China Tourist Visa
L Visa (Tourist) · For Canada citizens
Planning to visit China as a Canadian citizen? This guide covers the Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) application: required documents, reduced fees of C$75 (until December 2025), 4-5 business day processing, and visa-free transit options. Canada also benefits from Hainan Province visa-free entry for up to 30 days.
China Tourist Visa for Canadian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Canada citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date
Complete the online visa application at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website
One recent passport-sized colour photograph meeting Chinese visa specifications
Round-trip flight bookings and accommodation reservations in China
Document proving your legal status in Canada
Recommended (Optional)
Letter from a Chinese host inviting you to visit
Application Process
All Chinese visa applications from Canada must now be submitted through the China Online Visa Application System, launched September 30, 2025.2 The process has two stages:
1. Complete Online Application
Visit visaforchina.cn and create an account. Select ‘Canada’ and your nearest Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) location. Fill out the application form and upload required documents including your passport scan, photo, flight itinerary, and hotel bookings.2
2. Wait for Online Review
After submitting your online application, the review process takes 3-5 working days.2 You will receive notification when your application is approved and ready for document submission.
3. Submit Physical Documents at CVASC
Once your online application is approved, print your Visa Application Confirmation and visit your designated CVASC (Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, or Montreal) with your passport and original documents. No appointment is needed for Canadian passport holders.4
4. Collect Your Visa
Standard processing takes 4-5 business days.2 You will be notified when your passport is ready for pickup. Mail service is available for an additional fee.
Fees
| Service | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (Canadian passport) | C$75 | 4-5 business days |
| Standard Processing (CVASC) | C$137.15 | 4-5 business days |
| Express Level 2 | C$203.79 | 3-4 business days |
| Express Level 1 | C$249.30 | 2-3 business days |
| Mail Service | C$31.64 | Additional delivery time |
Canadian passport holders benefit from a reduced visa fee of C$75 until December 31, 2025.1 This reduced rate applies to single, double, and multiple-entry visas.
Visa-Free Options for Canadians
China offers several visa-free entry options:4
240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Enter China without a visa for up to 240 hours (10 days) when traveling to a third country. Available at major airports and ports including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and others. Cannot be used for trips that begin and end in Canada.
Hainan Province 30-Day Entry Since February 2024, Canadians can visit Hainan Province visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business visits, family visits, and other activities (excluding work and study).
What You Need to Prove
The Chinese visa authorities require you to demonstrate:3
- Clear travel purpose: Detailed itinerary showing tourism activities
- Valid travel documents: Passport with 6+ months validity and blank pages
- Accommodation arrangements: Hotel bookings or invitation from Chinese host
- Financial capability: Ability to support yourself during the visit
- Return plans: Round-trip flight bookings showing departure from China
Processing Times
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Online Application Review | 3-5 working days |
| Physical Document Processing (Standard) | 4-5 business days |
| Physical Document Processing (Express 2) | 3-4 business days |
| Physical Document Processing (Express 1) | 2-3 business days |
Total processing time from initial online submission to visa issuance is approximately 7-10 business days for standard service.2
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your visa will be placed in your passport. Before traveling, verify:
- Visa validity dates cover your intended travel period
- Entry type (single, double, or multiple) meets your needs
- Duration of stay matches your itinerary
- Your name is spelled correctly
Upon arrival in China, complete the mandatory online Arrival Card before passing through immigration.2 Mobile payment setup (Alipay, WeChat Pay) is recommended for easier transactions in China.
If Your Visa is Refused
If your application is refused:
- Review the refusal reason: CVASC will provide information on why your application was not approved
- Address the issues: Gather additional documentation to resolve the concerns
- Reapply: Submit a new application with improved documentation
- Consider alternatives: Explore visa-free transit or Hainan Province options if suitable
A refusal does not permanently prevent future applications. Many applicants successfully obtain visas on subsequent applications with improved documentation.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incomplete Travel Documentation
Missing or insufficient proof of travel plans such as flight bookings, hotel reservations, or invitation letters.
How to avoid: Ensure you have either confirmed hotel bookings OR a detailed invitation letter from a Chinese host. Flight itineraries should show round-trip travel.
Online Application Errors
Mistakes in the online application form, mismatched information, or failure to complete the online review process before submitting documents.
How to avoid: Complete the online application carefully and wait for approval notification (3-5 days) before visiting CVASC. Print all confirmation documents.
Passport Issues
Passport validity less than 6 months, insufficient blank pages, or damaged passport.
How to avoid: Verify your passport has at least 6 months validity from your planned entry date and at least 2 blank pages for the visa sticker.
Photo Specification Failures
Photographs that do not meet Chinese visa specifications for size, background, or quality.
How to avoid: Use a professional photo service familiar with Chinese visa requirements. Photos must be 48mm x 33mm with white background.
Previous Immigration Issues
Prior overstays, visa violations, or refusals related to China or other countries.
How to avoid: Be honest about your travel history. Provide explanation letters for any previous immigration issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadians need a visa to visit China?
Yes, Canadian citizens require a visa (L Visa) for tourism in China. However, there are visa-free options: 240-hour visa-free transit through designated ports if traveling to a third country, and 30-day visa-free entry to Hainan Province.
What is the China visa fee for Canadians in 2025?
Canadian passport holders benefit from a reduced visa fee of C$75 (all entry types) until December 31, 2025. The full rate through CVASC is C$137.15 including service fees. Express processing costs C$203-249.
How long does Chinese visa processing take from Canada?
Standard processing takes 4-5 business days after submitting physical documents at CVASC. The online application review takes an additional 3-5 days beforehand. Express service can reduce physical processing to 2-3 business days.
Can I visit China without a visa?
Yes, in limited cases. Canadians can transit through China visa-free for up to 240 hours (10 days) if traveling to a third country. Additionally, Hainan Province offers 30-day visa-free entry for tourism since February 2024.
Do I need to provide fingerprints for a Chinese visa?
As of September 2024, fingerprint collection has been waived for short-term visa applicants (stays up to 180 days). This exemption applies to most tourist visa applications from Canada.
What is the 240-hour visa-free transit?
Canadians can enter China without a visa for up to 240 hours when transiting to a third country. You must enter and exit through designated ports and cannot travel to restricted areas. This is ideal for stopovers in major Chinese cities.