How long after getting a tourist visa can you enter China

Question

I have read all the information about the new application process for the visa for UK tourist to China. I have read that it can take 1-2 weeks at least to get the online approval so want to apply for it in plenty of time. It used to recommend applying 1 month before so it didn't expire before entry but that gets a bit tight if it takes 1-2 weeks , especially if they then ask for extra documents. I obviously don't want it to expire before I go. Is there a maximum time between online approval and going to the Visa Application Centre, and is there a maximum time after that by when you have to enter China? Thank you. I will be there for 18 days so cannot use the transit option. Thank you again

Answer

When applying for a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) from the UK, it’s important to understand the timing rules for both the application process and your entry into China. Here’s a detailed explanation:

1. Online approval and submission to Visa Application Centre:

The new online approval process can indeed take 1–2 weeks. After you receive your online approval, you generally need to print the approval and submit it along with supporting documents to the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in your area. While there isn’t a strictly published maximum time between receiving online approval and submitting to the Visa Centre, it is recommended to submit within 1–2 weeks to avoid issues, as some approvals may have a validity window of roughly 30 days.

2. After submission and receiving the visa sticker:

Once you submit your documents to the Visa Application Centre and your visa is issued, the visa sticker will show:

The start date from which your visa is valid.
The expiry date until which you must enter China.
The duration of stay allowed (e.g., 30 days, 60 days).

You must enter China within the validity period of the visa. For a standard single-entry L visa, the start date is often set to a few days after the visa is issued to allow for travel planning. The maximum time between visa issuance and entry depends on the dates printed on the visa.

3. Recommended timing for application:

Apply at least 1 month before your intended departure to account for processing delays or requests for additional documents.
Ensure your visa start date aligns with your travel plans, especially if your stay is 18 days; you want the visa to cover your entire trip.
Do not apply too early, because if the visa start date is too far ahead, your entry might be unnecessarily delayed, and the visa could expire before your trip.

4. Other considerations:

The visa validity and allowed stay are printed on the visa itself; you cannot enter China before the start date.
Always double-check the dates on your visa after issuance to make sure it covers your entire stay.
If your travel dates are flexible, you can request a specific start date when applying, which helps ensure the visa aligns with your itinerary.

In summary, there is no strict maximum time between online approval and submission, but practical experience suggests submitting within 1–2 weeks. Once the visa is issued, you must enter China within the validity period printed on it. Planning 3–4 weeks ahead is generally safe for a UK tourist visa, giving room for processing delays and document requests.

How long after getting a tourist visa can you enter China

More China Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions