China Visa Requirements — Los Angeles Consulate General
The Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles serves Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Hawaii, and more. This guide summarizes the latest visa requirements, document checklists, and key information for applicants in this district.
Source: Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles (Content sourced from official announcements. Always verify with the consulate.)
Consulate General Information
- Address: 500 Shatto Place, Los Angeles, CA 90020
- Visa & Passport Hall Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (excluding holidays), for both submission and pick-up
- Phone: (213) 807-8088
- Official Website: losangeles.china-consulate.gov.cn
Consular District Coverage
The Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles has jurisdiction over: Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands (including Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands).
How to Apply
Since September 2025, all visa applications must first be submitted online through the COVA system (consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/) and an appointment must be secured before bringing physical documents to the consulate window.
Document Checklist by Visa Type
L Visa (Tourism / Family Visit)
- Original valid passport (valid for at least 15 months, with at least 2 blank visa pages)
- Copy of passport bio page (printed on A4 paper)
- Recent color photo with white background (48mm×33mm, taken within the past 6 months)
- Visa application form (printed from COVA, signed by applicant)
- Since January 2024, no flight bookings, hotel reservations or invitation letter are required
- Family visit: copy of host's Chinese passport or ID, and proof of relationship
- Non-US citizens: copy of US lawful status (Green Card or valid visa)
M Visa (Business)
- All basic documents above
- Invitation letter from the Chinese company (must include names of both parties, purpose, dates, and who covers expenses)
- Applicant's company business license or business card
Q Visa (Family Reunion — Permanent Residents)
- All basic documents above
- Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc. — non-Chinese documents must include certified translation)
- Copy of Chinese relative's household registration (hukou) booklet or ID card
Visa Fees
- US citizens: $140 per category (J1/J2 journalist visa: $171); reduced rates valid through December 31, 2026
- Non-US citizens: fees based on reciprocal principle with applicant's home country
- Payment: Visa or MasterCard credit cards only, paid at pickup — no cash, personal checks, PayPal, WeChat Pay, Alipay or American Express
Processing Times
- Initial review: 4–5 business days
- Final review: 4–6 business days (longer if additional documents are requested)
- About 10–15 days in total, subject to the consulate's actual progress
- Expedited service: subject to consulate approval; the consulate charges an extra $25 per application
Appointment slots at the LA Consulate fill up quickly — especially during peak seasons (summer and around Chinese New Year). We recommend booking 2–3 weeks in advance. Our office in Arcadia is about 30 minutes from the LA Consulate, and we can handle submission and pick-up on your behalf. Contact us to learn more.