China: Limitations on frequency of applying for L tourist visa
Is there a limitation on how frequently can you apply for L visa? I intend to go there for 70-80 days at a time and in between be home for a month or two. I am applying in Slovenia (part of EU).
I'm planning to go end of this August till mid November. Then I was thinking of going back before Christmas and staying till beginning of March so I catch Chinese new year, then go back maybe in the beginning or middle of May.
Is this possible? Or let me ask differently, is it very likely to get those visas approved so frequently? Or is it more likely to get further visas approved once you already have some previous visas approved?
Best Answer
I applied and got an 30 day L visa for China in August 2014, while in the country I got an extension for another 30 days.
Last week (late July 2015) I applied for a new 30 day L visa for China in Hong Kong, the guys at the agency I used said it is likely the request will be refused and they recommended applying for a 15 days visa which will be more likely to be issued. They said the fact that I already spent 60 days last year, could be a problem.
It turned out I got my two entries 30 days each L visa, but the agency guys said I should consider myself very lucky.
It seems at least here in Asia they only issue 30 days L visas.
You are planning to go three times within 12 months for more than 30 days each time. From my experiences here, that will be very difficult.
You should check with the Chinese consulate section in your country and ask them about it. Maybe you can get a 12 month visa with multiple entries.
A second passport may be helpful as well.
I've heard that already having a previous Chinese visa would be helpful, but in my case it was less than a year ago and from what I've been told at the visa agency it is not helpful at all.
P.S. I have a German passport
Pictures about "China: Limitations on frequency of applying for L tourist visa"
How often can you apply for a tourist visa?
Technically you can visit the United States whenever you want to if you have a B1/B2 visa and a valid passport. There aren't any rules or laws requiring you to wait a specific time before you are allowed to return.Is China issuing L visas?
L Visa is issued to those who are going to travel to China for tourism. Visa applicant should be located in the U.S. but not in the mainland of China while the application is submitted. Please click here to select a proper visa and read Step by Step Guide to China Visa.How long is a Chinese L visa valid?
Usually the validity of a Single Entry or Double Entry "L" visa is 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue. This means the holder of the visa shall enter China no later than 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue, otherwise the visa is expired and is null and void.How long can you get a tourist visa for China?
Types of Chinese Tourist VisaSingle-entry tourist visas usually grant a maximum stay of 30 days, but you can ask for up to 90 days. The number of days you receive partly depends on the passport you hold. Tourist visas can normally be extended no more than two times within China.How to apply China Residence Permit | Traveler777
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Armin Rimoldi, Brett Sayles, Sabel Blanco, Magda Ehlers