China Tourist Visa
L Visa (Tourist Visa) · For Nigeria citizens
Planning to visit China as a Nigerian citizen? The L Visa (tourist visa) requires you to join an organized tour group of five or more people with an invitation letter from an authorized Chinese travel agency. This guide covers the group tour requirement, visa fees starting at ₦10,500 plus ₦74,500 service charge, processing time of 4-5 working days, and essential tips for a successful application.
China Tourist Visa for Nigerian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Nigeria citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Nigerian citizens must join an organized tourist group of five or more people to apply for an L Visa
Official invitation letter from an authorized travel agency in China
Your current passport must have at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages
Complete the online visa application form through the COVA system
Recent color passport photograph meeting Chinese visa specifications
Evidence that you can fund your trip to China
Round-trip flight booking and accommodation details
Recommended (Optional)
Old passports showing previous travel history and visas
Application Process
Nigerian citizens must apply through an organized tourist group, as individual tourist visa applications are not accepted.1 The process involves coordinating with a Chinese travel agency and submitting your documents at the China Visa Application Centre.
1. Join an Authorized Tour Group
Find a reputable Chinese travel agency that organizes tours for Nigerian visitors.1 The agency will coordinate your travel arrangements and provide the required tourism invitation letter. Your group must have at least five members.1
2. Complete Online Application
Fill out the visa application form on the China Online Visa Application (COVA) system at https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn.[4](#source-4) Print the completed form and the Confirmation of Online Visa Application. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly.
3. Gather Required Documents
Collect your passport (with 6+ months validity), passport photos meeting specifications, financial documents, and the tourism invitation letter from your tour agency.1 The tour agency typically assists with travel-related documentation.
4. Submit at CVAC
Submit your complete application at the China Visa Application Centre during working hours (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday to Friday).2 Pay the visa fee and service charge. Provide your fingerprints if this is your first application.2
5. Collect Your Passport
Collection is available from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.2 Regular processing takes 4-5 working days.5 You can also use courier service for an additional fee.
Fees
| Service | Visa Fee | Service Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry (Regular) | ₦10,500 | ₦74,500 | ₦85,000 |
| Double Entry (Regular) | ₦15,750 | ₦74,500 | ₦90,250 |
| Multiple Entry 6 Months | ₦21,000 | ₦74,500 | ₦95,500 |
| Multiple Entry 12 Months | ₦31,500 | ₦74,500 | ₦106,000 |
| Express 2 (3 days) | Visa fee | ₦116,900 | +₦42,400 |
| Express 1 (2 days) | Visa fee | ₦149,000 | +₦74,500 |
Fees are subject to change based on exchange rates.5 Additional services include VIP lounge access (₦74,500) and courier delivery (₦42,400 one way).2 Payment must be made at the CVAC.
What You Need to Prove
Chinese visa officers evaluate applications based on several key criteria:1
- Genuine tourist purpose: Your trip must be for legitimate tourism through an authorized group tour
- Financial capability: You can fund your stay at approximately US$100 per day
- Complete documentation: All required documents are provided and authentic
- Intent to return: You have reasons to return to Nigeria after your visit
The group tour requirement helps demonstrate organized travel plans and accountability. Your tour agency serves as a guarantor for your itinerary and arrangements.
Processing Times
Regular processing at the China Visa Application Centre takes 4-5 working days from successful document submission.5
For faster processing:5
- Express 2: 3 working days (₦116,900 service fee)
- Express 1: 2 working days (₦149,000 service fee)
Processing may take longer if:
- Additional document verification is required
- The consular officer requests an interview
- Peak travel seasons create higher volumes
- There are issues with your application that need clarification
Plan your tour group departure date with adequate buffer time for visa processing.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your L Visa will be affixed to your passport. Verify the following details:
- Entry dates match your planned travel
- Number of entries (single, double, or multiple)
- Duration of stay per entry
- Your name and passport number are correct
At the Chinese border, you may be asked to show:
- Valid passport with L Visa
- Return flight tickets
- Hotel reservations or tour itinerary
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Tour group documentation
Complete the Online Arrival Card before arriving in China for faster processing at immigration.2
If Your Visa is Refused
If your application is refused, the most common reasons include document authenticity issues, insufficient financial proof, or incomplete applications. You can:
- Review the refusal reason carefully to understand what was lacking
- Address the specific issues before reapplying
- Ensure all documents are genuine as fake documents have serious consequences
- Work with your tour agency to strengthen the application
There is typically a waiting period before reapplying. Use this time to gather stronger documentation. Consider whether the group tour you selected is properly authorized and has a good track record with visa applications.
Application Centres in Nigeria
Abuja Centre2
- Address: Churchgate Plaza, First Floor, Plot 473, AO Cadastral Zone, Constitution Avenue, Central Business Area, FCT, Abuja
- Phone: +234 99047700 / +234 8071191134
- Email: abujacentre@visaforchina.org
Lagos Centre2
- Address: Second Floor, The Manor, Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
- Phone: +234 99047700 / +234 8071191134
- Email: lagoscentre@visaforchina.org
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM for submissions, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for collections (excluding public holidays).
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Fake or Fraudulent Documents
Submission of falsified invitation letters, verification documents, or other supporting materials. Chinese authorities verify document authenticity through multiple channels, and forgery is easily detected.
How to avoid: Only use authorized travel agencies and ensure all documents are genuine. Verify company seals match official Chinese formats. Fake documents result in immediate rejection and may affect future applications to China and other countries.
Insufficient Financial Documentation
Bank statements do not demonstrate sufficient funds, show inconsistent income, or contain suspicious patterns. Applicants must prove they can finance their stay at approximately US$100 per day.
How to avoid: Show 3-6 months of consistent bank statements with regular income. Calculate required funds based on trip duration. Avoid large unexplained deposits. Include employment letter with salary details that match bank credits.
Incomplete or Incorrect Application
Application form contains errors, missing information, or inconsistencies with supporting documents. Names, dates, and passport numbers that do not match exactly cause delays or rejections.
How to avoid: Double-check every field in the COVA online application. Ensure your name and passport number are identical across all documents. Have someone review your application before submission. Print clearly on white paper.
Missing Required Documents
Failure to provide all mandatory documents, such as the tourism invitation letter, passport photo, or flight bookings. Incomplete applications are returned without processing.
How to avoid: Use the official checklist from the Chinese Embassy. Confirm your tour agency has provided all travel-related documents. Check that your passport has sufficient validity and blank pages.
Poor Quality Photos or Documents
Passport photos that are blurry, wrong size, or do not meet specifications. Scanned documents that are unclear or illegible. Photo quality issues prevent identity verification.
How to avoid: Use a professional photo service familiar with Chinese visa requirements. Photos must be 33mm x 48mm with white background. Ensure all document copies are clear and readable. Avoid uploading compressed or low-resolution files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerian citizens get an individual tourist visa for China?
No. Nigerian citizens must join an organized tourist group of five or more people to obtain an L Visa (tourist visa) for China. The application requires a tourism invitation letter from an authorized Chinese travel agency. Individual tourist visa applications are not accepted for Nigerian passport holders.
How much does a China tourist visa cost for Nigerians?
The visa fee depends on the number of entries: single entry costs ₦10,500, double entry is ₦15,750, and multiple entry visas range from ₦21,000 (6 months) to ₦31,500 (12 months). Additionally, the China Visa Application Centre charges a service fee of ₦74,500 for regular processing. Total cost is approximately ₦85,000 to ₦106,000.
How long does China visa processing take from Nigeria?
Regular processing takes 4-5 working days after you submit your documents at the China Visa Application Centre. Express 2 service (3 working days) costs ₦116,900 and Express 1 service (2 working days) costs ₦149,000. Processing begins only after successful document submission.
Where can I apply for a China visa in Nigeria?
You can apply at the China Visa Application Centre (CVAC) in Abuja, located at Churchgate Plaza, First Floor, Plot 473, Constitution Avenue, Central Business Area. There is also a centre in Lagos at Second Floor, The Manor, Plot 110, Admiral Ayinla Way, Lekki Phase 1. Hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM for submissions.
What documents do I need for a China tourist visa?
You need: a tourism invitation letter from an authorized Chinese travel agency (arranged through your tour group), valid passport with 6+ months validity, completed online application form, recent passport photo (33mm x 48mm, white background), proof of financial resources, and round-trip flight booking. Your tour agency typically assists with travel-related documents.
How long can I stay in China on a tourist visa?
A tourist visa (L Visa) typically allows a stay of up to 30 days per entry. The exact duration is determined by the visa officer based on your application. Group tours are usually structured within this timeframe.
Do Nigerian diplomats need a visa for China?
No. Nigerian citizens holding diplomatic or official (service) passports are exempt from visa requirements and can stay in mainland China for up to 30 days without a visa. This exemption only applies to diplomatic and official passport holders, not ordinary passport holders.
Can I extend my China tourist visa?
In most cases, tourist visas cannot be extended. You are expected to leave China before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer due to exceptional circumstances, you must apply at the local Public Security Bureau before your current stay expires.
What is the approval rate for China visas from Nigeria?
The approval rate for Nigerian applicants applying through authorized tour groups is approximately 78%. Because individual tourist visas are not available, the group tour requirement acts as a pre-screening process. Success depends on complete documentation, genuine travel purpose, and meeting all financial requirements.
What happens if my China visa is refused?
If refused, you can reapply with improved documentation addressing the issues. Common refusal reasons include fake or inconsistent documents, insufficient financial proof, and incomplete applications. There is typically no formal appeal process. Wait until you can genuinely strengthen your application before reapplying.