China Tourist Visa
L Visa (Tourist/Travel Visa) · For Germany citizens
Great news for German travelers: you can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days until December 31, 2025. This policy covers tourism, business visits, family visits, and transit. For longer stays, you will need to apply for an L visa (tourist visa) through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers in Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, or Düsseldorf. The visa fee is €60 (reduced to €45 until late 2025) plus service charges, with processing taking 4-5 working days. German citizens enjoy very high approval rates of approximately 95%.
China Tourist Visa for German Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Germany citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
German citizens can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days until December 31, 2025
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application with at least two blank visa pages
Online application form completed through the official CVASC portal
Recent colored photograph meeting Chinese visa specifications
Round-trip flight booking and hotel reservation for your China visit
Documentation proving your residence in Germany
Ten fingerprints collected at the CVASC during your appointment
Recommended (Optional)
Photocopies of any previous Chinese visas
Visa-Free Entry for German Citizens
German citizens can visit China without a visa for up to 30 days.12 This policy is valid until December 31, 2025, and covers:
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Business meetings and trade activities
- Visiting friends and family
- Transit to a third country
To enter visa-free, you need a valid German ordinary passport. Diplomatic and service passport holders must still apply for a visa.2 At Chinese immigration, you may be asked to show:
- Proof of return or onward travel
- Hotel reservation or accommodation details
- Sufficient funds for your stay
This policy allows multiple entries during the validity period with no frequency restrictions. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days or need to work or study in China, you must apply for the appropriate visa.
When You Need an L Visa
You will need to apply for an L visa (tourist visa) if:
- Your stay will exceed 30 days
- You hold a diplomatic or service passport
- You want guaranteed entry (visa-free entry can be denied at immigration discretion)
- Your travel purpose is not covered by the visa-free policy
Application Process for L Visa
If you need a visa for stays longer than 30 days, follow this process:14
1. Complete the Online Application
Visit visaforchina.cn and select the Berlin center (or your nearest CVASC).1 Complete Form V.2013 online, upload required documents, and submit for preliminary review. Wait until your application status shows “Online review completed” or “Approved.”
2. Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents:4
- Passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
- Printed application form with confirmation page, signed by hand
- One passport photo (33mm × 48mm, white background)
- Round-trip flight booking confirmation
- Hotel reservation or invitation letter from host in China
- Proof of residence in Germany
3. Visit the CVASC
Submit your application in person at a CVASC during working hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for submissions).1 No appointment is required since November 2023. Fingerprints will be collected at this time.
4. Pay Fees and Collect Receipt
Pay the visa fee (€45-60) and service fee (approximately €66).1 You will receive a receipt indicating your collection date: typically the 5th or 6th working day.
5. Collect Your Visa
Return to the CVASC on your collection date with your receipt. Collection hours are 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.1 Your passport will be returned with the visa stamped inside.
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| L Visa (standard) | €60 | Reduced to €45 for Schengen citizens |
| CVASC Service Fee | €66 | Regular processing |
| Express Fee | €20 | Additional for 2-3 day processing |
| VIP Service | €55 | No queue, form assistance included |
Payment methods accepted at CVASC: cash, debit cards, and company cheques.1 Credit cards may have limitations, so confirm before your visit.
Processing Times
| Service Type | Processing Time | Collection Day |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | 4-5 working days | 5th-6th working day |
| Express | 2-3 working days | 3rd-4th working day |
Processing times exclude weekends and public holidays in both China and Germany.1 During peak travel seasons and around major holidays, processing may take longer. Plan accordingly and apply at least two weeks before your travel date.
CVASC Locations in Germany
| City | Address | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | Leipziger Platz 15, Room 523, 10117 Berlin | Primary center for Germany |
| Frankfurt | Westendstraße 70, 60325 Frankfurt am Main | Western Germany |
| Munich | Denninger Straße 36, 81925 Munich | Southern Germany |
| Hamburg | Großer Burstah 42, 20457 Hamburg | Northern Germany |
| Düsseldorf | Immermannstraße 45, 40210 Düsseldorf | Western Germany |
Contact the Berlin center at 030-25894459 (Monday to Friday, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM) or email berlincenter@visaforchina.org.1
After Your Visa is Approved
Once your L visa is approved:
- Verify all details: validity dates, number of entries, and duration of stay
- The validity period indicates when you can enter China
- The duration of stay is how long you can remain after each entry
- Keep copies of your visa for your records
At Chinese immigration:
- Present your passport with the visa
- You may be asked about your accommodation and travel plans
- Immigration will stamp your entry date
- Overstaying incurs penalties of ¥500 per day (up to ¥10,000) and may affect future visa applications
If Your Visa is Refused
If your China visa application is rejected:
- Review your documents: Most rejections are due to photo issues, form errors, or missing documents
- Address the issues: Get proper photos, correct form errors, provide missing documents
- Reapply: There is no mandatory waiting period
- Consider professional help: Visa agencies can assist with complex cases
German citizens have very high approval rates (approximately 95%).5 Rejections are typically caused by easily correctable documentation issues. A single rejection does not permanently affect future applications.
Travel Insurance Recommendation
While not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical emergencies is strongly recommended for China.5 China has excellent medical facilities in major cities, but treatment can be expensive for foreigners. A policy covering at least €50,000 in medical expenses and repatriation is advisable.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Documentation Errors
Missing documents, incorrect forms, or documents that do not meet specifications. This includes incomplete application forms, missing signatures, or failure to upload required documents online before visiting the CVASC.
How to avoid: Complete the online application fully and ensure status shows 'Approved' before visiting the CVASC. Double-check all documents against the official checklist. Print and sign the application form correctly.
Photo Specification Issues
Photos that do not meet Chinese visa requirements: wrong size (must be 33mm × 48mm), incorrect background (must be white), poor quality, wearing glasses, or not recent enough.
How to avoid: Use a professional photo service familiar with Chinese visa specifications. Photos must be recent (within 6 months), with white background, front-facing, neutral expression, and no glasses.
Incomplete Application Form
Application form with blank fields, inconsistent information, or errors. Information mismatch between the form and supporting documents such as passport details or travel dates.
How to avoid: Fill all fields completely and accurately. Verify all information matches your passport exactly. Review the form carefully before submission and keep a copy for reference.
Passport Issues
Passport with insufficient validity (less than 6 months), not enough blank pages (need at least 2), or damage to the passport.
How to avoid: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from your planned entry date and at least two completely blank visa pages. Renew your passport before applying if needed.
Previous Visa Violations
History of overstaying visas in China or other countries, previous Chinese visa rejections not disclosed, or violations during past visits.
How to avoid: Always disclose previous visa issues honestly on your application. If you have overstay history, allow time to build a stronger profile before reapplying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do German citizens need a visa to visit China in 2025?
For stays up to 30 days, no visa is required. Germany is among 38 countries eligible for China's unilateral visa-free entry policy, valid until December 31, 2025 (and likely extended). This covers tourism, business visits, family visits, and transit. For stays longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for an L visa (tourist visa).
How long can I stay in China visa-free as a German citizen?
German passport holders can stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa for tourism, business, family visits, or transit purposes. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an L visa before traveling or request an extension at a local Public Security Bureau office in China.
What documents do I need for visa-free entry to China?
For visa-free entry, you need: a valid German passport (ordinary passport, not diplomatic or service), proof of onward travel (return flight), and accommodation details. Immigration officers may ask for invitation letters, flight tickets, or hotel bookings as supporting documents, so it is best to have these ready.
How much does a China tourist visa cost for German citizens?
The L visa fee is €60, reduced to €45 for Schengen country citizens under a promotional policy. Additionally, the CVASC service fee is approximately €66 for regular processing. Express processing costs an additional €20. Payment can be made by cash, debit card, or company cheque at the visa center.
How long does it take to get a China tourist visa from Germany?
Standard processing takes 4-5 working days. Express processing is available in 2-3 working days for an additional fee of €20. Processing times exclude weekends and holidays. Apply at least two weeks before your planned travel date to allow for any delays.
Where can I apply for a China visa in Germany?
You can apply at Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) in Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, or Düsseldorf. No appointment is required since November 2023. Submit your application in person during working hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for submissions).
Do I need an appointment to apply for a China visa in Germany?
No appointment is required since November 2023. You can submit your application documents at any CVASC in Germany during working hours. However, your online application status must show 'Approved' or 'Online review completed' before you can submit documents in person.
Can I extend my stay in China if I entered visa-free?
Yes, if you entered China under the visa-free policy and need to stay longer than 30 days, you can apply for a temporary stay permit at the local Public Security Bureau (Exit-Entry Administration) in the city where you are staying. Apply before your 30-day period expires.
What is the approval rate for German citizens applying for China visas?
German citizens enjoy very high approval rates of approximately 95% for L visa (tourist visa) applications. Germany is considered a Tier-A origin country with strong diplomatic relations with China. Most rejections are due to documentation errors that can be easily corrected.
Can I work in China under the visa-free entry or tourist visa?
No. Neither the visa-free entry nor the L visa (tourist visa) permits you to work in China. Working without proper authorization (Z visa/work permit) is illegal and can result in fines, detention, and deportation. For work purposes, you must apply for the appropriate work visa.