10–14 days from the moment we receive the passport (standard via Chișinău). The first stage (online review) takes 2–5 business days and cannot be accelerated. Expedited (Express) processing is also available — it only speeds up the visa stamping stage.
L-VISA TYPE: TOURIST VISA
China Tourist Visa for Ukrainians in 2026
Discover China: documents, requirements, and how the L-visa application process works.
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About the Visa
What is a Tourist Visa to China
The Chinese Tourist Visa (Type L) is a short-stay visa for sightseeing, leisure travel, and visiting friends. It is issued only as single-entry or double-entry — there is no multi-entry tourist visa. Stay per entry: up to 30 days. For Ukrainian citizens, China2Day assists with the application through the Chinese consulate in Chișinău (Moldova) — no personal presence required.
Key requirements
- Valid international passport (minimum 6 months validity, 2 blank pages)
- Digital biometric photo (3.5×4.5 cm) per consulate guidelines
- Completed China2Day internal questionnaire
Eligibility
Who is this visa for
This type of visa permit is ideally suited for the following categories of applicants:
Sightseers and individual travelers visiting historic sites
Couples and families on a vacation in China
Travelers visiting friends or relatives in the PRC
Shopping tours to Guangzhou or Yiwu markets
Short-term visitors staying up to 30 days per entry
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TOURIST VISA?
Free travel-planning consultation for China: exhibitions, tours, interpreting and trip logistics.
Overview
Questions and Answers
What is a Chinese tourist visa?
The Type L visa is a short-stay permit for tourism, leisure, and private visits to China. Issued only as single or double — no multi-entry L visa exists. Stay per entry: up to 30 days.
How much does it cost?
The cost consists of the consular (government) fee set by the PRC embassy and depends on the visa type — L1 (single) or L2 (double). Current fees available on request.
How long does it take?
Processing time depends on the consulate — roughly 10–14 days from passport receipt, or 7–10 days in the expedited mode.
Can I apply without being present?
Yes. The Chinese consulate in Moldova accepts documents without the applicant's personal visit for short-stay categories, unlike many other consulates.
Is an invitation needed for a tourist visa?
Yes, in several cases the consulate requires an invitation from a Chinese tour operator with a business license. Such invitations are arranged through licensed Chinese partners — buying a full tour is not required.
Free tools
Free tools for your China trip
Currency Converter: UAH / USD / CNY / EUR
Live UAH/USD/CNY/EUR rates plus cards with typical China prices: flights, food, gadgets, the consular fee.
Try itChina Trip Budget Estimator
Cities, days, group size and style — instant trip budget estimate.
Try itBest Time to Visit China: Climate, Crowds, Festivals
Pick a city and a month — get a score for weather, crowds and local holidays.
Try itCost & fees
What a visa costs
The total cost is the official consular fee — which the embassy sets and is the same for everyone — plus your own trip costs. The cost of any assistance, if you need it, is agreed individually on request.
Single — Turnkey
Official feeset by the embassy
The estimated official consular fee, paid to the embassy yourself.
- Processing: 10–14 days
- Official fee, you pay it yourself
- Full documents checklist below
Best choice
Single — Express
Official feeset by the embassy
The estimated official consular fee, paid to the embassy yourself.
- Processing: 7–10 days
- Official fee, you pay it yourself
- Full documents checklist below
Double — Turnkey
Official feeset by the embassy
The estimated official consular fee, paid to the embassy yourself.
- Processing: 10–14 days
- Official fee, you pay it yourself
- Full documents checklist below
The consular fee is an official payment you make to the embassy yourself. The exact amount depends on the number of entries and nationality; verify the current rate officially.
Verify officiallyStandard processing
10–14 days from passport receipt
Expedited review
7–10 days (express processing)
Processing times and the final visa decision rest with the consulate. We explain the requirements and help prepare your documents; the consulate decides.
Requirements
Required documents
We simplify document preparation to the minimum. Requirements are structured in two groups.
Mandatory documents
- International passport (original)
- Digital photo 33×48 mm (official; 3.5×4.5 cm also accepted)
- Completed China2Day internal questionnaire
Need the photo? Make it free of charge online to COVA standards or with ChatGPT / Gemini.
Supporting documentation
- Previous Chinese visas
Questions about the documents?
Message us — we'll explain the requirements, help you check your documents and outline the next steps. The consulate makes the visa decision. Reply within 30 minutes.
TelegramonlineLive chat — we reply faster
Visa sub-types & validity parameters
Category 01
Single (L)
One entry, up to 30 days stay. Validity window: 3 months from the date of submission.
Category 02
Double (L)
Two entries, up to 30 days each. Validity window: 6 months from the date of submission.
IMPORTANT RULE: HONG KONG & MACAU VOID SINGLE-ENTRY VISAS
Please remember that exiting mainland China into Hong Kong or Macau is legally treated as crossing an international border. If you hold a Single visa, exiting to Hong Kong immediately voids it, preventing you from returning to the mainland. For trips that involve transits or side-visits to Hong Kong/Macau with a return to the mainland, you will need a Double or Multi visa.
Who We Serve
Tailored Solutions for Every Purpose
We understand the nuances of every journey and adapt our concierge preparation to your exact needs.
Independent travelers
Solo tourists eager to discover China's grand landmarks, natural wonders and the culture of its ancient cities.
Families & groups
Families and friends looking for a memorable, comfortable holiday in China along a carefully planned itinerary.
Shopping tours
Visitors heading to renowned exhibitions or the large wholesale markets of Guangzhou and Yiwu to source goods.
Comparison
On your own or with guidance
A comparison of two paths: travelling yourself to submit documents in person (for example, to Warsaw) versus preparing with our informational support. Either way, the consulate makes the visa decision.
| Comparison factors | With China2day guidance | Self-submission (Warsaw) |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Cost | Official consular fee + optional assistance (quoted on request) | From Ukraine (if permitted to travel): Travel, hotel and consular fees From EU (Spain, Germany, Italy, etc.): Local consular fees |
| Time Invested | Online form, no travel to submit | Travel, queues, several days |
| Logistics | We explain the requirements and help check documents | Getting there (train, bus, car), bookings, in-person queue |
| Document preparation | Documents reviewed by experienced specialists before submission | You check them yourself; errors surface at submission |
Preparation
6 common visa refusal reasons and how to prepare
Cause 01
The consulate issues the wrong visa type due to wording in the invitation
How to prepare
We check the invitation before submission, point out errors to the client/Chinese partner, and recommend edits based on real cases
Cause 02
The invitation was obtained from unverified intermediaries on Telegram or other unofficial sources
How to prepare
We work only with licensed Chinese companies and verified partners who bear legal responsibility for the invitation
Cause 03
Mismatch of dates, routes, or personal data between the COVA form and the invitation
How to prepare
We carry out a multi-level check of all documents before submission to rule out any discrepancies
Cause 04
The route includes Hong Kong or Macao during a trip on a single-entry visa
How to prepare
We analyze the route in advance and recommend the correct visa type or an adjustment to the travel plan
Cause 05
The photo does not meet the consulate's technical requirements (poor background, clothing, lighting, or file format)
How to prepare
We provide detailed photo instructions and check the image before submitting documents
Cause 06
Submitting documents less than a week before departure, with no time reserve for processing and logistics
How to prepare
We recommend submitting documents at least 3 weeks before the trip and warn about risks and timelines at the consultation stage
Workflow
Step-by-step application workflow
1
Request and data intake
Free consultation, travel history review, passport, photo, and questionnaire data collected from the client.
2
Maximum-package preparation
We explain which documents the consulate expects: flight and hotel bookings, the day-by-day itinerary, and the Chinese tour operator's invitation and business license.
3
Electronic submission (Stage 1)
We help complete the form and prepare your documents for the consulate portal. Online review takes 2–5 business days.
4
Passport submission (Stage 2)
After status changes, the client ships the original passport via Nova Poshta. The passport is submitted to the consulate, which stamps the visa in 4 business days (standard) or 1 day (express).
5
Passport return
We collect the visa-stamped passport and ship it to the client via Nova Poshta or courier.
Common DIY application mistakes
Avoiding these critical paperwork issues helps prevent delays in the consular review:
- Trying to self-source bookings and an itinerary that will pass consulate review
- Planning a trip with Hong Kong or Macao in the middle of a single-entry visa
- Attempting to obtain a Chinese tour operator invitation without buying a full tour
- Typos in surname and passport details on the questionnaire
- Exceeding the validity window (3 months single / 6 months double) from submission date
- Digital photo not meeting consulate specifications
Knowledge Base
Frequently Asked Questions
Three core things: international passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), a digital photo (3.5×4.5 cm), and questionnaire data. The consulate may additionally require flight and hotel bookings, an itinerary, and an invitation from a Chinese tour operator.
The cost consists of the consular (government) fee set by the PRC embassy and depends on the visa type — L1 (single) or L2 (double). We can share the current requirements and fees on request.
Beyond the consular fee, the consulate may expect additional documents: flight and hotel bookings, an itinerary, and an invitation from a Chinese tour operator with a business license. Preparing these takes time and involves a Chinese partner, so assistance is accounted for separately from the government fee.
No. The consulate in Chișinău (Moldova) accepts documents for short-stay categories without the applicant's presence — unlike many other consulates. This is the standard route for Ukrainian citizens.
No. Biometrics is only required for visas that are converted to a residence permit in China (Q1/S1/X1, long-term Z). Not required for L.
No. Tourist visas are issued only as Single or Double. For regular travel, use the M+ (Multi) business visa, valid for 1 year.
HK and Macao are not part of mainland China. Crossing into either exhausts a single-entry visa. Plan the route so HK/Macao is the first or last point, or use a double-entry visa.
Single — up to 30 days stay, 3-month validity window from submission. Double — two 30-day stays, 6-month validity window.
From the applicant: passport, photo, questionnaire data. Documents the consulate may require: flight and hotel bookings, an itinerary, a Chinese tour operator's invitation, and the operator's business license.
Yes — within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels register automatically. If staying with friends or in a rental, you must register at the local police station yourself.
We can prepare the package, but the submission will be at the Chinese consulate in your country of residence (not Moldova) and requires personal presence. This is a separate scenario — contact us and we'll explain the requirements.
Voice Search
The Chinese Tourist Visa (Type L) is a short-stay visa for tourism and private visits. For Ukrainian citizens, documents are submitted through the Chinese consulate in Chișinău, which accepts them without the applicant's personal presence; the consulate reviews the application and decides. From the applicant — passport, photo, and form data. Issued only as single (L1) or double (L2) — there is no multi-entry L visa. Processing time depends on the consulate.
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