended for L visa \/ multi-entry):<\/strong> recent bank statements\/salary slips to show funds (the center\/consulate may ask). (<a href=\"https:\/\/us.china-embassy.gov.cn\/eng\/lsfw\/zj\/qz2021\/202509\/t20250920_11712385.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">us.china-embassy.gov.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Tip: Print your <strong>COVA confirmation<\/strong>, <strong>appointment confirmation<\/strong>, and keep a <strong>document checklist<\/strong> on top.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4) Where to go \/ how to submit<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Go to CVASC Tokyo<\/strong> (or your nearest CVASC) with all docs, your passport, and payment method. The Tokyo \u201cVisa Fees\u201d page also summarizes accepted <strong>payment methods<\/strong> (cash\/debit\/credit in JPY). (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visaforchina.cn\/TYO3_EN\/qianzhengyewu\/jichuzhishi\/feiyongbiaozhunjishixian?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Visa for China<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>official \u201cProcess\u201d<\/strong> page reiterates: online form \u2192 print\/sign \u2192 submit with photo and supporting papers. (<a href=\"https:\/\/bio.visaforchina.cn\/TYO3_EN\/qianzhengyewu\/banliliucheng?id=248623433590640652&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com\">bio.visaforchina.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5) Fees &amp; processing time (Tokyo CVASC)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Payment<\/strong>: Cash (JPY), debit or credit card <strong>accepted<\/strong> at Tokyo CVASC. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visaforchina.cn\/TYO3_EN\/qianzhengyewu\/jichuzhishi\/feiyongbiaozhunjishixian?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Visa for China<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Processing times<\/strong> (typical if documents are in order):\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Regular:<\/strong> ~<strong>4 working days<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Express:<\/strong> ~<strong>3 working days<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Urgent:<\/strong> ~<strong>2 working days<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelchinaguide.com\/embassy\/japan.htm?srsltid=AfmBOoqitenw1eLYn6vrbvkRI23Yk9wRmuwHEGMbUK_rv29DUowpvVo0&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Travel China Guide<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fee schedule:<\/strong> Shown on Tokyo CVASC\u2019s \u201cVisa Fees\u201d page (visa fee + service fee; cost depends on entries\/speed). <strong>Always re-check the current table before you go.<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visaforchina.cn\/TYO3_EN\/qianzhengyewu\/jichuzhishi\/feiyongbiaozhunjishixian?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Visa for China<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6) Asking for <strong>multiple entry \/ multi-year<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In the COVA form and to the counter staff, <strong>request \u201cMultiple entry\u201d<\/strong> and justify with <strong>strong travel history<\/strong>, <strong>stable finances<\/strong>, and a <strong>sensible travel plan<\/strong>. Issuance is <strong>at consular discretion<\/strong>; some applicants in Japan are granted <strong>3-year<\/strong> multi-entry L visas (30\u201360 days per stay), and in rarer cases longer, when background is strong. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mofa.go.jp\/j_info\/visit\/visa\/topics\/china.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7) After submission<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You may be asked to <strong>provide fingerprints<\/strong> or <strong>supplementary docs<\/strong>. Then track your pickup date on the receipt. (<a href=\"https:\/\/consular.mfa.gov.cn\/VISA\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">consular.mfa.gov.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On collection, <strong>check visa details<\/strong>: name, passport number, <strong>entries<\/strong>, <strong>validity (\u201cEnter Before\u201d)<\/strong>, and <strong>duration of each stay<\/strong> (often 30\u201360 days on L). (<a href=\"https:\/\/us.china-embassy.gov.cn\/eng\/lsfw\/zj\/qz2021\/202309\/t20230919_11144908.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">us.china-embassy.gov.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8) Extending your stay in China (optional)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Many L-visa holders can apply <strong>inside China<\/strong> for a <strong>stay extension<\/strong> before permitted days expire\u2014handled by the <strong>local Public Security Bureau (Exit-Entry Administration)<\/strong>. Approval is <strong>not guaranteed<\/strong>. (<a href=\"https:\/\/us.china-embassy.gov.cn\/eng\/lsfw\/zj\/qz2021\/202509\/t20250920_11712385.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">us.china-embassy.gov.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9) Exact links you\u2019ll use<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>COVA (online application):<\/strong> Start\/continue your visa form here. (<a href=\"https:\/\/cova.mfa.gov.cn\/qzCoCommonController.do?locale=en_US&amp;pageId=index&amp;show=&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com\">cova.mfa.gov.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>CVASC Tokyo \u2013 Home \/ Fees \/ How-to:<\/strong> Center info, fee\/payment notes, and process guidance. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visaforchina.cn\/CPT3_EN\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Visa for China<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Photo requirements (48\u00d733 mm, \u22646 months):<\/strong> Official CVASC FAQ with diagrams. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visaforchina.cn\/SYD3_EN\/qianzhengyewu\/jichuzhishi\/changjianwenti\/355135188537315328.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Visa for China<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick, printer-friendly checklist (copy\/paste)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Passport (\u22656 months validity, \u22652 blank visa pages) (<a href=\"https:\/\/us.china-embassy.gov.cn\/eng\/lsfw\/zj\/qz2021\/202509\/t20250920_11712385.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">us.china-embassy.gov.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Japan residence card (proof of legal stay) (<a href=\"https:\/\/us.china-embassy.gov.cn\/eng\/lsfw\/zj\/qz2021\/202509\/t20250920_11712385.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">us.china-embassy.gov.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Printed &amp; signed <strong>COVA<\/strong> form + appointment confirmation (<a href=\"https:\/\/consular.mfa.gov.cn\/VISA\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">consular.mfa.gov.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 photo (48\u00d733 mm, white background, \u22646 months) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visaforchina.cn\/SYD3_EN\/qianzhengyewu\/jichuzhishi\/changjianwenti\/355135188537315328.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Visa for China<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flight bookings (round-trip \/ onward) (<a href=\"https:\/\/us.china-embassy.gov.cn\/eng\/lsfw\/zj\/qz2021\/202509\/t20250920_11712385.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">us.china-embassy.gov.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hotels (or invitation + host ID) (<a href=\"https:\/\/us.china-embassy.gov.cn\/eng\/lsfw\/zj\/qz2021\/202509\/t20250920_11712385.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">us.china-embassy.gov.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Financials (bank statements\/salary slips) <strong>if asked<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/us.china-embassy.gov.cn\/eng\/lsfw\/zj\/qz2021\/202509\/t20250920_11712385.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">us.china-embassy.gov.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Previous China visas \/ entry stamps (if any) (<a href=\"https:\/\/us.china-embassy.gov.cn\/eng\/lsfw\/zj\/qz2021\/202509\/t20250920_11712385.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">us.china-embassy.gov.cn<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Payment method (cash\/debit\/credit in JPY) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visaforchina.cn\/TYO3_EN\/qianzhengyewu\/jichuzhishi\/feiyongbiaozhunjishixian?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Visa for China<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How long does it take?<\/strong><br>Regular ~4 working days; Express ~3; Urgent ~2 (subject to change\u2014confirm when you submit). (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelchinaguide.com\/embassy\/japan.htm?srsltid=AfmBOoqitenw1eLYn6vrbvkRI23Yk9wRmuwHEGMbUK_rv29DUowpvVo0&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Travel China Guide<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What if my photo is rejected?<\/strong><br>Most rejections are for <strong>wrong size<\/strong> or <strong>old photos<\/strong>. Stick to <strong>48\u00d733 mm<\/strong> and taken within <strong>6 months<\/strong>; no filters; plain white background. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visaforchina.cn\/SYD3_EN\/qianzhengyewu\/jichuzhishi\/changjianwenti\/355135188537315328.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Visa for China<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Can I get multi-entry for several years?<\/strong><br>You can <strong>request<\/strong> it and bolster with travel\/financial evidence; final decision is consular. <strong>3-year<\/strong> multi-entry is seen; longer is possible but uncommon. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mofa.go.jp\/j_info\/visit\/visa\/topics\/china.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the <strong>latest visa fees<\/strong> for applying at the <strong>Chinese Visa Application Service Center (Tokyo, Japan)<\/strong> for ordinary citizens. These fees combine the <strong>visa fee<\/strong> (charged by the Chinese Embassy\/Consulate) and the <strong>service \/ application center fee<\/strong>. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visaforchina.cn\/TYO3_EN\/qianzhengyewu\/jichuzhishi\/feiyongbiaozhunjishixian?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Visa for China<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fee Table (Tokyo CVASC) in Japanese Yen (JPY, non-taxed)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Number of entries \/ Validity<\/th><th>Regular<\/th><th>Express<\/th><th>Urgent<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Single entry<\/strong><\/td><td>\u00a57,250<\/td><td>\u00a513,250<\/td><td>\u00a516,250<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Double entries<\/strong><\/td><td>\u00a58,750<\/td><td>\u00a514,750<\/td><td>\u00a517,750<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Half-year Multiple<\/strong><\/td><td>\u00a59,500<\/td><td>\u00a515,500<\/td><td>\u00a518,500<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>One-year Multiple<\/strong><\/td><td>\u00a512,500<\/td><td>\u00a518,500<\/td><td>\u00a521,500<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The \u201cRegular \/ Express \/ Urgent\u201d correspond to normal processing, faster (express), or the fastest (urgent) service. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visaforchina.cn\/TYO3_EN\/qianzhengyewu\/jichuzhishi\/feiyongbiaozhunjishixian?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Visa for China<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For example, a regular single-entry visa costs <strong>\u00a57,250<\/strong> under normal processing. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visaforchina.cn\/TYO3_EN\/qianzhengyewu\/jichuzhishi\/feiyongbiaozhunjishixian?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Visa for China<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The fee breakdown is: <strong>Visa Fee + Application Center Service Fee.<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visaforchina.cn\/NGO3_EN\/upload\/content\/fees1.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Visa for China<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here\u2019s a practical, step-by-step guide to get a China L (Tourist) visa as an Indian citizen residing in Japan\u2014with the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-274","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/desinri.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/274","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/desinri.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/desinri.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/desinri.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/desinri.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=274"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/desinri.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/274\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":275,"href":"https:\/\/desinri.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/274\/revisions\/275"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/desinri.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=274"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/desinri.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=274"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/desinri.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=274"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}