10-Year China Visa for U.S. Citizens (L/M) — Complete Guide 2026

Tourist L / Business M · 10-year multiple-entry · COVA online form · submit by district

Quick answer: Under the 2014 reciprocal arrangement between China and the U.S., eligible U.S. citizens can apply for a 10-year multiple-entry China visa (tourist L or business M). Apply through the official COVA system and submit to the Chinese mission covering your consular district.

What is a 10-year multiple-entry China visa?

A 10-year multiple-entry visa is a formal Chinese visa valid for 10 years with multiple entries. The two most common types for U.S. citizens are:

L visa (tourism/family/private): for tourism, visiting relatives, short private visits.
M visa (business): for trade, negotiations, exhibitions and other short business activities.

The visa is valid 10 years, but the actual stay per entry is decided by border control at entry (commonly 30-120 days); the visa itself only represents eligibility to apply for entry.

Who is eligible?

U.S. citizens with a valid U.S. passport planning to visit China for tourism or short business.
Passport generally valid 6+ months beyond planned departure from China, with blank visa pages.
Former China visa holders may also reapply for a 10-year multiple-entry if eligible.

Document checklist (reference)

U.S. passport valid 6+ months with blank visa pages.
Recent photo meeting China visa specs (white background, recent, bareheaded).
Completed and printed COVA form.
Copy of prior China visa if any.
Invitation letter, itinerary, business license etc. as needed by visa type.

Exact documents are subject to the latest requirements of the submitting mission/center; districts may differ slightly.

Application steps

Complete the COVA form online.
Print confirmation and forms, prepare documents.
Confirm your consular district.
Book and submit per mission/CVASC guidance.
Collect passport and visa when notified.

COVA form and district submission

All applications use the official COVA system. Chinese missions in the U.S. process by district: Embassy in Washington DC, Consulate General in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, etc., each covering different states. Confirm your residence district before submitting.

FAQ

Q: Can U.S. citizens get a 10-year China visa?

A: Under the 2014 reciprocal arrangement, eligible U.S. citizens can apply for a 10-year multiple-entry China visa (L or M). Approval is decided by the Chinese mission.

Q: How long can I stay per visit on a 10-year visa?

A: The visa is valid 10 years, but each stay length is stamped at entry (commonly 30-120 days); the visa represents entry eligibility.

Q: What is the difference between L and M for the 10-year visa?

A: L is for tourism/family/private matters; M is for business/trade. Both can be issued as 10-year multiple-entry for eligible applicants.

Q: Do I need an invitation letter for a 10-year L visa?

A: Tourist (L) generally does not require an invitation letter, but requirements are subject to the latest mission rules.

Q: How does the 240-hour transit rule relate to the 10-year visa?

A: They are separate: transit visa-free is for specific transit scenarios; the 10-year visa is a pre-arranged multiple-entry formal visa you can use anytime within validity.

Disclaimer: This page is for visa consulting and document preparation reference only. It is not legal advice, does not represent any embassy, consulate, or visa authority, and does not guarantee any visa outcome. Visa policies and document requirements may change at any time; all information is subject to the latest published rules of the relevant authorities and COVA (consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA).

Last reviewed: 2026-08-22